UWF earns highest ranking to date on ‘Best for Vets’ list

The University of West Florida was recognized as a “Best for Vets” school by the Military Times for the fourth consecutive year. The institution came in at No. 28 out of more than 100 four-year schools, marking its highest ranking to date.

“The culture at UWF supports veterans through thoughtfully created programs designed to ease their transition into civilian life,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “We will continue adding new resources and enhancing existing programs to support those who have served.”

The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center serves as a leading campus advocate for military, dependents and veteran students, working to ensure the needs of these individuals are met through coordinating with multiple university offices and services.

In addition to providing assistance with VA education benefits, active duty tuition assistance, counseling, tutoring, academic advising, disability accommodations and more, the center has served more than 20 veterans to date through the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, offered in partnership with Veterans Florida. The series of workshops and classes provide mentorship and guidance to military veterans interested in starting their own business.

Participants in the 12-week Veterans Entrepreneurship Program are taught by Robert Foster, a 40-year veteran entrepreneur who helmed the Venture Hive, a business accelerator that assists veterans in starting their own company, before he joined UWF’s MVRC team. The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program culminates with a Shark Tank-style competition where veterans pitch their business plans to a panel of judges composed of area business leaders.

In October, several Panhandle-area chambers of commerce partnered with the MVRC to offer free entrepreneurial workshops through the VFEP. The Fort Walton, Pensacola, Santa Rosa, Crestview, Gulf Breeze, Niceville and Walton County chambers announced they will host weekly sessions through the first quarter of 2020.

“This ranking distinguishes UWF, yet again, as a home for military veterans,” said Lori Milkeris, Director and Veterans Counselor of the Military & Veterans Resource Center. “Numerous programs and resources streamline what can be an intimidating transition from the military sector to civilian life. The thousands of veterans who have benefited from UWF’s offerings are our motivation to continue improving the center.”

For 10 years, Military Times has conducted an extensive, editorially independent, objective study evaluating the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. The publication compiles its annual “Best for Vets” list based on evaluations of survey responses submitted by each institution. Institutions are evaluated in five categories: university culture; student support; academic policies; academic outcomes/quality; and cost and financial aid.

To view the full rankings, visit the Military Times website.

For more information about the UWF MVRC, visit uwf.edu/mvrc.