Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday school officials say will strengthen ties between the school and guard. At a news conference, EKU President David McFadden said it’s the first MOU with the guard in his nearly 15 years on campus.
“Our veterans, our active-duty members, those who are dependents, who are tied in some way to service, make up the largest affinity group of any student body on our campus, over 1,800 students, the largest in Kentucky, ranking us as number two military veteran institution in the nation.”
EKU officials say the MOU will result in maximized credits, advanced registration and one-on-one guidance for guard members. Adjutant General Major General Haldane (Hall-dane) Lamberton said people join the guard to better themselves and help their families – and the MOU will help them do that.
“Our relationship with EKU and the variety of programs that you offer – nursing, aviation, emergency management, Homeland Security and criminal justice, let alone the multitude beyond that. It's particularly appealing to not only our service members, but the family members.”
School officials say the MOU will also provide lower tuition for active-duty service members and spouses and an on-campus Veterans Center.
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