Radford University selected as "Best for Vets – 2015"

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The Radford University commemoration of Veterans Day came only a day after the announcement that the university had been included in the Military Times 2015 "Best for Vets: Colleges" listing of the top 100 4-year U.S. colleges and universities.

This is the first time RU has had the distinction of placement on the list, which surveys hundreds of higher education institutions around the country to discover where America's veterans receive the best education and most support. Radford University is one of the two Virginia public universities selected to the Military Times listing.

"This recognition is another validation of Radford University's commitment to our veterans and active duty students," said President Penelope W. Kyle. "These scholars have made the selfless decision to serve our nation, and it is only fitting that we provide the academic and support resources to achieve their educational goals."

The Military Times listing was created by surveying colleges and universities about the military student support services they provide and analyzing U.S. Education Department data about academic success measures.

RU was recognized on the list for supporting veterans through its Military Resource Center (MRC). The purpose of the center is to support those students with ties to the military, especially student-veterans. By offering programs geared toward the former service members, the MRC supports veterans' integration into academic and professional lives at RU by providing support networks and a central resource for veterans' information on campus and in the local community.

The MRC coordinates several programs for the benefit of active military and veteran students, including multiple Veterans Student organizations; a Student Veteran Research Team that studies the needs of military students on campus; and the services of an academic transition coach dedicated to the needs of RU's military population.

RU was also included in the 2014 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, which recognizes institutions for their contributions to the education of veterans.

According to the Military Friendly Schools website, "These schools offer military students the best services, programs, discounts, scholarships, clubs, networking and staff." Military Friendly schools focus on recruiting military students and bolstering the policies, efforts and results that positively serve military and veteran students. Only 20 percent of schools nationwide receive the Military Friendly distinction.

Nov 18, 2014