Ole Miss Ranked Best University for Veterans in Mississippi

The University of Mississippi has been named the best university for student veterans in the state by College Factual.

Andrew Newby, UM assistant director of veterans and military services, speaks with guests at the grand opening of the university’s Veteran Resource Center. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Communications

With nearly 200 student veterans at UM, it’s an accomplishment Andrew Newby, Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services at the university, described as a “culture shift” in the campus climate – one that’s taken place in less than two years.

“Being the best in the state means a lot to me because we’ve really worked to change the way we do things since my arrival last year,” Newby said. “We always have more work to do, but this is proof that we are making meaningful impacts in the lives of student veterans. Being in the top five percent nationally says a lot about the way our University is doing things now, and we will continue to ensure our veterans are a priority.”

Demonstrating the university’s renewed commitment to its veterans would not be possible without the efforts of the Ole Miss Student Veterans Association. Implementing events like the Veterans Gala, recognizing those who served at sporting events and launching the nonprofit philanthropy Ole Miss Wish are just a few ways the SVA gives back to the community.

However, according to SVA president and the United States Navy veteran Evan Ciocci, the most important factors contributing to this achievement are the opening of UM’s first Veterans Resource Center and, with it, expanded services that provide holistic care for veterans in need.

“In the past year and a half, veterans services at Ole Miss have improved immensely,” Ciocci said. “We now have a veteran treatment team to make healthcare more accessible and are continuing to make a more welcoming atmosphere for student veterans transitioning from military to student life.”

Ole Miss beat out 14 other Mississippi universities to claim the top spot, with Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi coming in second and third, respectively.

For more information on veteran services at the University of Mississippi, visit https://vms.olemiss.edu. To read the original post from College Factual, click here.

Courtesy of Anna Gibbs