November 24, 2014
Dear Colleague:
Before the start of Old Dominion University football and basketball games and the recent Conference USA soccer championship, we take a minute to stand for the national anthem, together as competitors, united as a nation.
Frequently, our student service members attend ODU games in uniform. If you ever want definitive proof that our "flag is still there," watch those men and women when "The Star-Spangled Banner" plays. You can't help but feel our country is in excellent hands.
Old Dominion University was recognized as one of the nation's top veteran-friendly universities in the Military Times' "Best for Vets" 2015 college rankings that were released last week. The University was one of only 30 higher education institutions in the country to earn this designation. Old Dominion moved up in the rankings to No. 14-a 16-spot jump-making us Virginia's top-ranked four-year school.
There are so many of you whose hard work made this ranking possible.
We were recognized for having a dedicated Veterans Center and for accepting American Council on Education credits. The assessors at Military Times gave Old Dominion a four-star rating for extracurricular options and student engagement, a three-and-a-half star rating for academic support and a three-star rating for staff support.
Old Dominion offers a range of services for student veterans and their families through its Military Connection Center and Student Veterans Association. Headquartered at ODU, the Hampton Roads Veterans Business Outreach Center helps veteran entrepreneurs in the six-state Mid-Atlantic region start and grow their businesses.
Support is also extended by leaders of our academic colleges and administrative units, whose faculty and staff have long led research partnerships with the military and whose classes and support services help our students achieve academic and personal success.
It is really incredible to think that 26 percent of our 25,000 students have a direct relationship with the military. From our award-winning Army and Hampton Roads Naval ROTC units, to our active and engaged Student Veterans Association chapter, to the children of enlisted service members attending the University, our Star-Spangled Banner waves proudly.
Although the Military Times has deemed Old Dominion University "Best for Vets" for 2015, it is our veterans and active duty students, faculty and staff who are "best" for us.
We couldn't be prouder that you call Old Dominion University your academic home.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick
President