Through a survey, Military Times collects data from colleges nationwide. With this information, institutions are evaluated based on academic quality, student support services, affordability and outcomes for veterans – including graduation and retention rates.��

This year’s survey showcased a substantial increase in online/hybrid program options and a meaningful growth in veteran resources like peer mentorship centers and mental health services for post-service transition.

This latest honor adds to the accolades of UofL’s military-connected student supports. In 2025, the Cardinal community received recognition as a��for the fourth year in a row. UofL is one of only 27 Carnegie research 1 institutions in the nation to earn a designated status, and the only one in Kentucky to earn a “Gold” designation from Military Friendly®, a veteran-owned company that ranks universities for how well they support military students.

With almost 2,600 military-connected students enrolled, military students account for more than 10% of ���Ǵڳ�’s total enrollment. The����is committed to providing a supportive space with five full-time staff members dedicated to assisting military students on campus. Some of the benefits include scholarships for veterans and their dependents, lower tuition rates and multiple fee waivers.��

To learn more about the Best for Vets Colleges rankings,��

UofL is one of only 27 Carnegie research 1 institutions in the nation to earn a designated status, and the only one in Kentucky to earn a “Gold” designation from ®, a veteran-owned company that ranks universities for how well they support military students.

With almost 2,600 enrolled, military students account for more than 10% of ���Ǵڳ�’s total enrollment.

Each year, Military Friendly® evaluates universities based on graduation outcomes, culture, military support and financial aid, among other areas.

The list highlights universities that “strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world,” according to Military Friendly®.

“We are very proud to have earned these designations for a fourth consecutive year,” University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley said. “Designations like this validate the institution’s committed efforts to improving student success. I want to recognize and thank the Center for Military-Connected Students, and all units whose efforts enabled us to earn these designations.”

The Center for Military-Connected Students has been housed in the renovated Brodschi Hall since fall 2023. In fall 2024, Brodschi’s basement renovation was completed.

The final phase modernized two restrooms, added a study room, a meeting room, a ping-pong table, foosball table, a television and comfortable seating options.

Tony Duran, an Army veteran and second-year law student at , said the center is a place he’s had some of the best conversations on campus, with people who “get what it means to serve.”

In a typical week, the facility sees 100 students come through its doors for coffee, tea and snacks, while others use the space to study, hang out, or learn about their educational benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Brodschi Hall continues to be identified as a benchmark in the state, region and nation.

The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs encourages institutions in Kentucky to visit Brodschi Hall. The center has hosted visitors from as far away as California.

In May, the center will celebrate the graduation of more than 200 military-connected students, representing all 12 of ���Ǵڳ�’s schools and colleges.

Serving on the Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team, Nichols has made significant contributions to efforts that improve quality of life, include advocating for more inclusive female hair regulations.

Nichols also assisted in updating the U.S. Air Force’s breastfeeding policy. Under this new policy, every unit is responsible for creating a safe and clean space for mothers to pump while at work. The policy also mandates breaks to allow time to pump and protects the mother’s right to continue to do so while deployed or on temporary duty. ��

Nichols’ efforts also contributed to the Air Force revising its parental leave policy. The policy now incorporates more inclusive language and doesn’t exclude fathers as primary caregivers. It allows 126 days off for the birthing parent, and 42 days for the non-birthing parent. ��

Originally from Minden, Louisiana, Nichols has served in the Air Force since 2015 as a diagnostic imaging instructor. She now serves at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where she instructs all Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard x-ray technicians. She has also served at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, and Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.��

During her service, she has graduated from Airman Leadership School, enlisted joint professional military education 1, instructor evaluator seminar, and the Air Force Foundations Facilitator Seminar.

At UofL, Nichols credits professor Lori Paris for boosting her confidence in becoming a social worker by incorporating interactive peer-work and assignments.

“UofL has done a great job at incorporating group work into classes and other opportunities to connect with my peers,” Nichols said. “The professors also have been extremely accommodating and helpful in providing timely feedback.”

