PSU Awarded Military Friendly Gold Ranking
“There’s better understanding of where I’m coming from”
Plymouth State University has earned the coveted Military Friendly School Gold ranking for 2025–2026, signifying implementation of best practices and policies to recruit, develop, and support student veterans. The designation recognizes excellent programs and services for military-connected students and PSU is one of only three New Hampshire colleges and universities to receive this honor, which is heralded in an annual G.I. Jobs magazine listing.
The focal point of PSU’s vet-friendly campus is the Office of Military Services, headed by Coordinator of Veteran Services and Teaching Lecturer Jacqueline “Jacqui” Nelson ’09. The office is conveniently located in the HUB, a high-visibility location that prompts connections and camaraderie.
“The Military Friendly School ranking is really meaningful because it isn’t one of those ‘pay to play’ lists,” says Nelson. “It’s about exposing all your strengths and weaknesses through hard data to a veteran advisory council and auditors who ensure that you actually support the military community, not just saying that you do. Current and future military students know this is a place where they are welcomed, not just by me or this office, but by the school at large.”
Jenn Flood Mackay, ’27 MS
Jenn Flood Mackay ’27 MS just completed her second semester in PSU’s clinical mental health counseling program. The Air Force veteran served as an airman first class, radar tech, in several states before receiving an honorable medical discharge. A single mom with teenagers, she admits it was a “scary concept coming back to school,” but has found PSU to be very welcoming, diverse, and inclusive.
Jeremy Hall, ’27
Jeremiah Hall ’27 is majoring in business administration. He served as a gunner and team leader in the US Army, Military Police, including Intel Asset Protection and VIP Security Detail assignments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he views Plymouth State as “a top choice” for student veterans.
“When I first went to college over a decade ago, my experience was horrible,” recalls Hall. “There was hardly any support for a veteran transitioning to civilian life.”
Hall salutes Nelson’s leadership in helping veterans and students connect organically through activities, and he touts Plymouth’s small class sizes. “They help me feel like more than just a number, something many of us appreciate after experiencing military life.”
“I have been to other schools and places and at the end of the day, PSU just has a very different environment where people want to see you succeed and do well,” says US Army Second Lieutenant David Woltag ’25, who majored in criminal justice. “I feel like the energy around here is very contagious and being in such a good environment really not only helps you do well as a student, but helps you find who you truly are as a person.”
David Woltag leading the pledge of allegiance at PSU's 2025 Commencement
“I have participated in several activities such as the Green Beret with a Mission Challenge, team building, and drop-in advising,” Woltag continues. “All these events provide a sense of connection to the PSU community.”
“The Military Friendly designation means there’s better understanding of where I’m coming from as an adult into education, and more accommodation for vets,” says Mackay, who is a founding member of the University’s new Student Veterans of America club. She and fellow vets are there for each other, providing books for colleagues, meals when a family member is away on a training mission, and socializing over ice cream and “Salute the Troops” hockey games that honor servicemen and women past and present.
Veterans gather before kickoff at homecoming.
In addition to coordinating activities and fostering an encouraging vibe, the Office of Military Services facilitates connections between campus offices and services, including Admissions, Student Financial Services, and Student Life. The Military Friendly School label tells the world that the success of veterans is top PSU priority.
“As a country we are really good at sending people off to war but we’re not that great at taking care of them when they come back,” says Nelson. “Plymouth State is a friendly place where veterans’ views and experiences are welcome, and we have the tools and the resources here to help. There’s a reason we got this designation, and it will help us get on more veterans’ radar so they know they can trust us.”
About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Cluster Learning Model emphasizes open, integrative, and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.
