On Campus News

Regent Makes List for Top Military Friendly Schools

By Staff
posted Aug 24, 2009, 21:09

Regent University has been named to G.I. Jobs magazine's 2010 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace Americas veterans as students.

"This recognition shows that Regent is 'walking the walk' and demonstrating our commitment and privilege to serve the men and women who serve in the armed forces," said Dr. Carlos Campo, Regent's vice president of academic affairs.

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

"Regent is one of the most friendly schools towards veterans, active duty, National Guard and reserve soldiers I have ever known," said Army Major Kurt Mueller, who expects to graduate in December 2009 with a Master of Divinity degree. "Regent not only tries to help service members understand and utilize their educational benefits, they help you maximize your available time by offering degree programs online and with minimal on-campus attendance requirements."

The ability to complete an educational degree online through Regent is especially attractive to members of the armed services. Regent's combination of flexibility and strong academic programs is hard to match, according to some military students.

"The online degree program I am in has been fantastic," said Georganne Schultz, a member of the Air Force who is working toward a Master of Arts in Journalism. "Regent offers a variety of online degrees that make learning convenient but engaging. Any military member realizes their location is not permanent, so being able to continue learning throughout your career in online programs is phenomenal."

Nathan Magnuson, who serves in the Army Reserves and is working on a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MOL), agrees. "I took two classes in Iraq, which helped me feel like I was making progress academically/professionally while serving overseas in a combat zone."

Divinity student and Army member Gayle Scott learned about Regent while working in the ROTC program at nearby Norfolk State University. "After leaving that program and ending up in Alabama, I was still looking for a school that had the divinity program I was seeking and also a way I could work online until my schedule would permit me to attend on-campus courses. Regent fit perfectly into my schedule," Scott explained.

"All of the professors understand that being in the military is unpredictable," said Mueller. "My professors have always given me extra time to complete assignments when needed, which has enabled me to sign up for classes without worrying about being able to complete them due to last-minute military requirements."

The quality of Regent's academic programs is also appealing to service members.

"The majority of military personnel are dedicated to doing their best at whatever they do. That being the case, Regent is an ideal choice for a military member or veteran because it provides you with a quality education that gives you the confidence to meet the challenges ahead," said Derric White, a Navy veteran who is enrolled in the School of Education's Career Switcher program. "Regent provides the foundation or educational tools that one desires to have in their toolbox. After completing a course, you know that you are as prepared as you can be to accomplish whatever objective awaits."

On the flip side, Regent, like many other colleges and universities, appreciates the qualities that service members and veterans bring to the classroom, such as a high degree of maturity, life experiences, diversity, leadership and global awareness. Other students and faculty benefit from the different perspectives that military students provide.

"Regent's military friendliness is transparent. I was treated with respect and dignity like every other student," White said. "Although there was a general sense of admiration on the part of some students and the professors at times, you were definitely made to feel proud that you had served your country and were now devoting your 'next life' to serving the community of children in need."

Phillip McCluskey, a member of the Army Reserves enrolled in the MOL program after experiencing Regent when his son enrolled in the School of Undergraduate Studies.

"The faculty here genuinely care about you, and it is like the military. Regardless of the type of uniform, the military is a family and you feel the same way at Regent," McCluskey said.

The tens of billions of dollars in tuition money, now available with the recent passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school. Regent is a participant in the bill's Yellow Ribbon Program.

"Regent's discount for military members is very appealing. Those committed to serve are rewarded with Regent's commitment to military students." Georganne Schultz

G.I. Jobs compiled its list of Military Friendly Schools through exhaustive research starting last May during which G.I. Jobs polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Committee consisting of educators and administrators from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Toledo, Duquesne University, Coastline Community College and Lincoln Technical Institute.

Learn about Regent's military financial aid here.