University News

WIU: Best for Vets College 2021

June 21, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- For 11 years running, Western Illinois University has been selected as a Military Times "Best for Vets College" by Military Times magazine. Western is one of two Illinois public institutions in the top 25.

According to the Military Times, 136 schools - from four-year to two-year, public, private and trade schools - responded to a survey detailing programs, policies and resources for veterans. Institutions were evaluated in five categories: university culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality, and cost and financial aid.

"Western Illinois University has a rich history of serving the men and women of the armed forces. We are so pleased to once again receive recognition for the academic opportunities, along with the support and resources, that WIU provides our active military personnel and veterans," said President Guiyou Huang.

In addition to offering a number of online degree programs, as well as flexible academic studies and support to active military personnel and veterans, Western provides the resources that service members need upon entering – or returning to – school.

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

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 space and student-veteran peer assistants who work with student-veterans. Western's Beu Health Center partners with the Iowa City VA Healthcare System to provide the only tele-mental health facility in the nation to be located on a college campus. The Center for Military/Academic Transition and Health (CMATH) on the WIU campus provides psychiatry, psychology and mental health counseling services through secure video conferencing; these services are available to WIU student veterans, as well as community veterans, who already have their military benefits in place. Contact the CMATH clinic at (309) 298-3697 for further information.

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)
Office of University Communications & Marketing