UW-Whitewater lauded for service to veterans and military students

November 13, 2024

As the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recognizes its students, faculty and staff who have served or are serving in the military during Veterans Week, Military Times announced that it has ranked UW-Whitewater as one of just four schools in Wisconsin in the top 150 of its 2024 Best for Vets ranking — the largest and most comprehensive ranking of the best schools for military service members and veterans in the nation.

UW-Whitewater’s ranking of 135 is a significant improvement over its 2023 ranking of 236.

“It is a university-wide effort to provide the support these students deserve,” said Kris McMenamin, veterans services coordinator at UW-Whitewater. “It starts with the Office of Admissions, which ensures as many hard-earned credits as possible transfer to our campus. Then we try to make the transition from military culture to academic excellence smooth and the college experience as rewarding and meaningful as possible for our military students.”

 

 

The distinction comes less than six months after UW-Whitewater earned a military support badge from the Colleges of Distinction, which recognizes an institution’s efforts to support and cultivate the skills that military students bring to the classroom while helping them achieve their personal and professional goals.

At the same time, the university is serving a record number of service members and their families on campus.

Amy Moore, a veterans benefits coordinator, spoke to the increase at a Veterans Day ceremony on campus on Nov. 11.

“This year we are serving 598 individuals,” Moore said. “That’s the highest number we’ve seen.”

Moore, who served in the Navy, said that the university sees a higher number of spouses and dependents using their benefits to enroll than some other universities do.

“We treat them just as we do as our military members — they are just as important.”

When prospective students contact her office to find out if UW-Whitewater takes their benefits or whether they offer a specific program, Moore emphasizes the feel of the campus — the smaller class sizes, how the staff brings a personal approach and its small-town location.

 

 

Dan Schneider, a communication major from Whitewater, has been a student at the university since 2014.

“Most veterans attending school have service-connected disabilities, so Whitewater is a welcoming place for everyone to learn and grow,” said Schneider, citing the university’s Center for Students with Disabilities, which serves more than 1,000 students every year.

“My personal opinion is this success is directly attributed to the professionalism and individualized attention Amy Moore provides to our veterans and their family members. She ensures that not only our school registration is covered — she goes that extra mile to educate us on benefits and professional career opportunities to help guarantee our success.”

In addition to support services including benefit and education counseling, program information, and referral to various agencies, the university offers a dedicated lounge, media room and computer lab where veteran and military students can do focused work, relax, or talk to an understanding staff member.

The Office of the Chancellor supports the Chancellor’s Committee on Veteran and Servicemember Success, which addresses university and community issues related to the educational and transitional experiences of veteran, servicemember, and military-family member students and makes recommendations to improve related programs, practices, and policies.