Athens State University Awarded Military Friendly School Title from G.I. Jobs

            ATHENS, Ala. - G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded Athens State University the designation of Military Friendly School for the third year. The 2012 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.

Pictured left to right: Athens State Secretary for the Transfer Center and Veterans Affairs Jean Martin, Athens State President Bob Glenn, Athens State Director of the Transfer Center and Veterans Affairs  Lisa Payne.

In its effort to help student veterans find the right school, G.I. Jobs incorporated a survey of student veterans for the first time. This feedback provides prospective military students with insight into the student veteran experience at a particular institution based on peer reviews from current students.  Michael Dakduk, Executive Director for the Student Veterans of America agrees.  “The Military Friendly Schools list is the go-to resource for prospective student veterans searching for schools that provide the right overall experience.  Nothing is more compelling than actual feedback from current student veterans.”

“We are honored to once again be included in G.I. Jobs listing of Military Friendly School,” states Athens State’s Director of Transfer Center and Veterans Affairs Lisa Payne.  “This is an excellent resource for veterans who are looking to further their education as so many do here at Athens State.”

The 1,518 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list prioritize the recruitment of students with military experience.  These schools are making the grade by offering scholarships and discounts, veterans’ clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other services to those who served. The 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through extensive research and a data driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.  A full list of board members can be found at http://militaryfriendlyschools.com/Article/advisory-board/.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.

                                                                                                Guy McClure
                                                                                                256-233-8296
                                                                                                Guy.McClure@athens.edu
September 12, 2011
www.athens.edu