Keith Casey, director of Military and Veteran Services at Concordia, joins Truman, the newest addition to CUW’s therapy dog program, outside of the Veteran Resource Center. CUW has once again been recognized for its strong commitment to those who serve, earning designations as a Military Friendly Top 10 School and a Military Friendly Top 10 Military Spouse School for the 2026-27 academic year.
This marks the fifth consecutive year the university has received this distinction. The recognition, awarded by Military Friendly®, places Concordia among the nation’s top institutions supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. CUW will also be featured in the 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools®, published in the April issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and online at MilitaryFriendly.com.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation are evaluated using a combination of public data and responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in this year’s evaluation. Final ratings are determined through a data-driven process that measures an institution’s effectiveness in areas such as student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for military-connected students.
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships for Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses. They build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact.”
Standing alongside those who serve
For Concordia, this recognition reflects a mission lived out daily.
“Earning top 10 recognition as both a Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly School affirms our mission to stand alongside service members and their families,” said Keith Casey, director of Military and Veteran Services at Concordia University Wisconsin. “We are deeply committed to providing an education that honors their sacrifice and equips them for continued leadership and success. We are proud to provide a Christ-centered education that supports them in every stage of life.”
As a nonprofit Lutheran university, Concordia is committed to serving active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and their families with care and excellence. The university’s Veteran Services department provides personalized guidance on military education benefits, academic support, and opportunities for community connection. CUW is also home to the first American Legion post established on a college campus in Wisconsin, further strengthening its support network for veterans.
Comfort and connection in the Veteran Resource Center
That support extends beyond academics and advising into the everyday life of students. Truman, a yellow English Labrador retriever, is the newest addition to CUW’s therapy dog program, joining Trixie in the Veteran Resource Center. The program has grown steadily over time, beginning with a pilot dog named Gracie.
For Casey, bringing Truman to campus was both a practical step and a meaningful one. Students, especially veterans, can spend time with Truman and Trixie throughout the week without making an appointment. Some stop in for a few minutes, while others stay longer, finding comfort, connection, and a sense of community.
Support that extends from education to calling
Concordia participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and partners with community leaders to expand educational opportunities for military-connected students. In addition, the university offers scholarships and grants specifically designed for military spouses and dependents, helping families maximize their education benefits and pursue their goals with confidence.
This recognition underscores Concordia’s ongoing commitment to developing students in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Through intentional support, meaningful relationships, and Christ-centered education, CUW continues to walk alongside those who have served, equipping them for lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran institution that is proud to be Military Friendly. You can be assured that we are committed to providing first-class service to support our active, reserve, and veteran personnel and their families. CUW has been serving the needs of students since 1881 as a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit. Concordia is nationally recognized and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about CUW’s military-friendly programs and services, click the link below.