VALDOSTA, GA – Military Advanced Education (MAE) has awarded Wiregrass Georgia Technical College the designation of a Top Military-Friendly College in its 2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities, just released in print, and available online at www.mae-kmi.com. This is the fourth consecutive year Wiregrass has been named a Top Military Friendly College.
From community colleges to state universities, online universities and nationally known centers of higher learning, MAE’s 2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities provides potential students with information about institutions that go out of their way to give back to men and women in uniform.
Wiregrass Georgia Tech was evaluated on flexibility of online learning options, extent of transfer credits accepted by degree level, on-campus active duty/veteran assistance, support provided to the families of service members, faculty trained in veteran reintegration issues, presence on military installations, and full-time counselors trained in veteran-specific mental health concerns.
“Our staff used strict criteria to evaluate the submissions of the respondents, and we had a record number of schools participating this year. We believe the Guide serves as an invaluable tool for both education services officers and transition officers when advising service members about their educational opportunities,” said Kelly Fodel, MAE’s editor.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College operates a satellite campus on Moody Air Force Base. Through this office, staff members work one on one with active duty military men and women as well as their family to advise them on the best educational path for their needs. Students can apply for admissions, financial aid, be advised, register, and even take some of their courses at the center right there on base. The college regularly offers courses needed for skill specific certifications utilizing classroom space in the Education Center.
For those that are deployed, Wiregrass offers a variety of classes and complete programs online as well as online academic tutoring. Wiregrass has a partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) called General Education Mobile (GEM). Through GEM, military members can take the required general education courses online from Wiregrass for credit with CCAF towards a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the college ships books to those students if they are deployed when the class begins.
Military personnel and their dependents who are stationed in Georgia, and who meet the eligibility requirements, may qualify for the HOPE Grant. The HOPE Grant provides financial resources to cover a portion of tuition for certificate and diploma programs at Wiregrass.
Along with the academic and student support services provided on base, Wiregrass manages the Moody AFB National Testing Center. The satellite campus staff from Wiregrass administers and proctors CLEP, DANTES and Pearson Vue tests through the center. Individuals can take tests to exempt courses for college credit as well as take courses and exams required for certifications specific to their job and the military through the testing center. In 2012 the center was recognized as being in the top 50 of all centers in the nation that administers the CLEP and DANTES tests. The testing center also administers certification exams for Wiregrass students enrolled in several programs including pharmacy technology and paramedicine.
In 2012, Wiregrass began a chapter of the Student Veterans Association of America. The student organization provides an avenue for veterans and military members to seek assistance from others with a common background, become involved in college life, and give back to the community through various community service projects.
“Wiregrass is committed to providing flexible, friendly, and quality educational programs and support to veterans and active duty military and their families,” stated Margaret Brogdon, Wiregrass Satellite Services Coordinator on Moody AFB. “We are very thankful that to be given the opportunity every day to support those individuals who are sacrificing so much for our safety and protection.” For more information on programs and services for military members, please call 229-253-9571.
Visit www.mae-kmi.com for online access to the 2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities, or pick up a copy of the December issue of Military Advanced Education.
About Military Advanced Education and KMI Media Group, Inc.
Military Advanced Education (www.mae-kmi.com) serves education services officers (ESOs) and transition officers (TOs) at every U.S. military installation, along with the service members they counsel. Published 10 times yearly, MAE’s editorial coverage includes exclusive interviews with military executive leadership, educators, and members of Congress; best practices; career and transition spotlights, service member, school, and program profiles, and periodic special reports. KMI Media Group, Inc. (www.kmimediagroup.com) is the leading independent publisher of targeted information about military requirements, technologies and operations. Serving as a unique forum for senior military and Department of Defense leadership, KMI focuses on distinct and essential communities within the defense market.
Source: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Press Release
