University of Arkansas Awarded 'Military Friendly Schools' Title

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has made the cut as one of the top “Military Friendly Schools” in the nation, according to Victory Media, a media company that specializes in helping military personnel transition into civilian life.

The coveted 2013 Military Friendly Schools list, now in its fourth year, was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 schools. This honor places the University of Arkansas in the top 15 percent of top-tier colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Being recognized as a Military Friendly School in the top 15 percent is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the service personnel and their families who have and currently serve to protect our nation,” said Daniel Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students.  

The competition for the 2013 Military Friendly Schools list was fierce, and the already stringent criteria were raised to a higher benchmark this year. Assessment factors included schools’ efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students as well as the quality of services, programs, discounts, scholarships, clubs, networking and staff.

“I’m very thankful to everyone for their continuous support in helping our student veteran population succeed,” said Erika Gamboa, director of the Veterans Resource and Information Center. “I want to give a special thanks to the registrar’s office for filling out the Victory Media survey that helped us make the list. It would not have been possible without them. We know that people on this campus work hard for our student veterans and families, so making this list is a wonderful recognition.”

There are many reasons the university is military friendly, Gamboa said. The Veterans Resource and Information Center works with many offices to help veterans succeed, including resource fairs for veterans. Veterans Upward Bound helps people get ready for college. Enrollment Services has a veteran liason for those applying to the institution. Off Campus Connections helps veterans with housing needs. There are too many to list.

“It is not just the services and programs we provide that make us military friendly,” Gamboa said. “It is our people. Everyone from custodial to faculty, and deans to directors, help serve student veterans. We even get referrals from departments in the Veterans’ Administration and others across the state.”

“The Division of Student Affairs is exceptionally proud of the commitment we made in establishing and funding our Veterans Resource and Information Center,” Pugh said. “While we are proud of these accomplishments, we are continuously seeking campus, community and corporate partners to extend a vast array of services and opportunities for our veteran students and their families.” For further information, visit: www.militaryfriendlyschools.com and veteranscenter.uark.edu.