FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College included in national 2021 'Best for Vets' rankings
Glendora, Calif. (July 1, 2021) – Military Times, an independent news source for service members and their families, recently recognized Citrus College as one of the nation's top community colleges for veterans and members of the military.
After surveying more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide, the organization released its "Best for Vets" rankings in June. Citrus College was ranked fourth among the western region's community colleges and 25th among community colleges nationwide. It was also ranked 16th in the western region's public education category and 23rd among all colleges and universities in the western region.
While the student veteran programs at Citrus College have received notable acclaim for several years, this is the first time the college has been recognized as one of the nation's "Best for Vets" by Military Times.
To create the annual rankings, Military Times gathered information about student veteran policies, academic outcomes, military-supportive cultures and more from hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. Each institution answered questions about their operations, while federal data from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense was also considered.
The wide array of resources Citrus College offers its student veterans are what earned the college its place on the 2021 "Best for Vets" list. Managed through the Veterans Success Center, these services include academic counseling, tutoring, mental health support and vocational rehabilitation. In addition to providing student veterans with a relaxing place to gather, the center serves as a central location where they can receive information, attend workshops, meet with veteran service organizations and more.
"The Veterans Success Center team uses a holistic approach to remove many of the barriers that can occur when transitioning from military life to an academic culture," said Dr. Richard F. Rams, vice president of student services at Citrus College. "They are dedicated to helping veterans achieve success and, as a result, Citrus College student veterans are earning their degrees in increasing numbers. Being included in the 'Best for Vets' rankings is a great honor that speaks to the extraordinary work taking place in the Veterans Success Center, as well as to the extensive support provided by the entire Citrus College community."
The Military Times recognition is the latest in a long list of accolades earned by Citrus College. Most recently, the college was designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY for the 11th consecutive year, as well as a Military Friendly Spouse School for the second consecutive year.
"On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this recognition," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "It is an honor for Citrus College to be included among the Military Times rankings, which are extremely helpful for veterans hoping to pursue higher education. It is a privilege to help these brave men and women pursue their goals, and I am proud that Citrus College is doing so in such an effective way."
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