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Military Friendly® Schools status awarded to Evangel University & AGTS

Published on Nov 10, 2016 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Evangel University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary were honored today (Nov. 10, 2016) when it was announced they have earned the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation, a national recognition for their efforts on behalf of veterans, military service personnel and their families.

There are 60 students and dependents who are using their veteran benefits on the North Glenstone campus this fall. Evangel and AGTS have been recognized as Military Friendly® Schools since 2011.

2016-09.07 Jasmin Luck, TimothyMeacham
Jasmin Luck, a U.S. Air Force chaplain candidate and AGTS student, explores information displayed at a picnic hosted by Evangel University last summer for veterans at EU, AGTS, Drury, MSU and OTC. // PHOTO BY: Timothy Meacham (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“It is an honor to again be recognized as a Military Friendly School,” said Dr. Carol A. Taylor, president of Evangel. “We are committed to serving the men and women who have served our nation by providing a quality education and strong support services.”

Chaplain Stormy Davis is the coordinator of veterans services at Evangel.

“I’ve had veterans and families ask about this Military Friendly status each year,” she said. “They feel more comfortable coming to the school themselves, or sending family members, if they know we’ll be able to understand their needs.”

Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,100 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 65 undergraduate majors and 17 master’s and doctoral degrees.

AGTS has a long history of training military chaplains. Currently, more than 180 AGTS alumni are serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces and Veterans Administration, and 22 students are preparing for chaplaincy.

Making the list

The Military Friendly® Schools recognition is given by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs SM, and Military Spouse. The list was first published in 2009.

Final ratings are determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Up to 400,000 service members, including Reservists and members of the Guard, leave military service each year; more than a third attend college after separation.

The list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

According to Daniel Nichols, a Navy Reserve veteran and Chief Product Officer at Victory Media, “Military Friendly® helps military families make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits, while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields.”

The Military Friendly® list was released on Nov. 10, 2016 — ratings, lists and program information are available for free at https://militaryfriendly.com.

The Veteran’s Center at Evangel

When Dr. Taylor talks about the strong support services offered at Evangel, she points with pride to the Admiral Vern Clark Veterans Center, located in the AGTS complex on the corner of Glenstone and Division.

“Our veterans and those currently in military service are valued members of our community, and they have a special home on campus in our Veterans Center,” said President Taylor.

2016-11.10 Clark Veterans Center, AGTS, MegWhite
Admiral Vern Clark (USN, Ret) at the 2015 dedication service for the Evangel University Veterans Center, located on the main floor of AGTS. // PHOTO BY: Meg White (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

The Clark Veterans Center provides focused service to military families, including helping them keep track of required federal paperwork, connecting them with upperclassmen who can familiarize them with the university and offering a comfortable place in which they can relax.

“Sometimes these men and women need to get away from the crowds,” said Chaplain Davis. “This is designed to be a safe, warm and welcoming place, where they can meet with fellow vets, or just study in peace.”

Admiral Clark is a 1967 business graduate of Evangel. He is also the retired Chief of Naval Operations for the U.S. Navy, having served in that position and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2000-2005. He is the second-longest serving CNO in U.S. history.

The Veterans Center opened in the summer of 2014, and the dedication ceremony was held on March 24, 2015. The dedication video can be seen online.

For further information, contact: Chaplain Stormy Davis at AGTS, (417) 865-2811 ext. 8841, or daviss@evangel.edu

About Victory Media

Founded in 2001, Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur®, STEM Jobs SM and Military Friendly® brands.

For more information about Victory Media, visit www.victorymedia.com or contact Suzanne Treviño at strevino@gcjpr.com or 602-618-7857.

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