STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has been recognized as a 2026-27 Military Spouse Friendly® School, while maintaining its Military Friendly® School Gold status for a second year, further affirming the institution’s sustained dedication to serving military-connected students and their families.
“Here at Tarleton State we love our country, stand for the flag and support our military families. This recognition acknowledges our deep commitment to serving those who serve our nation,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “We are proud to support military-connected students and their families with strong academic programs, dedicated resources and a caring community.”
With renewal of the Military Friendly Gold designation, Tarleton State continues to rank among the nation’s top tier of institutions that demonstrate excellence in student retention, graduation outcomes and robust support services for veterans and active-duty service members, according to Dr. Sherri Benn, Vice President for Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives.
“In addition to the gold designation, we are especially proud to have earned the Military Spouse Friendly designation this year,” Dr. Benn added. “This recognition highlights our intentional efforts to support military spouses, who often face unique challenges related to relocation, career continuity and access to education. It affirms that Tarleton State provides flexible, accessible and supportive pathways for spouses to achieve their academic and professional goals.”
Military spouses are included in the university’s military-connected orientations and in recognition, appreciation and achievement programs. Social activities have been expanded to include spouses. Tarleton State’s Office of Veteran Services also provides assistance to spouses who are using benefits.
The university achieved the silver Military Friendly School designation in 2024 and was upgraded to gold level in 2025, recognizing the institution’s ongoing dedication to supporting veterans and military-connected students in achieving their academic goals. Veteran-friendly initiatives were expanded, such as establishing a Veteran Friendly Office training program, ensuring disabled and Purple Heart veterans have access to dedicated parking, training faculty and staff in military friendly practices, and recognizing military-connected Texans during special events. An additional veteran’s academic advisor was brought on board as well.
The combined Military Friendly designations reinforce Tarleton State’s role as a leader in creating an inclusive, supportive environment for the entire military-connected community, Dr. Benn said.
“From dedicated advising and financial support to career services and community engagement, we strive to ensure that those who serve — and their families — have the resources they need to succeed.”
Military Friendly started in 2003 as a ratings entity and evaluates institutions based on their efforts to recruit, retain and advance veterans through a comprehensive algorithm that uses public data, institutional submissions and veteran surveys. Ratings range from pledge status to full designation and award levels — top 10, gold, silver and bronze.
For more information on Military Friendly and the standards behind the designation, visit militaryfriendly.com. To learn more about the Veteran Support Services at Tarleton State, visit tarleton.edu/veteran-services/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.