UWF again named Gold-level Military Friendly school

PENSACOLA, Fla — The University of West Florida has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category in the annual Military Friendly Schools list for 2021-2022.

For the second consecutive year, UWF was the only large, public school in Florida to earn the gold distinction for success in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, rewarding careers in the civilian world.

“UWF takes great pride in being recognized annually by Military Friendly®,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said.

“This honor represents the numerous programs and sustained efforts carried out by the University that foster continued success for all of our military-affiliated students.”

This ranking is another in a long list of accolades that distinguish UWF as an institution committed to sustained success for veterans, active-duty members of the armed forces, future Army and Air Force officers and other military-affiliated students.

Accolades include Military Friendly® University designation for over 10 years, Top 25 for Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report, Military Friendly Spouse School and Purple Heart University by the local chapter of Military Order of Purple Heart.

“As a veteran myself who earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UWF, I’m grateful to be part of a University that takes into account the struggles that military students go through,” said Lori Milkeris, an Air Force veteran who serves as director of UWF’s Military & Veterans Resource Center.

“The University makes success more attainable for military students by providing a wealth of resources.”

Military Friendly® scored more than 1,200 schools that completed its survey by using an outside advisory council that provides perspective on criteria, methodology and weighting. A third-party auditor then verified the results.

Award levels are defined as:

Top 10 Gold – A ranked list of the Top 10 in a category based on a numerical score.

• Gold – within 10% of the last-ranked organization in Top 10 Gold.
• Silver – within 20% of the last-ranked organization in Gold.
• Bronze – within 30% of the last-ranked organization in Silver.
• Designated – These organizations are deemed Military Friendly® based on survey results.

Military Friendly Schools awards colleges and universities that demonstrate positive education outcomes for veterans and their families. Around 750 schools received Military Friendly® distinction for 2021-2022.

To see a complete list of this year’s award winners, or to learn more about Military Friendly ratings and how to participate, visit militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about the Military and Veterans Resource Center, visit uwf.edu/mvrc.