STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has achieved the silver-level Military Friendly® Campus (MFC) designation, signifying its investment in initiatives that improve the lives of veterans.
Military Friendly® is a standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating an environment that encourages military-connected individuals to realize their academic goals.
“Achieving this designation of excellence positions Tarleton State as a premier destination for veterans and military families,” said Dr. Sherri Benn, Vice President for the Lozano Long Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives.
“Our veteran and military-connected students are a part of our 125-year-old institution, so assuring we are continuously striving for our highest level of excellence in serving those who have served us is a part of our ongoing commitment and university mission,” she added.
Attaining this distinction is part of Tarleton State’s strategic plan.
Military Friendly® began surveying schools and companies in 2003 to determine their ability to recruit, retain and advance veterans. Ratings are derived using a rules-based algorithm with information gleaned from public data sources, university-owned data and surveys of veterans themselves. The process is developmental, allowing time to build a meaningful program. Organizations begin by taking a pledge, then advance to full designation and finally work to achieve award level (top 10, gold, silver and bronze).
Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, Assistant Vice President for the Lozano Long Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives, worked with all stakeholders this year to gather and submit Tarleton State’s data. She said the agency examined a broad scope of criteria and then used the submitted data to populate a predetermined algorithm, the results of which were audited by Ernst & Young.
“That is an amazing achievement for us,” said Dr. Wallace. “When we set out on our data-gathering mission, we thought at best we were one to two years away from silver rank. When our notice came, there was definitely some cheering going on!”
Official MFC plaques will be displayed in high-traffic areas across the Stephenville and Fort Worth campuses.
Military Friendly® ratings are earned and are free to organizations. Military Friendly® is owned and operated by VIQTORY, a certified service-disabled, veteran-owned business and not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any government entity. For more information, visit https://www.militaryfriendly.com/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.