Indiana University East is listed as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media Inc., the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. The list was announced today (September 17).

This is the fourth year Victory Media has released its list of Military Friendly Schools.

The list of Military Friendly Schools includes interactive tools and allows military students to search for universities and colleges based on their unique needs and preferences.  The colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

Tim Fienning, financial aid and scholarships advisor and VA certifying official at IU East, said there were 95 student veterans in spring 2012, compared to just 25 veterans in 2007. He added that these veterans live within the region as well as being stationed internationally including in Germany, South Korea, England, Saudia Arabia or Afghanistan.

“I take it as a privilege to serve our student veterans,” Fienning said. “IU East strives to go above and beyond to help our students on campus and online.”

Cam Sparks, president of the Student Veterans Organization, said IU East is very military friendly. She is a specialist in the U.S. Army National Guard and a criminal justice major at IU East.

“Tim Fienning and Dennis Hicks go above and beyond their duties to assist military members and veterans. They both have made my experience as a veteran returning to school an easy transition,” Sparks said. “Most of the faculty is exceptional in working with problems that arise with military members. It has been a great experience working with those individuals.”

The list is available at militaryfriendlyschools.com.