October 9, 2025
Oakland University continues to provide the highest level of service to its student veterans, earning a gold rating on the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s 2025 list of veteran-friendly schools.
The agency’s Veteran-Friendly Schools program recognizes Michigan educational institutions for serving the educational needs of veterans and military-connected students.
Schools are evaluated based on seven criteria related to veteran-focused services and programs. Gold status requires fulfillment of six or more criteria, while silver requires four criteria and bronze, three.
The criteria include having an established process for identifying student veterans; an active student-operated veterans club or association; veteran-specific career services, resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring; an on-campus veterans coordinator; a system to evaluate and award credit based on military training and experience; and monitoring and evaluating student veteran academic retention, transfer and graduation rates.
OU fulfilled all criteria for the ninth consecutive year, a testament to the ongoing dedication of the university’s Veterans Support Services office. Earlier this year, Oakland was honored as an “Education Innovator” by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, receiving three Innovation Awards for its collaborative, forward-thinking efforts to support student veterans.
Student veteran William Otero credited OU’s Veterans Support Services staff for helping him “every step of the way” to ensure a “seamless transition” to college life.
Sean Twyman, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, called VSS staff members Lisa Rhoades, Cathy Weber and Roberta Hayden “a blessing to work with” noting that “their courtesy and professionalism has always been on the highest level, always being there to go above and beyond to ensure our success as veterans in an important life transition.”
Student veteran Willie L. Payne also spoke highly of the VSS team. “In all my years of service, I have not had a more attentive group of people,” he said. “Their willingness to go the extra mile to resolve my issues is so commendable. If all VA departments care for their vets as much as they do, I think we would have more vets seeking the help they require and deserve.”
Connect with other veterans on campus by joining Student Veterans of OU through Grizz Orgs on MySail. To learn more about OU Veterans Support Services, visit oakland.edu/veterans, call (248) 370-2010 or email vss@oakland.edu.