WCU Earns Military Friendly School Gold Distinction for 2026-2027
West Chester University has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School designation,
maintaining Gold status in recognition of leading practices, outcomes, and effective
programs for members of the military and veterans enrolled at the University. WCU
has also maintained status as a 2026-2027 Military Spouse Friendly School.
Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community. More than 3,200 schools sought Military Friendly designation by participating in this year’s proprietary survey. Institutions were also evaluated using public data sources. Gold award status is reserved for schools that scored within 10% of the 10th-ranking school in their category.
West Chester University strives to create an intentional culture of understanding, acceptance, and success for veterans, active military, National Guard service members, and those who support them. Services and resources for members of the military and veterans at WCU are centralized through the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center, thanks to the endeavors of WCU leadership, the WCU Foundation, and the WCU Veterans Center team: June Thompson, administrative assistant; Vince DeMarro, VA School Certifying Official; George Ohene, graduate assistant; and Lillian Morrison, Veterans Center Director and VA School Certifying Official.
The Veterans Center team has facilitated communication among campus offices so that student veterans and their families enjoy a coordinated system of service and a meaningful transition from the military to the University. The Weisenstein Endowment has been established to provide annual support in scholarships and programming for WCU student veterans. Staff includes a licensed professional counselor dedicated specifically to the specialized needs of WCU’s student veteran population. Expanded resources such as this have been made possible through the generosity of donors and alumni. In addition, faculty and staff across the University demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and engaging student veterans. The Veterans Center is part of WCU’s Division for Access, Compliance and Engagement.
The Veterans Center also offers student veterans spaces to meet formally, study, relax, recharge, and socialize, plus resources and events that connect veterans at WCU with those in the local community.
The University also offers a supportive environment for military spouses and dependents, who are encouraged to utilize the Veterans Center and its variety of resources and participate in its programming. Military spouses and dependents have served as members of the WCU Student Veterans Group and as staff of the Veterans Center.
The complete 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools list is published in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com.
Learn more about WCU’s Veterans Center and student veteran programs or contact them by email: veteranscenter@wcupa.edu.