Galloway, N.J. — Growing up in Pleasantville, Jose Morales had always heard great things about Stockton University.

But there was one main reason why he decided to enroll in the university after spending 10 years in the Army National Guard.

“What really sealed the deal was how veteran-friendly the campus is,” said the Business Administration major. “From the first time I visited, I felt welcomed and supported.”

U.S. Veterans Magazine rewarded that level of support this week as it named Stockton a Top Veteran Friendly School. The latest award adds to the university’s distinguished list of recognitions for its exemplary outreach to military veterans through its Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC).

“We are deeply honored that Stockton University has been recognized as a Top Veteran Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine,” said Michael Barany, director of the MVSC. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student who has served our nation receives the support, respect and opportunities they have earned. Our mission is to help veterans, service members and their families thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.”

Stockton is one of only eight colleges or universities in New Jersey awarded the Top Veteran Friendly School designation by the magazine. Stockton was also one of four in the state to receive a Gold Star as a Yellow Ribbon School, which is a U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs program that helps cover tuition costs.

“Each year, we conduct a national evaluation to identify the organizations and institutions that go above and beyond in supporting veterans and transitioning service members,” said Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine. She added that the evaluation includes both self-reported surveys and independent research by the magazine. “This list serves as a trusted resource for those navigating their next steps in the classroom, and we take great care in ensuring it reflects the best of what’s out there.”

In April, Stockton was ranked No. 10 in the country among small public schools nationwide in the 2025-26 Military Friendly School survey. And for the first time, Stockton ranked No. 5 in the country among small public schools in the Military Spouse Friendly Survey.

In 2024, Military Times ranked Stockton No. 3 in New Jersey and No. 17 in the Mid-Atlantic region for its work with military service members and veterans.

Morales said the MVSC is a place where veterans are understood, and it has become a vital part of his support system as a student.

“They’ve connected me with state-based resources and opportunities outside of school that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise,” said the sophomore. “Whether I need a quiet place to focus or just a sense of community, the center has played a big role in keeping me grounded and on track academically.”

U.S. Veterans Magazine is dedicated to providing veterans and their families with valuable resources to support both their active military lifestyle and their transition to civilian life. The magazine’s goal is to offer comprehensive content that covers a wide range of topics, including career opportunities, education, finance, health and wellness.

The MVSC will hold a series of free events tied to Veterans Day next week at Stockton’s Galloway Campus, 101 Vera King Farris Drive:

Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Veterans Day Concert: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Performing Arts Center. The musical salute will include a collection of patriotic songs including “Fanfare for Life” and “Liberty Bell March” by John Phillips Sousa; “Stars and Stripes Forever” by Antonin Dvorak; and “Symphony No. 9 From the New World Symphony.” The concert is free but advanced reservation tickets are required to attend. Go to stockton.edu/pac for more information.

Faces of Stockton’s Military Community Photograph Project: Monday, Nov. 10, to Friday, Nov. 14, in the Campus Center Coffeehouse. This project showcases how some of Stockton’s military-affiliated students, faculty and staff. 

Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony: 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, in the Campus Center Grand Hall. The ceremony will include the National Anthem, speeches by individuals from the MVSC and the Military Affiliated Students of Stockton and a keynote address by Jim Scallon, a U.S. Army veteran and the chairman of the New Jersey American Legion Affordable Housing Committee for At Risk/Homeless Veterans. 

“Life in Service: Stories, Challenges and Triumphs”: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Multicultural Center. This panel discussion is aimed at uplifting the experiences of Stockton students who have served in the military through their own stories.

Military Gear Review and Layout: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 13, in the F-wing Lower Gallery Atrium. Curated by student veterans and military-affiliated staff, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the functionality, purpose and significance of the gear that supports military operations. From tactical vests and helmets to communication devices and survival tools, each item will be accompanied by explanations and personal stories that highlight its role in real-world missions.

Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) Tasting: 12:30 to 2 p.m.,Thursday, Nov. 13, at Independence Plaza. Sample the same food military personnel eat during training and deployments. Military-affiliated students and veterans will share stories and explain the history, purpose and evolution of MREs.

Ruck March: 7 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14, at G. Larry James Stadium. A ruck march is a military tradition of carrying a weighted backpack, symbolizing the physical and mental challenges faced by service members. Participants will walk a designated campus route while engaging in conversation with student veterans who will share personal stories, insights and reflections from their time in service.

“Warfare” movie screening: 12-2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, at the Campus Center Theatre. A “hyper-realistic portrayal of a Navy SEAL platoon’s mission in Iraq.” Viewer discretion is advised.

-- Story by Mark Melhorn, photo by Susan Allen

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