EKU Celebrates Veterans and Military Families at Veterans Day Event

On Veterans Day, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted a “Celebrating Service” event honoring the service, sacrifice and dedication of the nation’s veterans and military families. EKU is ranked No. 1 nationally for Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Spouse Schools, reflecting its commitment to supporting those who have served and their families. 

“We are proud to honor those who have served our country and the families who stand beside them,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our veterans, service members and military families deserve a community where they feel welcomed, supported and valued. We are grateful for their service and honored that they chose EKU as part of their educational journey.”

More than 1,930 veterans, active-duty service members, Reserve and National Guard members, military spouses and dependents are enrolled at EKU, making military-affiliated students the university’s largest affinity group. 

EKU student Noah Middleton from Lexington enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 years old and served for five years in security forces and the infantry, achieving the rank of sergeant. 

“When I started here as a freshman in 2022, I had only been separated from the military for five months—I was ridden with anxiety and searching for my purpose. Much like most other recently separated veterans, I was lost,” said Middleton, a senior majoring in biomedical sciences. For Middleton, however, he said, “My confidence grew and I kept succeeding in my classes more than I even thought was possible. I contribute a large portion of that success to EKU being such a great hub for veterans and the OMVA staff consistently being there to guide us along the way.” 

For 2026-27, EKU was named the No. 1 large public university in both Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Spouse Schools. 

“Being a military spouse comes with sacrifices, but it also comes with an incredible sense of pride,” said Starr Wentzel, spouse of Nick Wentzel, who serves in the Kentucky National Guard. “EKU’s recognition as a Military Friendly® Spouse School means a lot to our family because it recognizes that military service impacts the entire family. Having a community that understands and supports military families truly makes a difference.”

More than 3,200 organizations across the country participated in this year’s Military Friendly® Schools survey. Ratings were determined by a variety of factors, including thresholds for recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

Additionally, in the recent release of the 2026 Best for Vets College Rankings, EKU is ranked first among Kentucky’s public universities. 

EKU’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA) helps military-connected students navigate college, access their educational benefits and connect with resources throughout their time at the university. 

OMVA provides a range of services and resources, including:

In 2023, EKU constructed a Veterans Memorial in the Carloftis Garden to remember and honor those who lost their lives through service or service-related injuries.

EKU’s support of veterans and military-connected students are reflected in student outcomes. OMVA reports a 64% graduation rate among military-connected students, 10% higher than the national average. The university also certifies VA education benefits within seven days, compared with a 30-day standard.

Through OMVA, EKU works to ensure veterans, service members and their families have the guidance, resources and support they need to succeed and prepare for what comes next.