By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University (JSU) has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools and Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation, recognized as a gold-level institution. The designation highlights JSU’s ability to meet and exceed in areas such as student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
“This honor highlights the institution’s dedication to creating a welcoming, resource-rich environment where military-connected students and their families can thrive academically and professionally. This achievement is not only a celebration of our efforts but also a motivation to continue enhancing the services and opportunities we provide to those who have served our nation,” said Kimberly Alcorn, director of JSU’s Veterans and Military Students Support Center.
The Veterans and Military Students Support Center at JSU was designed to provide student support services focused on the special needs and requirements of today’s military veterans, service members, dependents and survivors. The center works closely as liaisons between JSU’s Department of Military Science in the College of Liberal Arts, Department of Aerospace Science in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure students receive the tools necessary to increase their academic success post-service, while actively serving, or supporting a disabled veteran.
JSU offers programs and services such as the JSU Air Force ROTC, JSU Army ROTC, veteran career transition program, work-study program, counseling and mental health services, academic guidance, and various social and networking activities. Additional VA educational benefits can include the GI Bill, stipends, out-of-state fee waivers, tuition assistance, and more for veterans and dependents.
“My husband is a disabled veteran, and the help that we get from the military and the Military Students Support Center is so helpful in a big way. The staff is very supportive and very helpful. There is always someone there who can explain things and share their knowledge that will help benefit my spouse and me as well,” said Ornette Lee, a veteran spouse and 2026 JSU graduate.
Students like Buyuna Carter are able to fund their education and academic endeavors while enlisted in the military. Carter is a member of JSU’s Army ROTC, a first-generation college student and active service member currently studying business administration.
“While I was enrolling, the military center staff told me about the different benefits that I can get as a student being in the military, so I did my research and came back. They are helpful and supportive. If you need anything, they make sure you’re good,” said Carter.
Through financial support and the programs offered at JSU, Carter says she is able to further develop herself as a leader and attend college without overwhelming financial stress.
“It helped me as a student by allowing me to be more involved on campus. I can be on campus and be involved in way more and without having to worry about a job. It has also helped me as a young adult with budgeting, managing and saving my money.”
Over 3,200 companies participated in the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® survey. Through Military Friendly®, JSU was one of only 878 institutions to earn a bronze, silver, gold, or top ten award designation by leaders within the military community.
Learn more about JSU’s Veterans and Military Students Support Center at www.jsums.edu/veteranscenter/.
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About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research, and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological, and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.
About Military Friendly®
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com.