University News

WIU: Military Friendly School 12 Consecutive Years; Receives Gold Status

April 7, 2022

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Veterans admissions information can be found at wiu.edu/veterans.

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Because of Western Illinois University's long-time support of veterans and active service personnel, the University has been recognized for 12 years running as a "Military Friendly School" by Viqtory/Military Friendly, achieving "Gold" status for 2022-23. Western ranked number two in the United States for small public universities earning the Gold Top Ten status.

"Western Illinois University has been dedicated to serving our veterans and active duty personnel since our beginning in the 1900s. The continued recognition demonstrates our University's pledge to support our outstanding student-veterans and active armed forces members," said WIU President Guiyou Huang.

In addition to the Military Friendly designation, WIU was selected as a 2020 "Best for Vets College" by Military Times magazine, ranking 24th out of 134 four-year institutions across the U.S. WIU is the only Illinois public in the top 50, and one of only two Illinois publics in the list of four-year schools.

The University's Wright Residence, which serves as the Veterans Resource Center, provides streamlined services and resources in a centralized location to ensure all veterans, guard members, reservists and active duty personnel receive individual assistance. The center also sponsors a series of group seminars and workshops each year based on the current needs of its military student population.

"We are so pleased to be recognized for our services and support. The Veterans Resource Center works with so many terrific individuals and departments across campus to provide coordinated services to ensure all veterans, military service and their family members are afforded the greatest opportunities for success at WIU," said Ronald Pettigrew, Veterans Resource Center director. "Our size and status as a state university allows us to help students access more benefits than larger, smaller and private schools can typically access. Our special military friendly admission policies, guaranteed credit for military training, and special scholarships and financial assistance provide additional benefits for our student-veterans. We are here to serve."

The center has established partnerships with various campus and community organizations. Students gain direct access to a comprehensive array of services such as VA benefits, financial assistance, disability resources, health care, career development and personal wellness. The center also features computer access, a study/meeting room, a three-season porch and student-veteran peer assistants who work with student-veterans.

For more information about veterans' resources at Western Illinois University, contact Ron Pettigrew at R-Pettigrew@wiu.edu or (309) 298-3505.

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