Mississippi State University has been listed by Victory Media as a “Military Spouse Friendly” school for 2018.
The honor is included in an annual companion list to the company’s “Military Friendly” schools, which also recognized MSU for its veteran-oriented campus culture.
The latest “Military Friendly” schools survey included questions that not only evaluated whether certain schools’ admissions, retention, career counseling and mentoring programs are better for veterans, but also whether they address the needs and concerns of military spouses and families.
These needs include flexible learning options, and degree continuation to accommodate deployments and relocation.
Brian Locke, director of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, said the recognition is another accolade that showcases MSU’s veteran-friendly culture.
“I believe that the services we proudly provide to our military family members are unmatched by any other university,” Locke said. “I can speak with certainty of the sacrifices made by military spouses because on several occasions, my spouse was a sole parent of three children while I was deployed for a year or more.”
Locke said any son or daughter of any veteran who is currently serving or honorably discharged from any state in the country will only have to pay in-state tuition rates.
“The majority of what we do here in our office is process those educational benefits either the service member has earned or the post-9/11 GI Bill that a service member can transfer to their spouse, son or daughter,” Locke said.
Everything in the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans building is open to both service members and their families, Locke said, including the computer labs, study rooms, lounge and free printing, copying and scanning services.
Founded in 2001, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment; entrepreneurial and education opportunities through its G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur and STEM jobs; and Military Friendly brands.
Alongside Mississippi State, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and William Carey University were recognized as Military Friendly Spouse schools within the state.
MSU is home to more than 2,000 veterans, service members, and their families.
“Mississippi State puts forth the extra effort to be military friendly, and we want everyone to know that because we want to encourage our military service members and family members to come to Mississippi State,” Locke said. “The real purpose is to show folks that if they come to Mississippi State these issues will be taken care of. Your payments will be processed properly, and we’ll make sure your transition to higher education is easy.”