Southwestern University has once again been recognized for its dedication to supporting the military community, receiving the Silver Award from Military Friendly®. This award highlights the top universities that foster meaningful educational experiences for military service members and their families.
Nadia Mahannah, Associate Registrar and VA School Certifying Official, expressed pride in the university’s vibrant military community. She noted that student veterans bring unique experiences and perspectives that enrich campus life. These diverse backgrounds create a powerful learning environment where everyone can thrive.
The university collaborates with the Veterans Administration to help veterans and their dependents navigate education benefits as full-time students. Programs like the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Veterans Readiness & Employment program are instrumental. Staff from Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Registrar’s Office work closely with military students to craft effective academic plans.
Military Friendly® evaluates institutions through a mix of public data and responses from a specific survey designed with input from military and education experts. This helps ensure the standards reflect the best practices for supporting military students.
In 2023, over 1,800 schools were assessed, with 830 earning accolades for going above and beyond regular standards. This competitive process promotes better outcomes and services for the military community, driving schools to continuously improve.
According to Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Military Friendly®, their commitment to transparency ensures that schools strive for excellence in assisting military and veteran students.
The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the upcoming issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can also be found online at militaryfriendly.com.
If you’re interested in what Southwestern offers military students, check out their resources here.
This recognition is part of a broader trend toward inclusivity in higher education. Universities across the nation are increasingly adapting to address the needs of student veterans, reflecting a growing awareness of their unique challenges and strengths. Today’s campuses are more accommodating than ever, providing tailored support to help military-connected students succeed.