Wilkes Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School Designation

Wilkes University has earned a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation with silver distinction, reserved for institutions offering exceptional military and veteran programs. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

“Earning the Military Friendly® Silver designation shows just how dedicated Wilkes is to making sure veterans like me have the resources, guidance and community we need not only to persevere but to thrive,” says Stephanie Smith, management major and treasurer of the Student Veterans Council.

The Military Friendly® School designation comes as a result of the University’s support services designed to aid veterans in their pursuit of higher education, including a dedicated veterans affairs counselor, study and meeting space in the Veterans Center of Excellence, the Wilkes Student Veteran Council and the Inter-Organizational Veteran Educational Support Team (INVEST).

“As a Navy veteran and student at Wilkes, having a place like the Veterans Center of Excellence means everything. It’s more than just a study space, it’s a home away from home, where I can connect with other veterans who understand the transition from military to civilian life,” says Smith.

Veterans counselor Lt. Col. Mark Kaster (retired) notes that it takes a network of support to ensure success for all students, including those with military backgrounds. “The support to our veterans is a team effort: faculty, staff, administration, et cetera. Leadership and caring at every level of a veteran’s experience at Wilkes generates success after their service to our country,” says Kaster.

The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list was published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found by visiting www.militaryfriendly.com.