Saint Leo University Named 2019-20 Military Spouse Friendly® School

Saint Leo University has earned the 2019-2020 Military Spouse Friendly® School designation for providing exceptional education opportunities and support services for the spouses and families of those serving in the armed forces.

"The Military Spouse Friendly® Schools designation helps military spouses select schools that will support them in their education journey by meeting their unique needs as a part of a military family," said Brian Hucik, national program manager for Military Friendly. "Schools that are selected for the list are at the forefront of supporting the goals of military spouses."

In January, Saint Leo University was named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2019-2020 in the category of private institutions offering doctoral degrees. Saint Leo is ranked seventh in the nation as a Military Friendly® School.

 "Saint Leo University is humbled to be recognized for not only educating those who have served and continue to serve our country, but also for providing educational opportunities for their spouses and other family members," said Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese, university president. "Being designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School is an honor for Saint Leo because we value the sacrifice of our military families. The university supports the many military spouses who are completing their Saint Leo degrees while raising a family, dealing with deployments, and working outside of the home."

The university will be included in the 2019-2020 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list to be published in the September issue of Military Spouse magazine. The list can also be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings for the listing were established by VIQTORY, 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, and Military Friendly® brands. Input also was received from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution's survey scores with an assessment of student retention, graduation rate, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student-veterans.

The university has a history of being supportive of military. When the U.S. Air Force approached Saint Leo about educating its personnel, the university opened an education center in 1973 at Avon Park Bombing Range in Highlands County, FL, as well as MacDill Education Office in Tampa, FL. Now, Saint Leo educates students on 13 military bases in seven states as well as online throughout the world.

Saint Leo also has Military Resource Centers at three locations—at its main campus north of Tampa, at the Newport News (VA) Education Center, and at the Savannah (GA) Education Center. The centers are places where the university's military-affiliated students may study, hold meetings, get training, and relax.

For more information about military and veterans services, call (352) 588-8853.