EMU ranked third in nation as a “military and veteran friendly” higher-education institution
By Geoff Larcom / EMU
YPSILANTI – For the third consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University has been named one of the most military and veteran friendly universities in the country, according to annual rankings released in February by Military Friendly.
EMU ranked third among large public universities in the United States in the Military Friendly® Schools 2020-21 list, and first in the state of Michigan.
The 2020-2021 Military Friendly® Schools list can be found at the military friendly list website. It also will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
Now in its 10th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families, using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students and survey information from participating organizations.
‘Wonderful support’ throughout campus
“We are pleased that EMU has achieved this accolade for the third straight year,” said Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) Mike Wise, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services at Eastern. “EMU military and veteran students and their families have wonderful support throughout the campus, from the top down.
“Eastern Michigan’s pledge to military and veteran students is evidenced through its commitment to student veteran support, its establishment of a veteran support center and a 68-year commitment to its Army ROTC program.”
Eastern established its military and veteran support center in 2014 and later named it in honor of the late U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles, a Medal of Honor recipient, Eastern Michigan University alum, and Ypsilanti resident.
In 2015, the center expanded its services for veterans after Eastern was awarded the TRIO-Veteran Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) Wayne Doyle directs the grant, the staff of which is comprised of one part-time program assistant and four peer advisors.
More than 1,000 schools participate in survey
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. More than 1,000 schools participated in the 2020-2021 survey, with 625 schools earning the designation, with representation from every state in the country.
Ernst & Young (EY), a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly® Schools list.
The ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, Military Friendly® brands. Input was provided by the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.
For more information on EMU’s Military and Veteran Services, visit the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center, which is located in 202 Pierce Hall or visit the Military and Veteran Services website.
About the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center
Eastern Michigan University’s Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center serves more than 500 student veterans, spouses and dependents each year. Its retired military staff understands the distinct needs of veteran and military students and their families and is proud of its long history of being military and veteran friendly. EMU is also proud of its Army officer producing Army ROTC Eagle Battalion, established in 1952, which enhances the military friendly nature of the institution. EMU student veterans receive individualized resume writing, academic advising, and employment preparation coaching. Student veterans receive enhanced priority and service for admission and registration and receive recognition for their service at commencement ceremonies.
About the Military Friendly® Schools list
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Ernst & Young (EY), a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly® Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by EY are limited to advisory procedures and do not provide assurance over the scoring methodology. The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at the military friendly website.
About VIQTORY
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at the business organization’s website.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website.
