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November 15, 2018

SVSU serves those who served, again earns ‘Best for Vets’ ranking

 

Memorial Day CeremonySaginaw Valley State University has again been recognized for its support of military-affiliated students, earning a place in the Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 rankings by Military Times.

 

Chaz Fowler, a political science major from Bay City and a Marine Corps veteran, currently serves as a student liaison at SVSU’s Military Student Affairs office. He said the transition from working in the military to returning to civilian life can be hard to navigate, but SVSU’s resources can make it easier,

 

“Many veterans are commuter students,” said Fowler. “This department gives them a place to be involved and included in university life. It provides a great environment for veterans to be around like-minded individuals and experiences. It really bridges the gap between vets to their academics as well as their community.”

 

For a school to be placed on the "Best for Vets" list, colleges and universities must be considered a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families.

 

SVSU is rated No. 101 among all four-year institutions nationwide in the 2019 rankings by the independent media organization dedicated to news and information about the military. This is the fifth consecutive year SVSU has earned the designation.

 

To be considered, colleges and universities complete a comprehensive survey which is evaluated by Military Times. Institutions were then ranked based on survey responses as well as on data collected by three different federal agencies.

 

Bethany Alford, SVSU’s director of Military Student Affairs, said SVSU’s assists students and family members with paperwork, accessing their federal benefits, academic advising, and generally serving as a “one-stop shop” for military-affiliated students. They also take pride in creating a friendly and welcoming place on campus.

 

“Our office creates an environment that is not just for information, but also a great place for conversations with other student veterans,” she said. “They come in and can hear about what's happening on campus, but also can feel the comradery they've missed since leaving the service.”

 

SVSU will acknowledge receiving the “Best for Vets” honor during a Veteran’s Day event Thursday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall banquet rooms. Colonel Timothy Houchlei, state family programs director for the Michigan Army National Guard, will serve as the featured speaker.