HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University has been named a Military Spouse Friendly® School for 2022-2023.
Viqtory Media, publisher of “G.I. Jobs,” states the listing honors the top colleges, universities and trade schools for their leading practices, outcomes and effective programs for military spouses.
“Southeastern has made a concerted effort in the past several years to focus on military service members, veterans and their families,” said Director of Military and Veteran Success Matt Watkins, a U.S. Air Force Veteran. “Southeastern has created innovative programming, services, events and resources for our veterans, dependents and military population. All of our staff members feel there is no greater calling than serving those who have served us.”
Southeastern enrolls 591 veterans, dependents and military service members. The university maintains a Veterans Upward Bound program; provides academic and other counseling services; offers scholarships specifically for military students and veterans; and maintains a wide range of online and distance learning programs that provide students with flexibility in scheduling.
Southeastern’s ROTC program, which is a sub-unit of the Southern University Army ROTC program, returned to Hammond in 2016 after more than a 20-year hiatus. Fifty-five students now participate in the program.
Southeastern also serves as a resource center for thousands of Louisiana veterans in an effort to help active-duty military service men and women successfully transition to college through a new program called LaVetCorps.
Additionally, Southeastern now has an Office of Military and Veteran Success. The new office includes two college employees, a LaVetCorps employee and 10 veteran ambassadors and student workers. The office offers help with academic advising related to VA education benefits, processing VA education benefits, counseling on VA education benefits, programs, events, and priority registration.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently and with purpose,” said National Director of Military Partnerships for Military Friendly® Kayla Lopez. “Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services that focuses on the betterment of the educational landscape and provides positive outcomes and economic opportunity for the military community.”
Viqtory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001. In addition to “G.I. Jobs,” the company also publishes the magazine “Military Spouse.”