UIW Ranked No. 1 by National Publication in “Best for Vets” Category For Second Consecutive Year

"Military Times" out with Latest Rankings

Photo Caption: Jessica Andrade/President, Student Veterans of America - UIW

San Antonio - November 8, 2024 - "My time at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life."

And UIW graduate student Jessica "Jay" Andrade knows a lot about challenges. Standing just 5'3", the native San Antonian admits she may not be the most imposing sight, but she more than stands tall among the veteran community here on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word just as she did during her time serving our country.

"At 17, I enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard," recalls Andrade. "I went to Airborne School at 18, earned my Air Assault Badge and became a Sergeant at 19. I passed Jumpmaster School on my first try and I've jumped out of airplanes more than 50 times."

After leaving the service, Andrade worked two jobs while going to school full-time. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M - San Antonio with a Bachelor of Business Administration. And she is now a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics through the UIW School of Professional Studies with plans to graduate in May 2025. She also serves as the President of the Student Veterans of America-UIW.

Her story is just one of hundreds among the veterans who currently attend UIW, where 21% of the student population are military affiliated… that is more than 1500 students. And it is veterans like Andrade who have helped the University of the Incarnate Word to be ranked No. 1 in the country in the 2024 "Best for Vets" list recently issued by the online publication Military Times. This marks the second year in a row that UIW is the top ranked school on this prestigious list.

It's a ranking Andrade does not find surprising. "I hadn't realized just how military-friendly the campus was," says Andrade. "But after taking a year off from school, I knew I needed a new challenge. UIW felt like the perfect fit. It was a place where I wouldn't feel out of place with my faith, a campus where the mascot was my favorite bird (I've got a tattoo of a cardinal to prove it), and a community where my life partner had graduated. It just made sense."

According to the publication, the Military Times 2024 "Best for Vets: Colleges" rankings are the largest and most comprehensive annual list recognizing the top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans. This year, an impressive 304 schools made the list, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the military community in their educational journeys. Each year,Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veteran Affairs, undergo a rigorous analysis by the Military Times data team to produce a trusted, unbiased ranking. "Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology ensure that our rankings remain a trusted resource," says Jon Simkins, executive editor at Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times.

"It took an entire team effort from our students, faculty and staff that allowed UIW to shine and be selected as the No. 1 school in the nation on the 2024 Military Times "Best for Vets" rankings," says Jonathan Lovejoy, senior director for UIW Military and Veterans Affairs. "UIW's dedication to our hard working and dedicated military connected students allows them to achieve their academic goals. I am honored to be part of the UIW team as we achieved the No. 1 ranking two years in a row!"

Lovejoy helps to lead a team that oversees the UIW Military and Veterans Center, a one-stop place for military-affiliated students that offers services and resources to our veteran community. The Center also helps to coordinate yearly events across campus including Veterans Day services, military commissioning ceremonies, the military appreciation game and more.

"If I had one piece of advice for the military-affiliated community, it would be this: take the next challenge. Don't wait for someone to order you to do so," concludes Andrade. "Get that degree, whatever it is, and join the small percentage of the population that's both veteran and educated. We're already part of the 6% who were willing to make the sacrifice; let's be part of the 35% with a bachelor's or the 15% who hold a master's. Take control of your future-on your terms, in your time. Step out of your shell, embrace the discomfort, and let those experiences shape you into the best version of yourself."