Grand Valley ranked as the top Michigan college or university, 11th nationally, in the 2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings .
This year's list included 357 institutions, the largest group in the program’s history. The Best for Vets rankings are a comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
“We're proud to be honored for the support that Grand Valley provides to both active and retired service members who bring experience, leadership and perspective to our campus,” said Philomena V. Mantella, Grand Valley State University president. “The recent introduction of the GVSU Military Promise is the latest step in our continued commitment to those who protect and serve us.”
The recognition coincides with Grand Valley's 11th straight year being named a top veteran-friendly school by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency earlier this fall.
It also comes on the heels of the university's announcement about the GVSU Military Promise, joining other military and veteran-focused programs like Veterans Advance, Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship-Lab, the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Program and the LEADS for Vets accelerated bachelor's program.
MORE: Grand Valley unveils GVSU Military Promise program during Veterans Day Luncheon
Shane Scherer, director of the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center, said the recognition affirms that Grand Valley is doing what needs to be done to support veterans in terms of academic success and available programming and resources.
“It’s a game changer,” Scherer said about having a dedicated resource center. “Military people have this unspoken bond that transcends the resource center. So, when you get them all together in one centralized location, it just makes life easier.”
The recognized support for Laker veterans is felt by former Marine Corps Sgt. Collin Selders. Selders said the resource center is an invaluable piece in making the difficult transition from the military to higher education.
“It helps you feel more supported when you have other students who can resonate with what you’re experiencing,” said Selders, who is studying accounting. “This place here on campus, specifically, has been tremendously helpful in creating my own path.”
Scherer said the recognition represents an opportunity to keep striving.
“The goal would always, obviously, to be recognized as number one," Scherer said. "Number 11 is great, but there’s still more work to be done.”
