Shenandoah University Earns Military Friendly Silver Designation for Third Time

Recognition reflects university's strong support for veterans, service members, and their families.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a person walking through a university campus, with warm pools of light and color creating a soft, dreamlike atmosphere that evokes the supportive environment for military-affiliated students.Shenandoah University's ongoing support for military-affiliated students is reflected in the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of its campus.Winchester Today

Shenandoah University has been named a 2026-27 Military Friendly® School with a Silver designation for the third time, according to the university's most recent news release. The university is among 878 institutions nationwide to earn the designation, based on the 2026–27 Military Friendly® Schools Data Snapshot.

Why it matters

The Military Friendly® designation recognizes Shenandoah University's long-term commitment to providing meaningful and sustained support to the military community, including veterans, service members, and their families. This reflects the university's efforts to create real opportunities for success and lasting impact for those who have served.

The details

Shenandoah University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and is approved for G.I. Bill benefits. It supports military-affiliated students and their families through its Veterans, Military and Families Center, located in the Hazel-Pruitt Armory, which also houses the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs. The university regularly hosts events that recognize and engage the military community, including a Veterans of Foreign Wars awards ceremony, a 9/11 remembrance, Salute to Veterans Week, and an honor flight.

  • Shenandoah University has earned the Military Friendly® Silver designation for the 2026-27 academic year.
  • In February 2026, Shenandoah held 'A Salute to Our Veterans,' a networking event that brought together more than 70 attendees.

The players

Shenandoah University

A university located in Winchester, Virginia that has been recognized as a Military Friendly® School with a Silver designation for the third time.

Niccole Hess

The director of online managed programs and veterans benefits at Shenandoah University.

Kayla Lopez

The vice president of memberships for Military Friendly®.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Without the support of our administration, students, faculty, and staff, none of what we do for our military-affiliated students would be possible.”

— Niccole Hess, Director of online managed programs and veterans benefits

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation reflects an institution's long-term commitment to those who served. These schools go beyond access. They create real opportunities for success and lasting impact for veterans and military spouses.”

— Kayla Lopez, Vice president of memberships for Military Friendly®

What’s next

Shenandoah University will continue to support its military-affiliated students and their families through its various programs and initiatives, including the Veterans, Military and Families Center and the regular events that recognize and engage the military community.

The takeaway

Shenandoah University's third-time recognition as a Military Friendly® School with a Silver designation demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing meaningful support and opportunities for success to veterans, service members, and their families. This designation reflects the university's efforts to go beyond simply providing access, and to create a lasting impact on the military community.