The University of New Mexico (UNM) was recently ranked the 15th Best for Vets College in 2023 by Military Times. The ranking was evaluated on criteria 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. They offer services such as a Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) mentoring program and access to an embedded mental health counselor. VMRC provides mental health benefits, stress-management sessions, peer support-group meetings, special learning accommodations, referrals to various support services and opportunities for veterans to apply for specific scholarships after utilizing their VA education benefits. The center also offers financial services which include counseling on Department of Defense (DoD)/VA benefits and assistance with financial aid forms processing," said UNM in a press release.
“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,” he added in a press release by UNM.
The mission of VMRC is to establish the university as the leading veteran-friendly institution in the state. The focus is on improving admission retention and graduation rates for veterans. The mission includes making the center accessible to all of New Mexico's veterans fostering strong connections providing resources that enhance 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 into life as a college student succeed in their academic journey continue on towards graduate school or their chosen professions,” said Maestas in another press release by UNM.
