Story by Michelle Hawks, Contributing writer

Murray State University was named a Military Friendly School for the seventh year in a row by Victory Media.

According to Victory Media the honor awarded annually represents “the top tier of institutions who provide the best opportunities for military service members and spouses.”

Sergeant First Class John Brear said the title is good for the university and for the ROTC program, which is designed to teach leadership development with a focus on selecting, recruiting and commissioning people into the United States Army as Second Lieutenant.

Brear said in the ROTC program students go through a four-year process in which they learn different leadership skills and how to apply them.

 “A common misconception is that students are automatically in the Army if they take an ROTC class,” Brear said.

Robert Ireland, senior veteran student from Fort Kent, Maine, said he chose Murray State for the smaller veteran community.

Ireland said approximately 8 percent of the Murray State student population are veterans.

Ireland said not every veteran on campus chooses to be associated with the veterans organizations on campus, but the opportunity is there.

“Along with various events, there is also a lounge we are encouraged to come study and get away from everything,” Ireland said.

He said between the understanding professors and the help that is given to ensure the success of veterans, the university has definitely earned the title of being a Military Friendly university.