By Jeff Murphy,
November 9, 2015
WARRENSBURG, MO – A strong commitment to the men and women who serve this country
has earned the University of Central Missouri distinction as a 2016 Military Friendly®
School. While achieving this designation, UCM also became the only Missouri institution
to earn special recognition as both a Top 25 Public Military Friendly® School and
a Top 25 Online Military Friendly® School.
The announcement regarding UCM’s Military Friendly® designations was made by Victory
Media, a leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher
of resources such as G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the
original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members
and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education
and career opportunities.
To be recognized as a Military Friendly® School, institutions had to complete 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 these key indicators of success. Data was then
independently tested based upon a methodology established by Victory Media with guidance
from an independent advisory board of higher education and recruiting professionals.
The Military Friendly® School designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities,
community colleges and trade schools in the nation 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, the methodology used for making
the Military Friendly® School list has changed the student landscape to one much more
transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing
and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
“We owe tremendous gratitude to the men and women who serve this country,” said Charles
Ambrose, UCM president. “Being designated as a Military Friendly® School is a direct
reflection of the value UCM places on our active duty military personnel, veterans
and their families. From our staff in the Office of Military and Veteran Services
to faculty and staff members throughout campus, we all support a welcoming environment
that is focused on their success.”
According to Daniel Nichols, a naval Reserve veteran who also serves as chief product
officer of Victory Media, “Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly®
School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members
and spouses. 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.”
Developing good relationships with Missouri National Guard and nearby Whiteman Air
Force Base, UCM’s commitment to military personnel and veterans includes the establishment
of the Whiteman Advantage initiative that has led to a number of programs that help
active duty military personnel who want to advance in their careers, as well as those
who are preparing to make a transition to civilian life. Key elements of the Strategic
Initiative Portfolio include the Military and Veterans Success Center, which opened
in 2011 to provide a one-stop resource for active duty service members, veterans and
military dependents. Also benefitting these individuals is the Military Tuition Package,
which was established in 2011, to help reduce college costs not covered by traditional
military benefits.
UCM and other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools are showcased in the annual Guide to
Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse
Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
To learn more about this recognition program, visit MilitaryFriendly.com.
