UTA improves five spots in 2019 Military Times rankings
Military Times ranked The University of Texas at Arlington the No. 1 four-year institution in Texas for veterans and their families to earn a college degree.
Nationally, UTA ranked No. 7 on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 list, which was published last week. UTA moved up five spots from its No. 12 ranking on the 2018 list. Military Times recognized UTA for its 85 percent veteran graduation rate, the top rate among the 10 four-year universities ranked on the 2019 list.
The University celebrated the prestigious recognition and thanked veterans for their service and contributions to UTA during a faculty and staff breakfast for veterans as a part of Military Appreciation Week.
“We are privileged to be able to serve our veterans and their families. They represent a spirit and passion to which we aspire. They served our nation with distinction, and are now serving as role models on campus showing the importance of commitment, dedication, and honor, and reminding us every day, through their presence, of the responsibility that each of us bears to protect our nation and its freedoms, and to work to make this country and the world a better place,” UTA President Vistasp Karbhari said. “Their success is due to their drive and hard work, as well as the tremendous efforts made by our talented and dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to enhancing levels of student success across our university. I’m extremely thankful for, and proud of, the work that they are doing.”
Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso and vice chair of the state House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, said, “The rankings show the University’s resolute vow to support veterans and their dependents. The improvement in the rankings shows that what UTA is doing is working.”
James Kumm, the executive director of veteran programs at UTA, said the University’s success starts in wanting to help every veteran and veteran family member who expresses interest in UTA.
“Making the Veterans Center a one-stop shop for everything veterans need is imperative for success. We want to be veteran-friendly in every possible way,” Kumm said. “Knowing which way to direct these new students is essential in guaranteeing their success. Whether it’s the Veterans Business Outreach Center, the Veterans Upward Bound program or the Lockheed Martin Career Development Center, you have to determine which program is right for which student. Only setting them on the right path can yield fruitful results in their futures.”
The Veterans Upward Bound Program is one of only 49 at universities around the nation. UTA’s veteran orientation specifically addresses the unique needs of veterans returning to their educational pursuits either during or at the conclusion of military service.
The state-of-the-art Lockheed Martin Career Development Center offers veteran-specific training and support to ensure that military service, skills, and experience translate to civilian employment, and also connects students to veteran-friendly employers to enhance career prospects and networking.
Kumm said creating a veteran specific website centralizes services for military-connected Mavericks. The page features a “contact us” button. Kumm personally responds to each inquiry, often within an hour.
According to Military Times, its 2019 rankings were more competitive than ever. Military Times’ methodology included an analysis of responses to a rigorous survey of institutions as well as data from the U.S. Departments of Education, Defense and Veterans Affairs to measure schools’ culture, quality and outcomes, policies, student support and affordability.