Quincy University was recently awarded the ‘Military Friendly’ designation for the 2022-2023 school year. QU received the recognition for its practice of recruiting and supporting post-military students through higher education. 

The designation is given out by the military division of VIQTORY, a service-disabled and veteran-owned business. Viqtory has national guidelines set out to rate which universities maximize professional opportunities for veterans and their families. Out of the 1,800 applicants, QU was one of the 665 schools given the honor this year. 

This is QU’s sixth consecutive year of receiving the award. The school hopes to create more opportunities for veterans to have success in school.

One veteran and QU student is senior, Rodney Maynor, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011. During his seven year service he was stationed across Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, Canada, and was deployed in Afghanistan in 2014. 

“I had developed an Interest in the finance world while I was in the military, and I wanted to start pursuing work in the finance world,” Maynor said. “Quincy University has been extremely beneficial in helping me transition into the civilian world and pursuing education by mostly being available… the supporting offices have been very beneficial anytime I need help with financial aid, building resumes, and the success center have been extremely beneficial for my transition.”

Maynor plans to graduate at the end of the semester and continue his accounting position at Knapheide Manufacturing in town. 

QU’s number one goal in pursuing this recognition each year is being able to positively impact the lives of military students. Vice President of Enrollment Management, Tom Oliver, explains the importance for the university to be a helping hand in veterans’ educational success. 

“The amount of support we provide veterans through financial aid is important and we also provide a lot of institutional assistance to help veterans through their education expenses… how can we meet the special needs that our veterans might bring to campus is the goal and for the last six years we have checked all the boxes on those and have been one of the school’s chosen,” Oliver said. 

While this currently gives QU positive recognition for their efforts over the past six years, the award is also an identifier for the school when it comes to future recruitment. 

Sophomore, Elias James offers his thoughts on how he looks at the school after finding out about the award. 

“I have family and close friends in the military, so hearing the school help out veterans out of service through school means a lot and I’m happy to be attending a school that offers assistance. It would give me enough reason to convince my friends in the service to check us out if they were interested in education,” James said. 

With enrollment numbers continuing to increase on QU’s campus each year, the university can expect more veterans to enroll. QU hopes students feel that they have the support they need financially and professionally from their first day to graduation day.