For the sixth consecutive year, Eastern Kentucky University, home to more than 1,500 military-affiliated students and their dependents, has been designated a Military Friendly School® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs? and Military Spouse.
Victory Media also honored EKU as one of the Top 25 online universities nationally for service members and their families.
“Eastern Kentucky University strives to recognize and serve our veteran students and their families by offering the highest standard of online learning available on both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” said Dr. Bryan Cole, director of the EKU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.
EKU Online provides an accredited education in a flexible format for military students and spouses, including:
· no application fee for undergraduate applicants in the military.
· 9 credit hours for military service via the Joint Service Transcript.
· more than 30 online degree options, in addition to on-campus degree programs.
· Operation Veteran Success, a series of initiatives designed to support military students every step of the way.
· the EKU Military and Veterans Affairs Office, where you can get information about everything related to your status as a military student.
· military-friendly withdrawal and re-admissions policies.
EKU Online offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree options in a variety of fields, representing Arts and Sciences, Education, Justice and Safety, and Health Sciences. For more information, visit go.EKU.edu/OnlineBestforVets2016.
The data-driven Military Friendly® designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools nationally that are doing the most to embrace military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success, both in the classroom and after graduation, according to Victory Media.
Four times in the last five years, Eastern has also ranked first or second nationally among four-year schools in the Military Times “Best for Vets” rankings. Also last year, U.S. Veterans magazine ranked EKU among 145 Top Veteran-Friendly Schools.
Institutions competed for Victory Media’s Military Friendly® distinction by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across the key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent advisory board of higher education and recruiting professionals.
“The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country,” according to a release from Victory Media.
“Postsecondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, chief product officer of Victory Media and a Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”
EKU will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I.Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com, where a full list can be viewed.
The EKU Military and Veterans Affairs Office, headed by Dr. Bryan Cole, is located at 317 Lancaster Ave., a converted home adjacent to Irvine McDowell Park. Steven Johnson, a full-time campus-based VA employee, is also available to help veterans with their benefits issues.
For more information about services available at EKU for veterans and their dependents, contact the EKU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at 859-622-2345 or EKUVeteransAffairs@eku.edu or visit va.eku.edu.