By demonstrating an institution-wide commitment to facilitating the transition of military veterans to academic life, Northeastern State University is included in a list of military friendly education institutions compiled by G.I. Jobs for the 2010-11 academic year.

G.I. Jobs’ 2011 list of Military Friendly Schools can be seen at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/2011list. The roll honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.

NSU has seen a spike in the number of veterans enrolled in recent years—a welcomed challenge shared by other colleges and universities as an estimated 425,000 veterans are now enrolled in higher education institutions nationwide.

An ancillary goal of NSU and all colleges that recruit veterans is to attract talent.

“By bringing these individuals to Northeastern, we’re always hopeful that they will enjoy their experience here so much that they will choose to permanently relocate to Oklahoma and add their professional talents to our work force and their leadership skills to our communities,” said Mark Kinders, vice president for university relations.

Kinders, himself a veteran, consistently has voiced his concern for veterans’ matters, particularly issues faced by those returning from the Afghanistan and Iraq theaters.

In the two years since Kinders’ arrival, NSU has reviewed its policies in preparation for increased veteran enrollment, won acceptance into the Yellow Ribbon program of the Veterans Administration and conducted Webinars with specialists to help faculty and staff facilitate veterans’ entry and success in university life.

On Aug. 12, a reception was held to let veterans meet those involved in NSU’’s Veterans Mentoring Program, which has faculty and staff who have served in the military act as mentors.

“It was a chance to get them connected, develop their networks and gain exposure to some of the resources we have available on campus,” Kinders said.

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

Colleges have long coveted veterans in the classroom. Dr. Dorothy Bassett, dean of Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, a Military Friendly School, pointed out some of those reasons.

“Military students bring a high degree of maturity, life experiences, diversity, leadership and worldliness to the classroom,” she said. “Other students and faculty benefit from the different perspectives that service members and veterans bring.”