Nichols and her husband have a 5-year-old son and are expecting a second child. After earning her master’s of social work and post graduate licenses, she plans to pursue a commission in the Air Force as a social worker.

As a chief marine science technician, Robinson is responsible for enforcing maritime safety and security regulations across the United States. His missions range from pollution response to the inspections of port facilities and foreign and domestic vessels, along with ensuring proper documentation, safety procedures and other requirements are met.

A Beaver Dam, Ky. native, Cody enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2007. He is currently stationed at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia, Pa. Throughout his military career, Robinson has served throughout the nation including: Galveston, Texas where he served on the Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless, the lower Mississippi River region in Memphis, Tenn., the Ohio Valley in Louisville, Ky., northern New England in Portland, Maine and the Puget Sound area in Seattle, Wash.

In 2010 he deployed in support of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill support, where he was tasked with locating and cleaning oil from the ocean’s surface using an on-board skimming system. One of his favorite memories in the Coast Guard was on the Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless during operations in the Caribbean Sea. He recalls standing watch when the boat would go dark and all lights were turned off, the water was completely still and he witnessed “a perfect canvas for a moon lit sky full of bright stars.”

Robinson is surrounded by a family of Cardinals; his wife, father, sister, and brother in-law all earned degrees from UofL. He hopes the organizational tools and management techniques learned through his UofL education will help him succeed in senior leadership roles within the Coast Guard.

He said the Organizational Leadership and Learning program is perfect for working adults because, “in each class you are provided with a new organizational tool you can immediately implement or try out at your workplace.”

The three-story, 4,700-square-foot center at Brodschi Hall features a study room, lounge and meeting space, a lactation room and offices for five full-time staff. There is also flexible office space for support staff to assist military-connected students from the center, kitchenettes and ADA-compliant restrooms with a shower.

Outside, there is a 20-foot flagpole flying the American flag and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and an ADA-compliant picnic bench.

The Center for Military-Connected Students was renovated using $600,000 in state funds. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs is using the center as a model for other state institutions, and the center has hosted visits from institutions as far away as California.

“This ribbon-cutting marks the achievement of a long-term goal of creating a dedicated and welcoming space to serve these students, who make up more than 10 percent of ���Ǵڳ�’s student population,” said Kim Schatzel, president of UofL. “I want to thank Gov. Andy Beshear, state Rep. Kevin Bratcher and the rest of the legislature for providing the funding to enable this project. But even while we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continually improving how we serve this important population.”

The next phase of the renovation includes a dedicated space for ���Ǵڳ�’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America, an additional study room and lending library in the basement. The basement will also feature a TV, pool table and foosball table for students.

Among the center’s key functions include identifying and tracking military-connected students, policy advocacy, advising use of and processing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, and Military Tuition Assistance processing and residency coding. It also performs undergraduate admissions actions for currently serving members, veterans and dependents using VA education benefits, and advocacy and assistance for graduate admissions.

The center, which moved into Brodschi Hall in October, was formed in 2022 by merging the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services (formerly part of Undergraduate Admissions) and the university’s Fort Knox campus (formerly part of the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development).

Directed by U.S. Air Force veteran Kyle Hurwitz, the center was cited as a factor in UofL earning the 2023 “Gold” designation from Military Friendly. Of the more than 1,800 participating institutions, UofL was among one of only 33 Carnegie Designated Tier 1 Research institutions in the nation to earn this designation. This recognition highlights the institution’s “commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.”

Through the center and this new space, the university will increase military-connected student persistence and success rates, as well as enhance their higher education experience through innovation, accessibility, connection and appreciation,” Hurwitz said. “We hope it will be the national model for empowering and supporting military-connected student success.”

Its goal is to improve ���Ǵڳ�’s ability to address the academic, financial, physical and social needs of students who are active-duty service members, in the National Guard and the Reserves, are veterans or dependents or who are Army Reserve Officer Training Corps or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets.

