Veteran Voices: How WSU Global Campus Empowers Military-Affiliated Students
By Jeff Willadsen, WSU Global Campus Senior Writer
In 2025, Washington State University (WSU) Global Campus ranked among the nation’s top 10 best online bachelor’s programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report. With veterans and active-duty military members comprising 9% of its student population, WSU Global Campus has solidified its reputation as a veteran-friendly higher education option. So what makes it such a strong choice for this unique group of students?
According to Penny Martinez, Global Campus’ Veterans and Military-Affiliated Student Support Services manager, a holistic approach to helping veterans achieve academic and career success is key.
“Our mission is to ensure veterans and military-affiliated students have the support they need for a successful academic journey,” said Martinez. “We provide guidance on VA education benefits and services, offer referral support to WSU and external resources, and foster an environment that encourages academic success, leadership, and networking opportunities.”
For Marine Corps veteran Erik Kirshner, this support made all the difference in his educational journey. Kirshner, who is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in management, originally attended WSU’s Pullman campus while still on active duty. However, after relocating to the East Coast, he transitioned to WSU Global Campus to continue his studies.
“I chose WSU Global Campus because it offered the flexibility I needed during a pivotal time,” said Kirshner. “As I was transitioning out of the military and moving to North Carolina for a new job, I needed a program that fit my evolving lifestyle. WSU has always been a school I admired, and I was determined to finish my degree with them. Global Campus was the perfect fit for me.”
Beyond geographical flexibility, Kirshner found that the online format allowed him to balance his responsibilities.
“The flexibility of the online format has been essential as I balance my job as a project manager, while also being a husband and father to three wonderful children,” he said. “WSU Global Campus allows me to pursue my education without compromising family time or professional responsibilities.”
He also emphasized the crucial role of WSU’s Veteran’s Affairs team in his success.
“My experience with the WSU Veteran’s Affairs team has been monumental,” he said. “From enrollment to routine paperwork, the team has been consistently supportive.
More importantly, they’ve been there for me on a personal level during some of the toughest times of my life, particularly when I was grappling with the news that my military career was coming to an end. The team provided not only the logistical support I needed but also a compassionate ear when I needed it most.”
Air Force technical sergeant Corey Knight had a similar experience while earning his MBA through WSU’s Carson College of Business via Global Campus.
“Given the demands of military service, including frequent relocations, I needed a fully online program that provided flexibility and academic prestige,” he said. “The Online MBA program offered the perfect combination of accessibility, quality education, and adaptability.”
Knight, who is preparing to retire from active duty, also praised the support he received from WSU’s Veteran’s Affairs team.
“They’ve been consistently responsive and helpful, whether addressing funding issues, guiding me through course selections, or supporting my transition from military to civilian life,” he said.
Martinez highlighted how WSU Global Campus caters to the needs of military-affiliated students through its policies and support systems.
“Global Campus gives active-duty service members the ability to schedule courses at their own pace and provides resources for when missions disrupt their educational journey,” she said. “WSU also has attendance policies that align with state and federal protections for military-affiliated students.”
Both Kirshner and Knight highly recommend WSU Global Campus to other military-affiliated students seeking a flexible, supportive, and high-quality education.
“The faculty has been exceptionally supportive, and the coursework rigorous and rewarding,” said Knight. “The university provides a wealth of resources that have significantly aided my transition from military to civilian life.”
Kirshner agreed.
“WSU Global Campus aligns with my educational and personal goals,” he said. “I highly recommend it to veterans and active-duty service members. It has been a true blessing for my family and me as I pursue my degree.”
By combining comprehensive support services, flexible learning options, and a commitment to student success, WSU Global Campus continues to be a top choice for veterans and military-affiliated students seeking to achieve their educational dreams.
