William Paterson University Named Military Friendly School for 14th Consecutive Year


For the 14th consecutive year, William Paterson University in Wayne has been designated a Military Friendly School by Viqtory, a company that honors institutions that implement the best practices and policies for veterans.

Schools earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey with 537 schools earning the designation. William Paterson was recognized at the Silver level. The 2024-2025 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine’s May 2024 issue as well as on the website www.militaryfriendly.com.

“We are honored to once again be designated as a military-friendly institution,” says Miki Cammarata, vice president for student development at William Paterson University. “Our students who are veterans, active military, and dependents of veterans bring a unique and important perspective to our campus, and we are proud to help them achieve their goal of a college education.”

“We are so proud to have earned this designation for the 14th year in a row,” says Silvia Barrera, coordinator of veteran and military affairs. “We continually strive to create an environment that is not only inviting, but that encourages academic success. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and reach all veterans, service members, and their dependents who are seeking opportunities to expand their career options through higher education.”

William Paterson University’s support for veterans was recognized in 2022 with a “We Value Our Veterans” Community Award presented by Governor Philip Murphy and Brigadier General Lisa Hou, Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The award recognized the contributions of the University’s student, faculty, staff, and alumni veterans, as well as the work of those who supports them on campus and in the community.

“At William Paterson University, I've found a supportive family environment, particularly through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Here, I've been guided by the dedicated Office of Veteran and Military Affairs coordinator, Silvia Barrera, compassionate professors, the caring staff at the Career Development Center, and various individuals. Their unwavering acknowledgment and respect for my journey as a woman in pursuit of education and empowerment have played an influential role in pioneering my future,” says Yvenica Desvallons ’24, a member of the Army National Guard.

William Paterson University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs offers information, resources, and a supportive environment for veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents of veterans. It also provides assistance with the unique challenges that students face as they transition from military service to college life.

An example of this commitment is the William Paterson Global War on Terrorism Tuition Waiver. With this waiver, veteran students who have exhausted their educational benefits can continue their studies and obtain their degree through this unique University program designed to help student veterans achieve their academic goals.

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs also hosts activities on campus such as the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony, Veterans Day Flag Planting and Remembrance Day, and a Veterans Graduation Recognition Ceremony, and supports the Student Veteran Organization on campus. 

04/03/24