Syracuse University Sees Significant Jump on U.S. News ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’ List

Nearly 70 years ago, Syracuse University enthusiastically opened its doors to roughly 10,000 veterans, many of whom had just returned home from serving during World War II. Today Syracuse University is a leader in attracting, welcoming and empowering veterans and military families. This includes a series of strategic initiatives, including the creation of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

Today, those efforts are being recognized by U.S. News & World Report, which just released the 2017 Best Colleges rankings, and has identified Syracuse University as the 36th (out of nearly 300 colleges and universities) best college in the United States for veterans. Last year, Syracuse University ranked 50th on the same list.

“I am proud of the great work we are doing and I applaud Chancellor Syverud for his steadfast commitment to making Syracuse University the best institution for veterans and their families,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor and IVMF executive director. “Our veterans and their families have a profound and lasting impact on this University. We know that they come to Syracuse, they collectively make us better. That they are choosing to attend Syracuse demonstrates that the programming we are offering and the initiatives we are taking are enhancing their collegiate experience and meeting their unique needs. I look forward to seeing many other initiatives come to life in the months and years ahead.”

This recognition comes on the heels of a significant award being bestowed on the University. Earlier this year, Syracuse University and Chancellor Syverud were the inaugural William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award by the Student Veterans of America (SVA), nonprofit coalition of more than 1,200 student veteran organizations at colleges and universities across the U.S. While presenting the award, Jared Lyon G’13, SVA’s president and CEO, called Chancellor Syverud a tireless advocate for student veterans, and said Syracuse University continues to set an example for universities across the United States to increase their efforts in serving our nation’s veterans.

The University’s focus on veterans is a critical component of the Campus Framework. On the near horizon is the building of the National Veterans Resource Complex (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility that will leverage a public-private partnership to advance academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC will build upon and advance Syracuse University’s already strong national leadership in the veterans’ community, and serve as a class-leading exemplar of academic, government and community collaboration.

The NVRC will serve as the enduring home of the IVMF, which has served more than 48,000 veterans and military families. Construction on the NVRC is slated to begin in mid-to-late October with the demolition of the Hoople Building, the site on which the NVRC will reside.

The NVRC is just one of many efforts tailored toward veterans at Syracuse University. Other initiatives include the Barnes Family Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities Program; the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families; the V-WISE program; and the Syracuse Veterans’ Writing Group, among many others.