Award marks fourth time Excelsior has earned coveted distinction

Albany, N.Y. (September 25, 2012) – For the fourth time in four years, Excelsior College has been selected by G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military-friendly school. G.I. Jobs list honors the top echelon of colleges, universities and trade schools that exhibit best practices in the recruitment and retention of military and veteran students. Of more than 5,200 Excelsior graduates in the 2011-2012 academic year, 34 percent were members of the U.S. military.

"Throughout our 41 year history, Excelsior College has remained steadfast in our commitment to our brave military and veteran communities," said Sue Dewan, executive director of Excelsior College's Center for Military Education (CME). "For many, higher education is all that stands between them and a successful transition back to civilian life. We will continue to show them the support they need to achieve a college degree."

To earn the distinction, schools must demonstrate an embracement of America's veterans as students through student support systems, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility, and other services. The 2013 designation is based on an extensive data-driven review of more than 12,000 VA approved schools nationwide. The complete survey methodology is available.

The process included an academic advisory board consisting of educators from colleges and universities from around the country and representatives from Student Veterans of America and Military Spouse Education Initiative.

This is the latest of several recognitions bestowed upon Excelsior by the military community in recent years.

Excelsior College's other education credentials include:

• Military Advanced Education has named Excelsior among the top military-friendly colleges or universities nationwide for the past five years.
• Excelsior's course, "Success Strategies for Military and Veterans" earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college and career orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.
• Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) Institutional Award.
• Excelsior's military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans and their spouses.
• CME Executive Director Susan Dewan is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.
• Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army's educational mission.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned small business which also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines, and annually rates the nation’s "Military Friendly Employers," "Military Spouse Friendly Employers" and "Best Corporations for Veteran-owned Businesses."