November 16, 2023
SVSU ranks as a “Best for Vets” college for 10th consecutive year
Military-affiliated students find a helpful and welcoming environment at Saginaw Valley State University, and that has led to the university being recognized on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list for the 10th consecutive year.
In addition to the Best for Vets: Colleges ranking, SVSU has been recognized as a Military Friendly School and as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Samuel Lenhart, a cell biology, molecular biology and biomedical sciences major from St. Charles, joined the Air Force in 2016. After four years of active duty, Lenhart served in the Air Force National Guard until 2022, separating as a staff sergeant (E-5), then entered SVSU in the fall 2022 semester.
“After recently separating from active-duty Air Force, I was immediately drawn to the Military Student Affairs office,” Lenhart said. “The office does a great job in setting up military-connected students with their educational benefits and is also a comfortable place to relax, work on assignments and even network with other students.”
In addition to the Best for Vets: Colleges ranking, SVSU has been recognized as a Military Friendly School and as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
“We are very proud to be once again recognized as a “Best for Vets” college,” said Bethany Alford, director of Military Student Affairs and a senior chief in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I do not view this designation as a label that we get to put on our website or publications. It is action. It is coming up with new and innovative ways to support our military-connected students on campus. And it is highlighting their service whenever we can to educate people about the value of having veterans on campus and in our community.”
Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans.
Each year, Military Times sends a survey to colleges and universities across the country asking about their programs for veterans. Survey results are analyzed along with public data obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the rankings.
SVSU’s Military Student Affairs office is dedicated to the needs and concerns of all military-affiliated students. The office provides a number of services designed to help both active and veteran military students navigate the university landscape to successfully complete their degree and transition into graduate school or the workforce. Nearly 7% of SVSU students are affiliated with the military.