For 14 consecutive years, Western Illinois University has been honored as a “Best for Vets College” by “Military Times” magazine.
In the recently published 2024 rankings of more than 300 schools, Western ranked No. 69 overall, No. 55 in public institutions and No. 46 in primarily in-person institutions. In Illinois, it had an impressive standing as the second highest of the Best for Vets institutions and ranked fifth among the institutions in the Midwest.
WIU’s unwavering dedication to serving veterans and active service members continues to shine, the university said in a news release. According to Military Times, WIU’s longstanding commitment to veterans and active service members spanning over a decade has solidified its position as a top institution for military-affiliated students.
The cornerstone of this commitment is WIU’s Veterans Resource Center, a hub of streamlined services and resources that caters to veterans, guard members, reservists, active duty personnel and their families.
In the release, WIU President Kristi Mindrup emphasized Western’s dedication to the military community. “On Veteran’s Day and throughout the year, WIU recognizes and honors the courage and dedication of students, faculty, and staff who have served in the military. WIU is dedicated to fostering veteran student success in the classroom and in life; and recognizes that each veteran’s experiences, perspectives, and engagement enriches our University community.”
The university not only offers flexible academic options, but also provides a comprehensive support system for military-affiliated students. The heart of the support is the Wright Residence in Macomb, which serves as the Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Here, veterans can access a one-stop solution to address any questions or concerns.
The VRC also organizes group seminars and workshops tailored to the specific needs of the military students. It has formed vital partnerships with various campus and community organizations, including faculty and staff that serve as military liaisons for most of the major departments and schools within WIU.
The center’s facilities include computer access and dedicated study/meeting spaces as well as a supportive community where student-veterans can find peer assistance from fellow veterans.
