EMU Today

YPSILANTI — When you think of military service and college, these seem like different worlds. But for some students, transitioning from the armed forces to higher education is a natural and well-traveled path. A good example is Eastern Michigan University student Jacob Miziko, a senior in the College of Business.

Miziko served in the United States Marine Corps from 2016 until 2020 as a field radio and satellite communications operator based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His deployment allowed him to visit other countries and learn about their culture and way of life, sparking an interest in international business with a concentration in marketing. 

“There is broad recognition across the faculty that military experience and job training have legitimate value, and they often match equivalent military training with courses offered in their respective departments,” said Wayne Doyle, director of Veteran Student Support Services. “Multiple faculty here have told me they enjoy having veterans in their classrooms because of their focus and ability to lend interesting experiences to classroom discussions."

According to research, military training develops discipline, such as punctuality, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. These qualities are essential in the military and academia, and military training can give a solid foundation for success. While Miziko gained leadership experience in the military, he wanted to attend college.

“I always knew before my service that I wanted to pursue a college education,” said Miziko. “I was in a very disciplined household and was influenced that college was necessary as I would be the first-generation college graduate in my family." 

EMU offers student support for veterans through the Veterans Resource Center, which caters directly to veterans, military students, and their family members using GI Bill benefits. 

“The veteran and military student body is a diverse group, bound together by one shared experience,” said Doyle. “Our campus has a large non-traditional student population, so it’s easier for veteran students to fit in as older students.”

For the sixth consecutive year, the Military Friendly® Schools list ranked EMU among the country's best military and veteran-friendly universities. The University was ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Michigan for 2023-24. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 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. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements.