The University of Central Florida was recognized recently as one of the nation’s best colleges at serving those who have served their country.

In its inaugural rankings of Best Colleges for Veterans, U.S. News & World Report identified UCF as one of the nation’s best schools at assisting veterans pursue a college education. Colleges were selected based on graduation rate, faculty resources, and reputation, as well as performance in other academic quality criteria.

The recognition by U.S. News comes at a time when UCF just dedicated a new building on campus to house the university’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs. Their facility features a 40-by-40-foot room dubbed the “Virtual Battlelab,” an open area with a variety of computerized simulators for ROTC cadets.

Student veterans are provided with mentoring and special academic support services starting when they arrive at UCF. The university’s Veterans Academic Resource Center supports students in understanding campus resources; provides study space, tutoring and academic advising; and helps faculty members and staff understand the needs of student veterans.

On Veteran’s Day, UCF planted 1,586 flags on Memory Mall, one for each of UCF’s currently enrolled student veterans.

In September, G.I. Jobs magazine ranked UCF among the top 15 percent of universities, private and community colleges and trade schools in the nation for the services and support it provides to military students.

Early next year, the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program will aim to combat unemployment/underemployment among veterans through its FastTrac NewVenture for the Veteran Entrepreneur program, which will run Jan. 13 – March 24. For registration, sponsorships, scheduling and other information, contact Michael Weiss at Michael.Weiss@ucf.edu or 407-823-0014.