There are currently 2,356 military-connected students enrolled at UofL.

View pictures from the ribbon cutting ceremony of .��

Following a 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Raphael Garcia is excelling as a graduate student at the University of Louisville.��

Garcia is an active member of the campus community serving on leadership councils for three student organizations, including as president of the chapter. Through his efforts, the SVA chapter recently earned Registered Student Organization (RSO) status at UofL.����

Academic success is not new to Garcia. During his Air Force career, he excelled in Professional Military ����ֱ��, earning an Academic Award at Airman Leadership School, as well as earning Distinguished Graduate from the Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Academy.��

His seven assignments included three stateside assignments as well as assignments to Turkey, two assignments to the Republic of South Korea, Germany and Guam. Among his deployments included two tours in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and two tours in Al Jaber, Kuwait. Raphael’s major decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for direct Army support in Afghanistan, Korea and Washington.��

Among his favorite Air Force memories include shooting mini guns from a Chinook helicopter with the Australian Army during an aerial gunnery training, and leading or supporting fundraising events as well as mentoring children at orphanages in the Republic of South Korea and Germany.����

Travel is something Garcia always appreciated, and the optional overseas immersion portion of ���Ǵڳ�’s program appealed to him. He attended the University Forum for Human Resource Development Conference and other events as part of the Global Human Resources Development course in Dublin, Ireland, calling it an “unforgettable experience.”��

Garcia also identified the new, $600,000-state funded��Center for Military-Connected Students as being vital in supporting and guiding the UofL military-connected community. The center, in Brodschi Hall on Belknap Campus, will hold a ribbon-cutting in October, but was already cited as a factor in��UofL earning the 2023 Military Friendly® “Gold” designation from��®, a program that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

Garcia, who will graduate in spring 2024, intends to seek a leadership role in talent development or organizational development after graduation.��

At age nine, he was placed in a children’s home due to difficulties his mother experienced from cerebral palsy. He lived there until his junior year of high school when he relocated with foster parents, staying with them through high school graduation. Supported by his foster family and his biological mother and sister, he attended Lee University and graduated in 2013 with a degree in broadcast journalism.

“I’m living proof that there are lots of kids out there who have so much potential but due to circumstances out of their control, are unable to realize it,” he said.

Unsure of his next step, Bowling accepted a position through Teach for America as a high school biology and chemistry special education teacher in Hawaii. During his time there, he was inspired to pursue medicine. As much as he loved teaching, Bowling felt a call elsewhere after spending time with a physician mentor who encouraged him to consider medicine.

Going from teacher to doctor��

When he made the difficult decision to move back to the mainland and pursue medicine, Bowling searched for programs that would help him obtain his pre-requisite courses for medical school and found the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He enrolled in the which provides individuals with a bachelor’s degree looking for a career change to participate in a two-year preparation program to gain pre-med science coursework and offers assured admission to the UofL School of Medicine.

Bowling has been an active student leader during his time at the School of Medicine, serving as historian and using his technical skills in digital media, as well as his interest in social media to help document and promote the activities of his classmates. In addition, he was elected president of the Medical Student Council. During his time as president, Bowling led a complete renovation of the medical student lounge, spearheaded initiatives to support and uplift diversity groups, and contributed to several social events that brought all four classes together despite the COVID pandemic.

As a former teacher, Bowling brings a unique perspective to his medical practice that will undoubtedly benefit his patients. His advice for students pursuing medicine emphasizes the importance of following one’s passions.

“Be sure of yourself and your decision; it will require effort and commitment beyond what you could ever expect,” Bowling said. “Surround yourself with people who encourage you and build you up, but also those who will hold you accountable. Always take time for yourself and do the things that make you happy.”

Upon graduation, Bowling will begin his residency training in family medicine with the Naval Medical Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

“It is an honor to be able to serve in the U.S. military, and I’m beyond excited to get started this summer,” he said. “I love traveling and adventure. My communications with the U.S. Navy confirmed my decision. I’ve made some amazing friends through boot camp and cannot wait to go active duty.”

