If it weren’t for the support for military veterans at UF, Victor Lopez, 27, would have dropped out of school.
That type of support is why UF was recently named one of the top schools in the ninth edition of the Military Advanced Education & Transition’s Guide to Colleges & Universities. The journal rates schools based on military culture, financial assistance, flexibility, general support, online support and on-campus support, according to its website.
The journal, published by the KMI Media Group, rates institutions based on information provided by the schools.
Out of the six categories, UF ranked highest on general support and on-campus support.
“If we can be a resource for them on campus, then we can get them any resource they need off campus,” said Anthony DeSantis, UF’s associate dean of students.
DeSantis said UF is looking to increase on-campus services for veterans at UF, starting with orientation.
“One of our goals this year is to expand the orientation program for students in the professional schools,” he said.
Lopez, who transferred to UF last Fall, said he didn’t know anybody at the school.
The Collegiate Veterans Success Center in Yon Hall gave him a place to talk to others who shared a military experience, he said.
He pointed out a board decorated with military uniform patches from branches of the military and photos of men and women in uniform. He said it’s a place for veterans to talk about their experiences.
“The reason that a lot of us come in here is because of that,” he said, his gaze on the pictures.
Brett Surles, a student veteran who works at the center, said it provides help with grants, scholarships and job opportunities.
“This place keeps us connected with everything on campus,” the 25-year-old UF chemical engineering junior said.
Contact Melissa Gomez at mgomez@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @MelissaGomez004.
