UWF recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly® School and designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School

The University of West Florida has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category in the annual Military Friendly® Schools list for 2025-2026. UWF earned the gold distinction for success in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, rewarding civilian careers. The University was also designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School.

“We take great pride in earning this recognition for the stand-out support we provide to military-affiliated students,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “This honor is a reflection of the care that service members and their families can expect from UWF.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-2025 survey.

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Lori Milkeris, director of the UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center, credits the MVRC and collaboration between all areas of the University for consistently being named a Military Friendly® School and for consistently being named a Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School.

“At the MVRC, we understand that transitioning from military service to academic life can be overwhelming,” Milkeris said. “In the military, service members are provided with clear guidance and structured support — they’re never expected to figure it all out alone. At UWF, we believe our military-affiliated students deserve the same. That’s why the MVRC proudly collaborates with departments across the university — admissions, financial aid, academic advising, career services, and more — to ensure our military-connected students receive seamless, coordinated support. By fostering these partnerships, we remove barriers and simplify processes, allowing our service members to focus on what truly matters: their academic success. This commitment to service, structure and student support has contributed to our recognition as a Military-Friendly® School. It’s not just a title — it reflects the intentional, student-centered work we do every day to serve those who’ve served.”

 To view the full rankings, visit militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about the Military and Veterans Resource Center, visit uwf.edu/mvrc.