has earned the for the 16th consecutive year, demonstrating its continued and unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students.
For 2025-2026, the Kent Campus has continued the highest recognition of a Gold ranking for the second consecutive year. This consistent acknowledgement as a Military Friendly School underscores Kent State’s dedication to providing exceptional support and services to veterans, active-duty personnel and their families.
In addition, Kent State’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, first presented to the university in 2022 for its support for veteran and military students, has also been renewed for three years. Ohio became the first state in the nation to offer the Collegiate Purple Star designation in 2022, launching under the leadership of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The renewal in 2025 was announced by the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Joshua Rider, executive director of Kent State’s Center for Adult and Veteran Services, shared with Kent State Today his thoughts on the university once again earning these honors.
“Kent State continues to be a state and national leader in serving our military-connected students,” he said. “Receiving the Military Friendly designation for the 16th consecutive year and having our Collegiate Purple Heart status renewed by the state of Ohio are the public, outward-facing symbols of that commitment. Receiving these awards is a testimony to not only the work of the Center for Adult and Veteran Services but to the institution as a whole, and to all the folks who help to make this a supportive place for these students.”
The Military Friendly ratings program, initiated in 2003 and managed by VIQTORY Media, uses a comprehensive survey to identify schools that best support military students. The program evaluates an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.
Kent State’s Center for Adult and Veteran Services continues to play a crucial role in earning this recognition. The center’s mission is to provide a voice and enhance the experiences of adult, military-connected and parenting students both in and out of the classroom. The center accomplishes its mission through its programs, events, initiatives, services and compliance with military-connected federal and state agencies.
Kent State takes pride in serving and supporting military and veteran students. The university hosts an annual Veterans Day Commemoration to pay formal tribute to all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, including students, alumni and employees. The university’s 2025 Veterans Day Commemoration will take place at 11 a.m. on Nov. 10 at the Kent Campus’ Student Green.
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Top Photo Caption:
Members of Kent State’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs during the university's 2024 Veterans Day Commemoration.