Lipscomb University named No. 12 in recent Military Times' Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 ranking
Lacey Klotz |
Lipscomb University has been named among the top universities in the nation for serving student veterans by the Military Times in its recent Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 ranking.
Ranked No. 12 out of 130 four-year schools, Lipscomb was listed among institutions including the University of South Florida, Syracuse University, the University of Georgia and University of Southern California.
The eighth annual rankings recognize schools for their commitment to educating and providing opportunities to America’s service members, military veterans and their families by factoring in the results of the Military Times’ school-by-school survey of veteran and military student offerings as well as rates of academic achievement.
“It is nice to be recognized as one of the top Universities nationally,” said Chad Staggs, director of veteran’s services at Lipscomb. “We continue to strive and focus on the needs of our veteran students. As long as we continue to focus in this area and empower our students then we are doing the right thing for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”
More than 500 colleges took part in the Military Times survey that asked colleges and universities to meticulously document an array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties. The survey also asked each school to describe the many aspects of veteran culture on campus.
Military Times factored in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense Departments and three education sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and Cohort Default Rate Database, to complete the results.
“Lipscomb provides an ideal environment for veterans to succeed. Our focus on professional, personal and spiritual growth embodies the values of our service men and women,” Staggs continued. “Our students are challenged yet utilized for the special leadership skills they possess from their years of service. Promoting a culture for our students to grow in all aspects of their lives is what makes Lipscomb University a special place for Veterans looking to continue their education. We are honored to assist in their journey back to the classroom and ultimately watching them achieve their educational goals.”
The rankings were published on Nov. 1 and are featured on MilitaryTimes.com, ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com and MarineCorpsTimes.com as well as a special magazine issue of Military Times that will hit newsstands in mid-November.
The release of this year’s list marks Military Times’ inaugural declaration of the month of November as Veterans Month. The independently owned media company is celebrating veterans beyond Veterans Day, with 30 days of veteran-focused coverage.
This is only one of several honors Lipscomb has received on behalf of its veterans services program.
The program was recently awarded a $185,563 grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s 2016 Veteran Reconnect grant program. Lipscomb University was only one of six universities in the state to receive the honor along with Chattanooga State Community College, Maryville College, Middle Tennessee State University, Tusculum College and the University of Tennessee-Martin.
Lipscomb’s program has also been recognized nationally for its quality. Military Advanced Education awarded Lipscomb the designation of a “Top Military-Friendly University” in its “2015 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities.” Last year marked the sixth consecutive year that Lipscomb University was designated a Military-Friendly School by “GI Jobs,” a publication of Victory Media, for its veteran services program. In 2014, U.S. News also ranked Lipscomb as the second-best regional university in the South for veterans. The College of Business was ranked 24th in the nation in the Military Times’ 2013 Best for Vets: Business Schools Guide for veterans based on financial aid, academic policies and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
A new $25,000 Veterans Resource Center located just behind Elam Residence Hall opened last November, funded in part by the Sentinels of Freedom organization, and includes areas for veterans to study and fellowship, a computer, television, kitchen/eating area, lockers and a place to relax in between classes.
Lipscomb also recently hosted a Veterans Education Academy for the Department of Veterans Services, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Drive to 55 on campus. The purpose of the event was to provide training and raise veteran transitional awareness to key campus administrators to include staff, faculty and leadership.
For veterans who qualify for 100 percent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits Lipscomb University has committed to allocate the necessary funds to allow them to earn a tuition-free undergraduate degree through the Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program. The university also offers qualifying student veterans a variety of graduate degrees tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.
For more information about Lipscomb University’s veteran services program, call 615.966.1013 or visit www.veterans.lipscomb.edu.