U.S. Veterans Magazine Names EKU as a 2024 Top Veteran-Friendly School

Published on August 15, 2024

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine. This comes in addition to EKU’s top two ranking for Military FriendlyⓇ Schools and No. 1 ranking in Kentucky for “Best for Vets” by Military Times. 

“EKU would not be the institution it is today without our veterans,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We are always striving to serve the people who have given their all to serve us. We are honored to be recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine, and we will use this pride as motivation to continue to find new ways to invest in and support our veterans.”

Every year, U.S. Veterans Magazine evaluates employers, law enforcement, veteran outreach programs and schools across the country, identifying the most veteran-friendly organizations based on outreach and accessibility to veterans, military families and transitioning service members. 

“We strive to encourage other companies to follow the lead and ultimately create a workforce that is supportive to our veteran community,” said Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine. 

As part of EKU’s commitment to student veterans, the 3,000-square-foot Veterans Education and Transition Support (VETS) Center provides a centralized campus space just for veterans and military service members. Other recent investments include the relocation of the EKU Veterans Memorial to Carloftis Garden; and the Kit Carson Commons Scholar House, prioritizing affordable housing for single-parent military service members and veterans enrolled in an approved post-secondary institution. Additionally, EKU’s VETS|Ready Opportunity Portal allows potential students to see how their military training and experience can advance them toward degree completion. 

“I have loved my time at EKU,” said Jordan Striff, ’23, who earned a master’s in Safety, Security and Emergency Management from EKU. “The online learning platform has been awesome and worked well for my schedule. The fact that you are super veteran friendly has made my life easier when dealing with the GI bill and VR&E program through the VA.”

EKU is home to nearly 1,800 veterans, active-duty service members, Reserve/National Guard members and military spouses and children. For more information about available services, visit eku.edu/va

See the full list of Top Veteran-Friendly Schools from U.S. Veterans Magazine.