UAA ranked a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs magazine

UAA among top 15 percent of nationwide schools to embrace America's veterans as students

The University of Alaska Anchorage was recently designated a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs magazine. G.I. Jobs announced that UAA made the magazine's 2010 Military Friendly Schools list, and is ranked in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students. The University of Alaska Fairbanks also made the list.

Schools on the 2010 Military Friendly Schools list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is a shared priority of recruiting students with military experience. The list was compiled through extensive research starting last May during which G.I. Jobs polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Criteria for making the list include efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students, and academic accreditations.

"This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school," said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher.

To celebrate this honor, the University hosted an award ceremony and reception on Aug. 21 on the UAA campus. UA President Mark Hamilton, a former Major General in the U.S. Army, presented an award plaque to UAA Chancellor Fran Ulmer. Giving a student's perspective, Michael Kocher spoke about his experiences as a student in the military. Additionally, Mel Kalkowski, director of UAA's Military Programs, discussed the role that University plays in the local military community.

"Serving our military students is a priority at UAA," said UAA Chancellor Fran Ulmer. "The military plays a vital and important role in Alaska and we are proud to be recognized for our work supporting students who are serving our country."

As part of this designation, UAA will be one of 50 institutions identified online and will also be listed in the G.I.Edu Handbook, a military guide to higher education, both scheduled to publish in September 2009. The 2010 Military-Friendly School List can be found online at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/pr09.aspx.

Click here to see KTUU Channel 2's coverage of this event.

G.I. Jobs is a veteran-owned business headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. The company 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."