Once again, Middlesex County College has been named as one of the most veteran-friendly colleges in the United States, receiving recognition for its service to student-veterans, according to lists developed by three media companies: Military Times, Military Advanced Education, and Victory Media. This is the third year MCC has been named to the Military Times\u2019 list, the fourth time for Military Advanced Education, and the fifth year for Victory Media. In addition, MCC was named as the number 4 two-year school in the nation for veterans by Online College Plan, a college search service for prospective students and their parents.<\/p>\n
MCC President Joann La Perla-Morales credited the Veterans Services Center for the rankings. Established in 2011 with support from the Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation, the center\u2019s mission is to assist with quality education and comprehensive support services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe center has done a great job in assisting military veterans as they transition to civilian life,\u201d she said. \u201cThey make sure veterans receive all the entitlements for which they are eligible, coordinate services they need to be successful, and create an environment where they can socialize with other military veterans.\u201d<\/p>\n
One such veteran is Mike Gada, who was in the Army and is now a Computer Science major.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Veterans Center has been a focal point for making sure I\u2019m on the correct path to achieve my full potential,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Richard Feldman, the coordinator of the Veterans Center, said he was grateful for the generous support of the Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Foundation has allowed us to make a real difference in the lives of these men and women,\u201d he said. \u201cI love watching these students prosper in their transition back into civilian life. One of my favorite days of the year is Commencement, where I can watch with pride as our veterans graduate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Military Times publishes magazines for members in the branches of military service. Its survey, called \u201cBest for Vets,\u201d is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. More than 500 colleges took part in this year\u2019s detailed survey. Middlesex was ranked 10th in the nation among two-year colleges; it was the only community college in New Jersey to make the list.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe limit our list to encourage competition, and we genuinely hope this helps raise the bar for veterans on campus,\u201d said Amanda Miller, editor of Best for Vets.<\/p>\n
The rankings are published in full in the issues of Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times.<\/p>\n