The University of New Mexico (UNM) announced it has been named the 15th Best for Vets College in 2023 by Military Times. The rank was evaluated depending on offerings including admissions preferences, priority registration, mental health services, career counseling, academic support, VA work-study options, and financial assistance, according to a press release by UNM.
UNM's Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) delivers support to military-affiliated students, offering services such as a Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) mentoring program and access to an embedded mental health counselor. The VMRC provides mental health benefits, stress-management sessions, peer support-group meetings, special learning accommodations, and referrals to various support services. Opportunities for veterans to apply for specific scholarships after utilizing their VA education benefits are also available at the center. The VMRC offers financial services including counseling on Department of Defense (DoD)/VA benefits and assistance with financial aid and forms processing said UNM.
“We are once again honored and humbled to receive a Best for Vets designation,” said Alonzo Maestas, Director VMRC. “The VMRC staff’s dedication to helping military-affiliated students along with UNM’s commitment to serve the military-affiliated population is unparalleled,” according to a press release by UNM.
The mission of VMRC is establishing the university as the leading veteran-friendly institution in the state. It focuses on improving admission retention, graduation rates for veterans. This mission includes making the center accessible to all of New Mexico's veterans fostering strong connections providing resources enhancing veterans' successful entry into the workforce according to the VMRC website by UNM.
“We want our students to feel seen respected valued we strive to help them transition life as a college student succeed their academic journey continue on graduate school their chosen professions,” said Maestas according to a press release by UNM.
