Tusculum College named to Top Military-Friendly School List

Tusculum College has for the second year been named to G.I. Jobs’ 2011 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

“Tusculum College has a long history of providing programs that allow the adult student to be able to achieve their dream of higher education while balancing the responsibilities of career and family,” said Dr. Tom Stein, vice president for enrollment management at Tusculum College.

“The Military Friendly Schools list is a key resource in letting veterans know which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience. It’s especially important now with so many schools competing for military students,” said Stein.

Schools on the Military Friendly Schools list also offer additional benefits to student veterans such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service, military spouse programs and more.

Tusculum College started the Yellow Ribbon program in August 2009. Under the program, the school matches dollars put in by the Veterans Administration so veterans can work toward their advanced degree as well as qualify for money to help with housing. There are already more than 20 students enrolled in Tusculum degree programs who are receiving the Yellow Ribbon benefits.

“The Yellow Ribbon program allows the college to further fulfill her mission by acknowledging the service and commitment of those who have served our country by providing them with financial support to complete their education.” said Tusculum College President Nancy B. Moody. “With the variety of locations, programs, majors, degrees and scheduling options offered at Tusculum College, we are uniquely suited to serve those whose educational path was interrupted or who are considering beginning or continuing their higher education.”

The Yellow Ribbon program is applicable towards all Tusculum College degree programs, which include traditional undergraduate programs, as well as the Graduate and Professional Studies programs. Tuition benefits under the program are also available to both full and part-time students.

In addition, Tusculum College has a long standing relationship with United States Navy through its partnership with the U.S.S. Greeneville submarine. Since its christening, Tusculum College has partnered with the crew members, offering an annual scholarship to crewmen and/or members of their family. To date, three people benefiting from that relationship have become Tusculum College alumni and one enrolled this year as a freshman on the Residential campus.

Tusculum College has long offered assistance to veterans returning to higher education and Veterans Affairs Coordinator Pat Simons is available to specifically support veterans with their admissions and financial aid questions. For more information on the Yellow Ribbon program or others assistance provided by the college, contact Simons at 423-636-7300.

Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.

In its effort to help student veterans find the right school, G.I. Jobs incorporated a survey of student veterans for the first time. This feedback provides prospective military students with insight into the student veteran experience at a particular institution based on peer reviews from current students.