The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has once again been recognized for its commitment to military-affiliated students, earning the designation as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School. USM achieved the No. 3 ranking among Tier 1 Military Friendly Research Institutions and secured the top spot as a Tier 1 Military Spouse Friendly School.
This recognition continues a longstanding tradition of accolades for USM, largely attributed to the efforts of the university’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families. The center is acclaimed for addressing the specific needs and academic ambitions of veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and survivors. In 2021, Southern Miss was also honored as a Top University by Military Times, reinforcing its dedication to the military community.
The Military Friendly® ratings are determined through a rules-based algorithm that utilizes data from public sources, proprietary surveys, and individual feedback. These honors are awarded to institutions that demonstrate a strong record of providing valuable educational opportunities to the military community.
Military Friendly® is operated by Viqtory, Inc., a certified service-disabled, veteran-owned business, independent of the Department of Defense or any government entity. Further details about the designation and ratings can be found on MilitaryFriendly.org and will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, ret.) Jeff Hammond, director of USM’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, emphasized the center’s dedication to military-affiliated students, stating, “Our overall goal through the years is to be the most military-caring university program in the nation.” He acknowledged supporters such as Joe and Suzanne Quinlan for their contributions to the program’s success.
Hammond also highlighted the center’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of veterans by developing new programs and support mechanisms to help students succeed. For more information about the USM Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, visit www.usm.edu/military-veterans.
