Galloway, N.J. — Military Times recently recognized Stockton University as one of the top schools in the state and in the Mid-Atlantic for military service members and veterans.

Stockton was ranked No. 2 in New Jersey and No. 10 in the Mid-Atlantic region. The university was No. 141 out of 325 schools nationwide in the rankings, which were released on Nov. 6.

“On behalf of the staff of the Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC) and our partners in Financial Aid office, we are honored and proud to have Stockton ranked again within the Military Times Best for Vets rankings,” said Michael Barany, the director of the MVSC. “This would not have been possible without Stockton's military-affiliated students, proving that they are not only exceptional learners but also dedicated students and outstanding contributors to their community.”

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. Each year, the organization sends a survey to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking.

“Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology make our rankings best in class,” said Mike Gruss, editor-in-chief at Sightline Media Group, the parent company of Military Times.

Stockton’s ranking was up from No. 189 in 2022 and Barany credits two new initiatives as part of that increase. He said a student club, Military-Affiliated Students of Stockton became active in April for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The group was originally called the Student Veteran Organization but changed its name this fall to be more inclusive of veteran spouses and children of a veteran or service member.

The center has also held two Community and Veteran Resource and Wellness Fairs — one in the spring and one last week — that brought multiple resources to campus that not only military-affiliated students, faculty and staff could benefit from, but the surrounding community as well.

“I would also like extend to our sincere gratitude to Stockton University's faculty and staff for their unwavering support to assisting our military-affiliated students in their times in need, proving that our campus is a place where service to county, educational aspirations, and success converge to honor and elevate those who have sacrificed for our nation,” Barany said.

Stockton is hosting a week-long celebration of veterans both on campus and beyond in commemoration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The community is welcome to attend the Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m., Nov. 10, in the Campus Center Grand Hall in Galloway. Guest speaker is Col. Yvonne L. Mays, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard. A Zoom link for the ceremony is also available. Call 609-652-3419 for more information.

The Bay Atlantic Symphony Veterans Day Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11, at the Stockton Performing Arts Center. Free tickets are available at stockton.edu/pac.

The Faces of Stockton’s Military Community Photograph Project shows how military-affiliated members of the university community chose to represent themselves and highlights their service and connection to Stockton.

-- Story by Mark Melhorn, photo by Susan Allen