The University of New Mexico Earns 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Top Ten School Designation
March 10, 2022 - Dorene DiNaro
The University of New Mexico has earned the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Top Ten School designation number eight ranking among Research 1 institutions. Institution rankings are determined through a combination of methods including a comprehensive survey and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students but more specifically, student veterans.
The number 8 ranking positions UNM as a desired destination for military-affiliated students within New Mexico and throughout the country. The designation demonstrates UNM’s commitment to its military-affiliated population, and shines a spotlight on the UNM Veteran and Military Resource Center, which provides services for veterans, active military, and their families.
Led by Director Alonzo Maestas, the VMRC is dedicated to offering the highest quality and comprehensive support to military affiliated students in an atmosphere that provides commitment, respect, and academic excellence through education, administrative services and job advisement for military affiliated students.
“We continue working to ensure that all our military-affiliated students are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further studies and/or as they enter the workforce,” says Maestas. “The VMRC provides high quality and comprehensive support to student veterans, ultimately creating an atmosphere of commitment, respect and academic excellence.”
The Military Friendly® ratings program was founded in 2003 with the mission of encouraging civilian organizations to invest in programs to recruit, retain and advance veterans as employees, entrepreneurs, and students. The overall goal is to create civilian opportunities for veterans by creating a demand for them in the private sector—ultimately improving their lives.
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY, an organization that connects the military community to civilian employment and educational opportunities, released its most recent Military Friendly® Schools list. Institutions must complete a rigorous, comprehensive survey that measures the program or organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.
“The VMRC thanks the entire UNM community for its help and support in ensuring that military-affiliated students succeed,” Maestas said.
