Miranda Cross-Schindler, adult and military services manager at UW-Eau Claire, is pleased to see a positive review once again, as it helps to get the word out to veterans and families considering higher education that UW-Eau Claire is the right choice for their unique needs.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the ‘Best for Vets’ universities,” Cross-Schindler says. “This designation reaffirms our commitment to providing meaningful support and connection for our military-connected students, whether they are transitioning from active service, balancing family responsibilities or working toward a new career path.”
In her veteran and military services role, Cross-Schindler strives to create an environment where veterans and service members not only have access to the resources they need but also feel a strong sense of belonging within the campus community.
“Our goal is to ensure every military-connected student has the opportunity to succeed, and this recognition underscores the impact of that shared commitment across campus,” Cross-Schindler says.
The rankings are based on the results of Military Times’ annual survey — a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement — as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies. The survey asks colleges and universities to document a wide array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties, and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on campus.
Hear it straight from Blugold veterans
We asked a few students about being a veteran or military-connected student at UW-Eau Claire, and we will let their responses speak for themselves in demonstrating why the university is considered among the “Best for Vets.”
Mat Varner, a U.S. Army veteran and post-baccalaureate geospatial analysis and technology major
I originally started attending UWEC in the fall of 2023, taking one cartography course with the goal of earning a geospatial certificate through the university’s geospatial program. I was using the Wisconsin Gl Bill, and working part time to make ends meet, but struggled to financially sustain my studies. The veteran’s coordinator at the Veterans Center, Miranda Cross-Schindler, listened to my situation and recommended that I apply for vocational rehabilitation through the federal VA program for disabled veterans.
Since then, I’ve enrolled as a full-time student through that program and am now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geospatial analysis. Miranda was instrumental in helping me move forward with my career goals by connecting me to resources I didn’t even know existed. She has been a huge support — not just with benefits, but with navigating what can feel like an administrative maze.
The Vet Center here has made a huge difference in helping ease the transition back into an in-person academic environment. It offers a welcoming space and a direct point of contact for veterans who are trying to figure out how to navigate civilian life and higher education at the same time. Having that support on campus has made this attempt at college far more successful than my first.
James Gale, a U.S. Navy veteran and senior computer science major
I retired from the Navy in fall of 2022. My wife called UW-Eau Claire and handed me the phone, and I decided to apply. Doing well here is my current purpose, and the Veterans Center has helped me a lot with that goal.
The resource I rely on most in the Veterans Center is the other members. Yes, the printer is nice, and I appreciate the snacks for the days I forget to bring lunch, but it’s all about the people. When I was new to campus, they guided me and gave me advice on how to succeed as a student. They also gave me a safe place to vent without fear of hurting anyone’s feelings.
Being a member of the robotics club is another thing that has helped me network to additional people outside of the veteran community and the other students in my major.
Clayton Jacobson, veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and post-baccalaureate major in materials science and engineering
The single biggest resource and support I’ve found at UW-Eau Claire is Miranda Cross-Schindler at the Veterans Center. She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and she legitimately cares about veteran success at UWEC — I cannot overstate how helpful she is to not just me, but every veteran enrolled. The center itself is a great resource; I met my roommate there and I currently have a part-time job in the center.
In addition to the vet services, Bruce Willett and Savannah Grunzke at the campus bookstore have been helpful. It has been a joy to learn chemistry from Dr. Steve Drucker and physics from Dr. Erik Hendrickson. Lastly, the Blugold Central staff have helped me with things like my parking pass and reserving a private room when I’ve had an appointment with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Looking ahead in veteran support
Cross-Schindler is pleased to be recognized by Military Times in this way, affirmation that the services and programing efforts indeed pay off. As always, she also sees this ranking as motivation to keep improving and finding new ways to serve this valued student population.
“Earning this recognition reflects our deep commitment to our military-connected students and their success,” Cross-Schindler says. “At UW–Eau Claire, we will continue to listen, learn and expand on the support that helps our students grow and persist as they work to achieve their goals. Academic excellence, affordability and strong student outcomes will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Learn more about support for veterans at UW-Eau Claire at the Veterans Benefits page of our website.
