RICHMOND, Va. – Liberty University has been named a Guard Friendly School by the Virginia National Guard Association. Of the 159 schools eligible, Liberty University is one of the first to receive this inaugural designation during the Virginia National Guard Conference held Sept. 18, 2021, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Developed by the VNGA, the Guard Friendly School standards recognize college, universities and trade schools that meet or exceed 10 baseline criteria that create a supportive learning environment to assist members of the Virginia National Guard. Ron Ramsdell, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and Director of Military Education Development, attended the conference in Norfolk, Va., to accept the award on behalf of Liberty University.
“Liberty University is pleased to receive this Guard Friendly School designation,” said Ron Ramsdell. “Many of our students, faculty, and staff are serving or have served in the National Guard, and we are thankful for their dedication to serve our community and our nation. We consider it our honor and duty to support our military community as they continue to answer the call.”
Liberty University’s Office of Military Affairs is dedicated to serving those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces to ensure that service members, veterans or military dependents are given the most accurate and up-to-date information. In addition to several scholarships and financial grants awarded to qualifying military students, Liberty University offers a robust benefits package to military students. These benefits include a tuition discount, fees waiver, free evaluation of military training for transfer credits, remote assistance and regular newsletters regarding changes, updates and opportunities impacting military assistance.
In addition to showcasing military benefits, Liberty University was required to demonstrate compliance with State and Federal Tuition Assistance Program requirements; participation in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Excellence program; the Yellow Ribbon Program; and have written policies that protect the enrollment status and academic standing of Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen mobilized to Federal or State Active Duty.
“Liberty’s Guard-friendly policies support students when mobilized on short-notice deployments are what makes this designation special,” said Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA President. “Liberty has made a deliberate effort to be flexible, accommodating and supportive of Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.”
Learn more about Liberty University’s Residential and Online programs, and the military student support and benefits offered to service members, veterans, and military spouses. Click here to request additional information.
Learn more about the Guard Friendly School program here. Interested college, university and trade school administrators may apply here or can download the application here.
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Leaders are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues related to the Virginia National Guard Association. For information regarding this media release, please send an email to the VNGA at contact@vnga.us.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association is a recognized non-partisan non-profit 501(c)(19) veterans’ service organization representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.
Disclaimer: The Virginia National Guard Association, Inc., is a non-Federal entity. Official Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or the Virginia National Guard endorsement of this organization is not stated or implied.
