EMU Today

YPSILANTI – ​​For the fifth consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University has been named one of the most military and veteran-friendly universities in the country, according to annual rankings released this month by Military Friendly. In its 12th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families, using data from federal agencies, veteran students and survey information from participating organizations.

According to the Military Friendly website, EMU is ranked number one in Michigan and number two in the United States among large public universities, based on the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Cycle. 

“We are pleased that EMU is recognized again for the great support to its veterans, military students and beneficiaries,” said Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) Mike Wise, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services at Eastern. “The recognition is truly a top-down, team effort in assisting and supporting students in a whole person manner and comes down to simply caring for students and their college success.”

Eastern established its military and veteran support center in 2014 and later named it in honor of the late U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles, a Medal of Honor recipient, Eastern Michigan University alum, and Ypsilanti resident. 

In 2015, the center expanded its services for veterans after Eastern was awarded the TRIO-Veteran Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

About the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center

Eastern Michigan University's Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center serves more than 500 student veterans per year, spouses and dependents each year. Its retired military staff understands the distinct needs of veteran and military students and their families and is proud of its long history of being military and veteran-friendly. EMU is also proud of its Army officer-producing Army ROTC Eagle Battalion, established in 1952, which enhances the military-friendly nature of the institution. EMU student veterans receive individualized resume writing, academic advising, and employment preparation coaching. Student veterans receive enhanced priority and service for admission and registration and receive recognition for their service at commencement ceremonies.

About the Military Friendly® Schools list

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created yearly based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting, were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.