Wilkes University Earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools® Designation

Wilkes University announced that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools designation. Wilkes was recognized with silver distinction, which is for institutions offering exceptional military and veteran programs that scored above 21% in the survey and have three or more qualifying benchmarks. Wilkes is in the category for private schools offering doctorate programs.

"Wilkes University earning the Military Friendly® School designation is a tremendous honor for the institution. It's also a great honor for me to be a part of Wilkes' outstanding support to the veterans and their dependents," says Lt. Col. Mark Kaster (retired), Wilkes University's veterans counselor. "This support Wilkes provides to our veterans is truly a team effort from everyone at the university. Dedication and caring during a veteran's experience at Wilkes generates continued success after their service and sacrifice to our country."

The Military Friendly® School designation comes as a result of the University's support services designed to aid veterans, including:

• A dedicated veterans affairs counselor who works with veterans as they enroll at the University.
• The Wilkes Student Veterans Council, which provides programming to help members of the military transition to the civilian world. Council members also support service projects related to the military, such as sending care packages overseas.
• The Veterans Center of Excellence, located on campus in Conyngham Hall, which offers a place where veterans can meet and study. Programs to assist veterans also are provided at the center.
• The Inter-Organizational Veteran Educational Support Team (INVEST), which connects Wilkes and community partners who can help mitigate risk factors that hinder veteran persistence in higher education.
• Veterans Memorial Court, located in the Fenner Quadrangle. Dedicated on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II, memorial plaques and benches among the United States, Pennsylvania and University flags offer a contemplative space in the heart of campus.

"As a Navy veteran, student and President of the Wilkes University Veterans Council Club, the Veterans Center of Excellence has been a place where I've found strong support and a real sense of community. The mentorship from Lt. Col. Kaster (retired) and the lasting impact of his leadership, along with the resources at Wilkes, have made a meaningful difference in my transition to student life," says Stephanie Smith. Originally from Long Beach, California, Smith now lives in Falls, Pennsylvania and is a double major in business and criminology, with a minor in legal studies. "Having someone who truly believes in your success makes all the difference, and that support is reflected in Wilkes being named a Military Friendly® Silver institution."

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation.

"Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution's deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don't just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence," says Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships, Military Friendly®.

Wilkes joins over 870 other institutions who have received the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools designation.

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization's survey score, public data and an assessment of the institution's ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

Wilkes will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.

For more information about Wilkes University's student veteran programs, visit wilkes.edu/veterans