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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—�鶹��ý continues its distinction of being named one of the nation's best institutions for military veterans pursuing higher education.

�鶹��ý Times placed WMU on its of colleges and universities. With a ranking of No. 116 in the nation this year, Western is fourth in the state on the publication's annual list of the top colleges in the United States considered "the best fit for service members, military veterans and their families." This year, 325 schools made the list, up nearly 5% over last year, according to the �鶹��ý Times.

“Rankings such as these help solidify WMU as a school of choice for military-connected �鶹��ýs here in Michigan. We continue to improve the services offered through the Office of �鶹��ý and Veterans Affairs to help support this population of �鶹��ýs assisting with the transition from service into academia," says Kenneth Franks, military advocate in WMU's Office of �鶹��ý and Veteran Affairs. 'In my first year as advocate, in collaboration with William McQuitty from Office of Institutional Research, we were able to increase our ranking from 250th to 116th nationally and a top 5 school when compared to schools ranked in Michigan. This is a significant increase within the ranking, but there is still much work to be done.”

“Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology make our rankings best in class,” adds Mike Gruss, editor-in-chief at Sightline Media Group, parent company of �鶹��ý Times.

Each year, a survey from �鶹��ý Times is sent to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking.

WMU Office of �鶹��ý and Veterans Affairs

WMU's Office of �鶹��ý and Veterans Affairs serves more than 700 military-connected �鶹��ýs, including veterans, those currently serving or prior service, and dependents. The office was established in 2009 to support veterans, service members and the family members of veterans. It provides guidance and mentorship in academic, benefit and other areas, as well as general information about WMU and its services, the campus community and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

WMU has earned accolades by offering in-state tuition status to veterans since 2007 and to veterans' dependents since 2008, assisting with obtaining G.I. Bill benefits, providing tailored academic and career counseling, offering disability services and having a chapter of the Student Veterans of America.

�鶹��ý �鶹��ý Times

The �鶹��ý Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews and entertainment. �鶹��ý Times is owned by Sightline Media Group.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.