For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Missouri has made the Military Friendly Schools list compiled by Victory Media, a communication company for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.
The list honors the top 15 percent of American colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace U.S. military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.
“MU was one of the first schools in the nation to create a full-service, one-stop shop to help our veterans transition from the military to academics,” said Carol Fleisher, director of the MU Veterans Center. “We are very pleased to receive this award and to be recognized for our work in assisting our veterans.”
In 2008, MU became one of four universities in the nation vto have a full-service center for veterans, military personnel and veteran employees. The center has taken the lead in facilitating veterans’ transition to and from active duty and from the military to academia.
MU’s breadth of online offerings also makes the university an attractive option for military personnel. More than 80 degree and certificate programs are available either all or partially online, and 10 to 15 new offerings are planned for the next year.
“Mizzou is adding to the already long list of degree and certificate programs resulting in more options for active duty and on-base personnel and veterans,” said Gera Burton, Mizzou Online co-director. “The courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, but the flexible format of online courses allows students to stay in their home communities and meet family and work commitments.”
“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows Missouri’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs magazine and vice president of Victory Media.
“As interest in education grows we’re thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.”
The Military Friendly Schools list was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The results were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs.
— Josh Murray