UTA academic programs ranked best in nation, state for veterans
The University of Texas at Arlington’s unwavering commitment to serving the nation’s veterans has once again been recognized with No. 1 rankings for two UTA degree programs.
According to College Factual’s 2018 online rankings, UTA’s nursing program is the best in the nation for veterans. The program ranked No. 1 of 526 colleges and universities. It is the only nursing program in Texas ranked in the top 30 and moved up eight places over its 2017 ranking.
College Factual also ranked UTA’s social work program No. 1 in Texas and No. 5 in the nation for veterans. College Factual ranked 368 university and college social work programs. UTA is the only university in Texas ranked in the top 20. The social work program’s ranking improved by 10 places over 2017.
Military Times ranked UTA the No. 1 four-year institution in Texas and No. 12 in the nation for veterans and their families to earn a degree on its Military Times Best: Colleges 2018 list, reinforcing the University’s status as a veteran-ready institution. Victory Media also ranked UTA No. 9 among its Top Ten Tier 1 research institutions on its Military Friendly Schools 2018 list and awarded UTA gold status for its commitment to serving veterans.
Approximately 5,000 student veterans and military-connected family members are currently pursuing degrees at UTA, or about 11.5 percent of the University’s enrollment, as reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the nation’s best school for veterans pursing nursing degrees and among the five best in the nation for veterans pursuing careers in the field of social work. But the true honor is in serving our veterans as they transition to the next phase of their lives, choosing to further their pursuit of excellence by earning a UTA degree in fields of study where there is a great need for our state and nation,” said UTA President Vistasp Karbhari.
The University recently enhanced services offered to veterans and added an executive director of veteran programs. Under the direction of James Kumm, a combat veteran and seasoned higher education administrator, the University launched a veterans assistance website and has plans to open a new Veterans Resource Center, which will be a one-stop-shop for veterans to receive assistance before they enroll, while they are students, and even after they earn a degree through specialized career placement services.
“UTA is already successfully integrating our student veterans and military-connected families with amazing programs on campus, but we want to continue to do more,” Kumm said. “We believe if we can track their progress and intervene when someone needs us, this deserving population will get the most out of their experience at UTA. In turn, the Texas labor force will see an infusion of highly skilled veterans, which are immediate assets to any industry.”
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Benjamin Griffin, special advisor to Karbhari on veteran affairs, said the work UTA is doing to serve this population is to be commended.
“It is a pleasure to serve this university and witness UTA’s commitment to excellence,” Griffin said. “This is especially true when it comes to providing guidance, assistance and opportunity to the men and women who served our nation and their families. UTA is excelling in extraordinary ways, and I’m proud to be a part of it all.”