Southern Miss Veterans Program Ranked No. 1 in State by Prestigious Military Publication

Mon, 12/16/2024 - 11:01am | By: Jennifer Rigney

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been ranked No. 1 in the state by the prestigious resource guide Military Times in its “Best for Vets: Colleges 2024 Rankings,” the largest and most comprehensive ranking of the best schools for military service members and veterans.  

The ranking looks at services available to veterans and practical information that will help veterans make important decisions about their career planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through military service.

Launched in 2014 under the direction of Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond (U.S. Army, ret.), the university’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families currently serves more than 1,850 military-affiliated students on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses.

Programs and resources provided include counseling on and processing of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and financial aid; career advising; class registration; tutoring; space to study and socialize; mentorship programs; military-related service projects; mental health counseling; help for physically disabled vets; and legal aid.

Dr. Kristi Motter, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, expressed the university’s commitment to military students and their families.

“Our university takes immense pride in supporting those who have served our country,” said Motter. “This distinction reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, and their tireless efforts in providing exceptional resources and support to our military students.” 

The Center also offers scholarships for military-affiliated students, supports more than 20 student workers through the VA work-study program and hosts a Student Veterans of America chapter.