Military Times ranks OSU in top 100 of 2023 'Best for Vets: Colleges'

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University has been ranked No. 75 out of 325 colleges nationally by Military Times 2023 ‘Best for Vets: Colleges’ rankings — a 66-spot improvement from No. 141 in 2022. 

OSU also ranked No. 13 in the southwest region improving from No. 15. 

“The university has been providing services that the Military Times finds important for years,” said Vincent Rivera, OSU veteran success coordinator. “We have made steady progress in how these practices improve the retention and graduation rate of our students. I feel this year's ranking shows this progression in a tangible manner. I do commend the State of Oklahoma and our distance learning for implementing some very good policies over the past few years.”  

The ‘Best for Vets: Colleges’ rankings is the largest and most comprehensive rankings of schools for military service members and veterans. Military Times compiled the rankings based on surveys sent to colleges and universities about their programs for veterans as well as public data from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Veteran Affairs. 

“Supporting our veterans is a very personal thing for me, since my father served in Vietnam,” said OSU President Kayse Shrum. “Our Transfer and Veteran Student Success Center is an incredible resource for any veteran who wants to open new doors in life through a college degree. From our recognition as an Employer Champion for veteran hiring to the annual display of flags on Library Lawn recognizing the men and women lost in the Global War on Terror, we are honored to support our veterans and appreciate this recognition by the Military Times.” 

The Department of Transfer and Student Veteran Success plays a crucial role in serving the needs of over 2,600 military-affiliated students currently enrolled at OSU. Within this department, the Office of Student Veterans Success offers a wide range of services for student veterans and military-affiliated students. They are dedicated to assisting, guiding and advocating for these students, addressing their personal, financial and academic concerns to ensure their success at OSU. 

OSU's “We are Land-Grant" strategy, rooted in the Cowboy Culture, serves as the driving force behind the development of servant-leaders who leave an impact on their community. In line with this vision, both Rivera and Cheryl Kleeman, director of transfer and student veteran success, passionately assist students in achieving success. They have implemented an open-door policy that aligns with OSU's commitment to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all students. 

“I feel the openness our office demonstrates brings a sense of comfort,” Rivera said. “Even if a student does not need assistance, they know we are there. There are plenty of times a day when a student will come in, and just want to have a quick chat or sit in the office to do homework. Our Veteran Faculty and Staff Association do not just concern themselves with staff and faculty issues but are very proactive in working on student issues as well.”