UMFK President Deborah Hedeen with U.S. Air Force veteran Leroy McKenzie
UMFK President Deborah Hedeen with Leroy McKenzie, who served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated with an associate of arts degree in computer science in May 2022.

A group that advocates for the education of military veterans have awarded the University of Maine at Fort Kent the designation of a 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School.

Viqtory determined ratings with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in higher education through a measurement of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and specifically, for student veterans. The information was compiled through an institutional survey and government/agency public data sources.

“We are very grateful for the Military Friendly® distinction,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “Our career-focused programs and the supportive culture of the UMFK community makes our campus a great place for veterans to transition to civilian life. Providing accessible education to all of our students is something we aim to do, but being recognized for doing that for those who have served or actively serve our country is particularly meaningful.”

Veterans can find UMFK Assistant Registrar Joyce Plourde, who certifies veterans, in the centrally located Cyr Hall on the university’s campus. All veterans seeking VA funding can receive support to complete the Veterans Request for Certification (obtainable from the registrar) before the beginning of each term.

An education at UMFK can be a gateway to success for armed forces personnel who are seeking certifications, degrees, or pathways while considering their options before plunging into civilian life. The small class sizes and personal one-on-one interaction between students and faculty are key elements in helping veterans move forward after their service in the military ends.

The designation as military-friendly is another accolade to the University’s growing list of achievements. This year, UMFK claimed the title of a Best Northeastern College for the eighteenth-consecutive year among colleges and universities in The Princeton Review. UMFK is one of 224 outstanding colleges and universities that The Princeton Review recommends to college applicants.

The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings put UMFK in the top tier, ranked 34th for the twelfth consecutive year. That ranks UMFK as 18th among public colleges schools list. UMFK first achieved top-tier college status in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 rankings.

Each of these designations originates from nationally recognized and highly respected publications that students use to select an institution of higher learning.