JACKSON, Mich. – Baker College has earned the gold-level status as a veteran-friendly school through a program created by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). The Veteran-Friendly School program recognizes institutions of higher learning for their dedication to student veterans and dependents, and awards gold-, silver- and bronze-level statuses to institutions based on their veteran-centric services.
“These rankings make it simple for veterans and their dependents to identify schools throughout Michigan that are committed to supporting them and helping them succeed,” said MVAA Director Jeff Barnes. “Through the Veteran-Friendly School program, veterans will know exactly what services are available to them when they walk onto campus, so they never have to feel alone.”
Baker College earned the gold-level status based on the following services it offers:
- On-campus veteran’s coordinator and staffed veterans center.
- Established process for the identification of current student veterans.
- Evaluation and awarding of credit for military training and experience.
- Veteran-specific website/portal –
www.baker.edu/admissions/military-friendly/ - Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, completion and graduation rates.
- Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran job placement rates.
“The career success of our country’s military members, veterans and family members is important to us,” said Christy Brasfield, Baker College military education officer. “To stay current on veteran- and military-related issues, our admissions advisors participate in weekly training sessions and the veteran certifying officials from each Baker College campus throughout Michigan meet quarterly.
“Our staff is prepared to work with each active and veteran military member and family member on a case-by-case basis to determine the best way for that person to earn the quality, higher education degree needed to enter or advance in their career of choice.”
Brasfield also said that faculty and other students benefit by association with student veterans in the classroom who “bring maturity, diversity, leadership and life experiences into the classroom.”
Baker College is also an institutional partner in the MI Veteran Education Initiative. The program provides one-on-one support for veterans enrolling in Michigan schools with outreach services, support and information. Organizers estimate 30,000 to 50,000 veterans will move to Michigan in the next five years.
For more information about Baker College services for active and veteran members of the military and their families, contact Christy Brasfield in the military education office at 800.469.3165 or vet2vet@baker.edu, or visit www.baker.edu.