By Edison Pleasants

In 1994, Melissa Johnson enrolled at UofL as a first-time, full-time undergraduate student. After realizing she was not ready for college and “needing to make something of herself,” she enlisted in the Air Force in 1995.

Johnson has since had a diverse career. She served her first four years in the Air Force as a surgical technician, then retrained as an orthopedic technician and served in that capacity for 13 years, before serving as a first sergeant for over three years.

As a first sergeant, she served with the Civil Engineering Squadron, the Force Support Squadron, and the Communications Squadrons at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as well as with an Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. She currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, with Memphis, her 5-year old “fur baby.”

Hailing from Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Johnson’s 27-year career has included assignments at bases in Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, Texas, Nebraska, California and Utah. She has also served in Turkey and the United Kingdom and supported two humanitarian missions in Honduras. In 2020, she was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant, which by law is a rank limited to the approximately top 1% of the Air Force’s enlisted force.

Johnson’s deployments include Operations Uphold Democracy, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Freedoms Sentinel. She’s also earned many awards and recognitions in her Air Force career, including Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, squadron Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year of the Year, twice a Group First Sergeant of the Year, and a Wing Nursing Service Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Johnson holds an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Surgical Service Technology from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor of science in Finance and Management from Park University, and a master of Art in Procurement and Acquisitions from Webster University.��

When she retires,��she wants to work with veterans, ideally with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This goal led her to begin exploring online graduate Health Administration programs.

“I was aware UofL is a Military Friendly Gold Designated school, which is important to me,” she said.��

Although having just begun the M.S. HA program in fall 2022, Johnson said the program was the right fit for her, adding that she “felt welcomed” here.��

September 18 marks the 75^th birthday of the U.S. Air Force.

“Students pursuing the DSW through the online platform can satisfy all degree requirements in three years without disrupting their careers,” said David Jenkins, dean of the UofL Kent School of Social Work. “This program transforms experienced professionals into scholars, teachers and organizational leaders positively impacting vulnerable and marginalized populations.”

���Ǵڳ�’s has grown to more than 50, including bachelor’s, master’s and certificates, with nearly 70 total programs expected by Spring 2022. ���Ǵڳ�’s online learning experienced more than 40% growth from 2019 to 2020, enrolling 1,534 students in Fall 2019 and increasing to 2,156 students in Fall 2020. ��

“Our online programs deliver the same renowned education and degree as students would receive in-person, developed and taught by UofL faculty,” said Gale Rhodes, vice provost and executive director of the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning. “Online students walk away with the same pride in their degree, ready to take the next step in their life and pursue career progressions.”

UofL entered the emerging field of fully-online education 20 years ago with the launch of three master’s degrees in 2001. Since then, online education at the university has made a significant impact on the communities of Louisville and beyond.

Online programs allow UofL to reach beyond Kentucky, with 36% of students living outside the Commonwealth, excluding the reciprocity Indiana counties. Military-connected students make up 20% of online learners, making higher education attainable even while students are deployed overseas. Military-connected designation encompasses Active-Duty, Coast Guard, Reserve, National Guard, veteran or dependent.

“As we move into 2021, the non-traditional student population remains a high priority for the university. Our focus is to reach these students and provide them the opportunity to receive high-quality, market-driven online education that aligns with employer demands,” Rhodes said.

In academic year 2020-2021, UofL launched 13 new programs in market-demand areas including analytics, business administration and health administration. ���Ǵڳ�’s MBA program became available as a completely-online option in 2019.��

Online education is appealing to non-traditional learners and working professionals, as it allows them to balance work, life and education without having to deprioritize the things that matter most.

“I needed flexibility, there’s no way I could earn an education in-person. I needed a program where I could also go pick up my son from daycare or go to work,” said Sasha Hill, UofL online engineering management student.

The is awaiting final approval by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary ����ֱ��, and will begin accepting applications in July. Learn more about online social work programs through this .