McKendree University Earns Military Friendly Designation for 2019-2020
(LEBANON, Ill., January 28, 2019) — For the tenth year in a row, McKendree University
has been designated a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, which provides veterans
and their spouses with the finest choices for post-secondary education. The 2019-2020
Military Friendly® Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their
families using public data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information
from participating organizations. The list will be published in the May issue of G.I.
Jobs magazine and is also posted at militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from an
advisory council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment
community. Final ratings were determined by combining survey scores with the assessment
of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation,
job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan
default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
Survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance
of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers.
Ernst & Young independently evaluated the scoring methodology using criteria set forth
by VIQTORY.
The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that
wish to participate.
As the first institution of higher learning in Illinois, McKendree University has
a rich history of serving veterans and active duty military that dates back to the
Civil War, when McKendree faculty and students formed the 117th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. The 117th fought in six battles and thirteen skirmishes, including the Battle of Vicksburg.
The 117th Regiment lives on today as the name students chose for McKendree’s National Collegiate
Cyber Defense Competition Team.
McKendree is located near two U.S. military installations: Scott Air Force Base in
Belleville, Ill., and Fort Knox Army Post near Radcliff, Ky. Accelerated courses are
offered online and in blended formats designed to meet the needs of adult learners
and students whose schedules may change frequently. Veteran certifying officials serve
as liaisons between students and the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to
certify enrollment, assist in processing claims and answer questions concerning veterans’
benefits. McKendree’s student services team includes veterans who have experience
supporting military personnel and families.
The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program,
hosts the Student Veteran Association and a chapter of the SALUTE National Honor Society
for veterans and active duty service members. For more information about McKendree’s
commitment to military and veteran services, call (618) 537-6576 or visit mckendree.edu/military.
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that
connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly®
brands. Learn more at viqtory.com.
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