Siena Heights University (SHU) was recently certified as a silver-level Veteran-Friendly School for the 2023-24 school year. This certification was granted by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).
MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly School Program recognizes higher learning academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of student veterans and dependents. The program awards Gold-, Silver-, or Bronze-level status to institutions that offer veteran-centric services and programs.
To be certified as a Veteran-Friendly School, an institution must meet specific criteria, including having an established process for the identification of current student veterans and having a veteran-specific website. In addition, an institution must have an on-campus veterans’ coordinator or designated staff point of contact, as well as the presence of a process to evaluate and aware academic credit based on prior military training and experience.
“It’s an honor to be able to work with our veteran student population and their families to help them achieve their academic goals. We are constantly working to improve how we can serve veterans and their families so they can focus on their educational experience,” said Scott Meek, SHU’s Veterans and Compliance Coordinator.
In addition to recognition from the MVAA, Siena Heights University’s Online Program was ranked 26th in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans category for 2022-23. This was the highest ranking by a Michigan college or university in that category.
“I am incredibly proud of our institution for being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This designation is a testament to our commitment to support our student veterans and military-connected students in their pursuit of academic excellence,” said Douglas B. Palmer, Ph.D., President of Siena Heights.
Dr. Palmer happens to be a veteran himself, having served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Following his enlistment, Dr. Palmer used the G.I. Bill to fund his undergraduate education. “At Siena Heights, we understand that transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, and we are here to help our student veterans succeed,” he continued. “We are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in their studies and achieve their goals.”
