POSTED:  Sept. 17, 2012 – West Liberty University has been named to the coveted Military Friendly Schools ® list by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows West Liberty University’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs and vice president at Victory Media. “As interest in education grows we’re thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.”

“We are pleased to be awarded this status and are always happy to work with our veterans. WLU offers several degrees that are attractive to many non-traditional students. Especially here at the Highlands Center, where we offer our speedy degree program, the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration, and our Regents Bachelor of Arts, we are ready to assist veterans find a way to complete their degree now,” said Dr. Thomas Michaud, dean of the School of Professional Studies, located at the Highlands Center.

“The School of Professional Studies presently has many adult students who are veterans. We also have plenty of experience in translating military transcripts into university credits. Plus, West Liberty has a veterans’ advisor who is skilled in helping vets make the most of their GI Bill options,” Michaud added.

The Military Friendly Schools ® media and website feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

Now in its fourth year, the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The survey results that comprise the 2013 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs. Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.

A full story and detailed list of 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® will be highlighted in the annual G.I. Jobs Guide to Military Friendly Schools ®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The Guide and associated media will also be featured at the Carrier Classic college basketball game on Nov. 9, anchored by a playoff between The Ohio State University and Marquette University on the deck of the USS Yorktown. Both participating schools are on this year’s list of Military Friendly Schools ®.

Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001.

West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837, it was created to respond to the need for higher educational opportunities west of the Appalachians. Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information on WLU, please visit westliberty.edu or call 1.866.WESTLIB.