Veterans and Nontraditional Student Center plays a leading role in ensuring students access benefits, resources, and a welcoming community

March 30, 2026

The University of Wisconsin‑Superior has earned the 2026–2027 Military Friendly Schools® Gold designation from G.I. Jobs®, recognizing the university’s continued efforts to support military personnel, veterans and their family members in achieving their educational goals. This marks the 17th consecutive year UW‑Superior has received the Military Friendly Schools® designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® distinction are evaluated using public data sources alongside responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the most recent Military Friendly® survey cycle.

Methodology, criteria and weightings are determined by Military Friendly® in consultation with its Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders within the military community. Final ratings combine survey results, public data, and an assessment of how well institutions meet or exceed thresholds related to student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

“For UW‑Superior to receive the Military Friendly® Gold designation reflects our strong and ongoing commitment to creating an environment where military‑connected students feel welcomed, supported and empowered to succeed,” said Lynn Lowney, military‑connected student programs coordinator at UW‑Superior. “Gold is the highest honor awarded by Military Friendly®, and this recognition highlights the hard work of our campus community to ensure veterans and military‑connected students can transition smoothly and thrive once they are here.”

That commitment aligns with the broader mission emphasized by Military Friendly® leadership.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it reflects an institution’s deep‑rooted values and strategic commitment to those who have served,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses – they create sustainable pathways for academic success and long‑term impact. Their support is transformative and sets a standard for educational excellence.”

UW‑Superior will be featured in the 2026–2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools®, published in the April issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and online at MilitaryFriendly.com.

Central to UW‑Superior’s success is the Veterans and Nontraditional Student Center, which provides a comprehensive range of support services for military‑connected students.

“In the Veterans and Nontraditional Student Center, we are fortunate to have Lynn Karna, who is truly our benefits expert,” Lowney said. “Whether students are navigating GI Bill benefits or facing other challenges, she is an invaluable resource.”

Lowney added that the center also offers support related to housing and food insecurity, suicide prevention, mental health resources, military‑connected programs, and community‑building events designed to bring moments of relaxation and connection into students’ lives.

“The space itself is designed to be welcoming and flexible,” she said. “It includes a quiet study room with toys, coloring books, and puzzles that also serves as a lactation room, which can be reserved at the front desk, as well as an open area for studying or spending time between classes.”

Military Friendly® is the national standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and effectiveness in providing meaningful benefits to the military community. More than 3,200 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designations. Military Friendly® is a service‑disabled, veteran‑owned small business and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Rankings are produced through a rules‑based algorithm.

More information about the Military Friendly® methodology can be found at Military Friendly | Better for Veterans