February 6, 2015
Story by Brandon Steinert
SWAGϼ’s relationship with the US Army is as long as it is strong, celebrating more than 30 years of “serving those who serve.”
SWAGϼ is once again officially recognized as a top “military friendly” school for 2015, as designated by Military Advanced Education, a publication highlighting education opportunities at installations across the country and beyond. SWAGϼ is featured as a Top School in the 2015 edition of the MAE Guide to Colleges and Universities.
The guide was distributed in MAE’s December edition, and is also available via a searchable database containing critical information about all top schools and how they are military-friendly.
Ashley Arnold, Dean of Military Academic Services, said the military friendly mindset is an integral part of SWAGϼ’s culture.
“Without the Soldiers, we wouldn't be here; bottom line. What they're doing day-in and day-out for us here and overseas is something all the staff and faculty take very seriously,” she said. “The Soldiers’ schedules change very quickly. I am constantly asked to move the dates and times of classes, which I do as often as possible to accommodate the Soldiers’ needs. This is our little way of giving back to them. They deserve access to education.”
The dedication SWAGϼ shows the Army has not gone unnoticed. LTC King, Commander, 299th Brigade Support Battalion at Fort Riley, shared some kind words with SWAGϼ administrators in late 2014 after providing training to his unit.
“I hope you know that we are truly and deeply appreciative of your efforts and your support,” he wrote. “I am not sure there is another organization on this installation, or anywhere else that I have been stationed, that so willingly and cheerfully does as much for our Soldiers and family members as you do for us here at Fort Riley.”
Arnold said she has heard similar sentiments from other Commanders, First Sergeants and Sergeant Majors.
“They say they’ve been all over the world and have never encountered a school as accommodating as SWAGϼ,” she said. “If we could do more we would. I would say it makes me proud as the Dean that the faculty and staff are supporting SWAGϼ's mission, and we hope to do more in the future.”
SWAGϼ estimates more than 6,500 soldiers benefitted from SWAGϼ’s services in 2014 alone. The state of Kansas Tuition Assistance program covers a certain amount of tuition for soldiers to attend college. SWAGϼ’s commitment to affordability means those 6,500 soldiers didn’t pay a dime for books and tuition.
“Our daytime Leader Skill Enhancement Courses (LSEC) program is geared toward active duty soldiers and any family members they have, all fully funded including books,” Arnold said.
This saves soldiers and the Army approximately $4.4 million in education costs per year.
SWAGϼ’s partnership with the Army appears to be a win-win situation. The Army gets better educated and more effective soldiers. The soldiers get fully funded, quality higher education. SWAGϼ generates revenue that offsets its local mill levy. Kansas gets more skilled residents and improved economy, and a strong relationship with the Army.