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School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Executive Director Richard Carter and Dallas Tankersley at the Dept. of Military Science Spring 2013 Commissioning Ceremony. Tankersley, from Springfield, IL, received his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies last year and was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 2013.
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WIU Named a Top Military-Friendly School in 2014 'Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities'

January 10, 2014

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — Western Illinois University has been designated a "Top Military-Friendly University" in the Military Advanced Education (MAE) "2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities." The guide is available online at www.mae-kmi.com.

According to MAE, the "2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities" provides potential students with information about institutions that go out of their way to give back to our men and women in uniform. Some of the attributes considered in evaluating this year's institutions for inclusion in the guide include: the flexibility of online learning options; extent of transfer credits accepted by degree level; on-campus ROTC; service member opportunity colleges (SOC) participation; on-campus active duty/veteran assistance; the support provided to the families of service members; faculty trained in veteran reintegration issues; presence on military installations; and full-time counselors trained in veteran-specific mental health concerns.

The University provides numerous on-campus resources for veterans and military personnel, an ROTC program, as well as the flexibility of academic program offerings, including online courses and the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS); formerly called the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts) degree program, according to Rick Carter, executive director of the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach.

"Western is committed to our student-veterans and their success. The BGS degree program serves the unique needs of the military and military families as a flexible degree program that complements their educational needs and lifestyles," he noted.

Western's Department of Military Science provides ROTC instruction and includes a specified sequence of leadership, management and professional knowledge classes, as well as "hands on" leadership experiences.

The University's Veterans Resource Center (the Wright Residence at 333 N. Ward St.) provides streamlined services and resources in a centralized location to ensure that all veterans, guard members, reservists and active duty personnel receive individual assistance with any question or concern they may encounter. The center also sponsors a series of group seminars/workshops each year based on the current needs of its military student population.

For 2014, Western Illinois University was also named a Military-Friendly School by Victory Media (for the fifth consecutive year) and is featured in "G.I. Jobs Guide to Military Friendly Schools," among other Victory Media publications. In addition, in November 2013, Western was selected as a "Best for Vets College" by Military Times "EDGE" magazine for the fourth consecutive year. Western, ranked 37th, is one of two Illinois four-year universities in the top 50.

For more information on services and support for active duty personnel and veterans, visit wiu.edu/student_services/veterans.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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