Chippewa Valley Times

For the second consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has been recognized as a gold-level Military Friendly School for its efforts to create sustainable and meaningful education paths for the military community.

The gold designation from survey agency Viqtory for 2024-25 in the large public university category demonstrates the support the university has for veterans and their families, says Miranda Cross-Schindler, military and adult services manager at UW-Eau Claire. Cross-Schindler states that UW-Eau Claire delivers exceptional services in veterans' support, student assistance, financial aid, academic policies, and post-graduate success.

“Our diverse military-connected community encompasses veterans from the armed forces, actively serving military personnel, along with military children and spouses, showcasing that our services are customized to meet individual needs rather than adopting a generic approach,” Cross-Schindler says.

UW-Eau Claire is among 245 schools in the nation that received the gold-level status designation after an evaluation of surveys to determine schools’ commitment to supporting and empowering the military community.

The university makes it easy for veterans to continue their education, says Kevin Paulson, who served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years before enrolling at UW-Eau Claire. The Rochester, Minnesota native is majoring in teaching – science with an emphasis on earth/space science.

“Getting enrolled and admitted was a very simple process, and being able to get credit for prior learning is a simple process,” says Paulson, who now lives in Eau Claire. “There are so many degree programs that no matter what your interest is, you will have no problem finding your passion here at UWEC.”

Paulson praised Cross-Schindler for her knowledge and dedication to ensuring veterans understand all benefits available to them and commended the university’s Veterans Center as a setting for veterans to gather.

“Being older than traditional students can be a challenge to connect with like-minded people, and the vet center really makes it easy to connect,” Paulson says. “The professors, other students and faculty have been amazing here. I was nervous when I came back to school that I would not fit in but everyone has been welcoming; I think going back to school at UWEC is the best decision.”

The gold-level ranking holds personal significance for Cross-Schindler, who earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UW-Eau Claire after serving in the military.

“Our campus genuinely values the service of our military-connected students," Cross-Schindler says. "The current generation can contact me at any time for assistance, join an active student organization and also have a dedicated space to relax, study and socialize with other military-connected students. I am so fortunate to work with my fellow veterans as well as active-duty service members and their dependents on a daily basis; I see it as a way that I am able to continue serving outside of the military.”