Gun Laws And 2a
Cleary Named Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School for 4th Straight Academic Year
Cleary Named Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School for 4th Straight Academic Year
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Michigan
On October 6, 2025, Cleary University earned the prestigious designation of Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for the fourth consecutive academic year. This recognition is not just a badge of honor; it signifies Cleary's dedicated efforts in crafting an educational environment that prioritizes support for veterans and military-affiliated students.
The Gold Level certification is the highest tier that the MVAA awards. Institutions are evaluated based on their veteran-focused services and programs, with those achieving Gold status meeting a rigorous criterion designed to set a standard of excellence. "This award reflects a university's outstanding commitment, innovative programming, and leadership in creating a welcoming, resource-rich environment for Michigan's military-affiliated students," stated MVAA Director Brian Love. He stressed the importance of this recognition, noting that transition from military service to academic life can be challenging, but with the support of institutions like Cleary University, veterans can navigate this path more smoothly.
Established in 2015, the Veterans-Friendly School (VFS) program rates universities and colleges across Michigan, providing a clear framework for assessing the quality of support services available to veterans. Institutions must meet at least six criteria to attain gold status. According to the MVAA, these include having an active student veteran organization, providing veteran-specific career services, and ensuring resources are available for monitoring academic success and retention rates.
Jeremy Walker, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management at Cleary University and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, emphasized the university’s commitment to veteran education. He mentioned, “Our focus is to provide extensive resources and a quality education for our veterans and members of the military in appreciation for their service to our country.” This reflects a broader trend in the education sector where institutions adapt their programming to better serve military-connected learners, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
The university offers a robust array of services designed specifically for veterans, including a 50 percent tuition match through its Yellow Ribbon Enhancement program for active-duty personnel and honorably discharged veterans, and military grants to further alleviate financial burdens. They have also created supportive academic environments with tailored career services, a dedicated Veterans Resource Center, and peer support networks. All these factors combine to create a holistic approach aimed at enhancing not just educational attainment but also overall success in civilian life.
Additionally, Cleary University has been recognized by Military Times, marking it as one of only 12 colleges in Michigan named as a “Best for Vets” college, a title they have maintained for three consecutive years. This accreditation evaluates multiple facets of veteran-focused programs and is based on rigorous surveys and assessments of participating institutions.
With such accolades, Cleary University positions itself as a leader in veteran support, mirroring a growing trend where more universities recognize and respond to the needs of military students. This not only aids individual veterans but strengthens the community surrounding them, fostering a culture of support and understanding.
In conclusion, Cleary University’s ongoing commitment to veteran education and support demonstrates the positive impact that dedicated programs can have on those who served. As other institutions look towards best practices in veteran support, Cleary sets an impressive example. The movement toward enhanced accessibility and services for military-connected students signals a meaningful shift in higher education that could lead to greater success and satisfaction for these individuals.
The climb for educational institutions to adapt continuously to the needs of military veterans reflects a significant cultural shift in higher education, and Cleary University is at the forefront. As more schools adopt similar frameworks, it raises questions about how comprehensively these programs address the specific needs of veterans, particularly in varied socioeconomic conditions. While many institutions have begun creating pathways for veterans, it is essential to monitor outcomes to ensure that these initiatives lead to tangible improvements in academic success and career readiness. The ongoing attention and support for veterans in education ultimately enrich the entire community, highlighting the need for further expansion of such programs across the nation.