The University of Central Arkansas has been awarded the designation of “Military Friendly School,” by G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.
UCA ranks in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that assist military service members and veterans further their education, according to G.I. Jobs.
The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list was gathered through extensive research and a survey of more than 12,000 schools nationwide. G.I. Jobs incorporated a student veteran survey for the second year, which helped provide prospective military students with insight to the student veteran experience at a certain university based on peer reviews from current students.
Universities recognized as “Military Friendly Schools” are those who have made an effort to offer scholarships and discounts, veterans’ clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other services to former members of the military.
It is part of the university’s mission to help soldiers and their families access benefits and to provide the support needed to help them attain their educational goal. UCA President Tom Courtway was pleased that the university received recognition for its efforts to embrace military service members and veterans.
“The men and women who have risked their lives for our country deserve any assistance we can give to help them further their education as they transition back to civilian life,” Courtway said.
Dr. Steve Runge, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the designation was a great honor.
“We strive to do all that we can to support our veterans and this designation will make us more visible to these individuals who are seeking a high quality education after completing their military service,” he said.
The UCA Office of Veterans Services aids soldiers and the families of soldiers in obtaining GI Bill benefits as well as helping them with campus and community resources. The university also honors veterans each November with a university-wide Veterans Day celebration.
For more information about UCA’s veteran services, visit uca.edu/financialaid/programs/veterans.php.
