Kristin ByerlyIn the latest episode of VET S.O.S., we had the privilege of speaking with Kristin Byerly, Director of Veteran Initiatives and Outreach for Stateside Military Operations at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). As one of the most recognized names in military education, UMGC has long been a pioneer in supporting service members, veterans, and their families in achieving their educational goals. With over 60% of its student body being military-connected, the university has built an infrastructure that ensures accessibility, flexibility, and success for those navigating education while balancing their service commitments.Why UMGC Stands Out for Military Education
UMGC has been at the forefront of offering academic programs tailored to the needs of military students. With a global presence on military bases, the university has created an extensive support system that ensures students can pursue education no matter where they are stationed. This commitment extends beyond service members to include spouses, dependents, and veterans, recognizing that military education is a key factor in securing a bright future for the entire military community.
Kristin Byerly, a military spouse, daughter, and parent, brings a deeply personal perspective to her role. Her own journey into education faced significant obstacles, mirroring the struggles many military families encounter. Shortly after getting married, she found herself moving cross-country, ready to complete her bachelor’s degree. However, she was met with resistance when a university refused to accept her associate’s degree credits—despite her coursework being identical to their own curriculum. This frustrating experience illuminated the barriers military spouses and service members face in transferring credits and continuing their military education while frequently relocating.
Making Higher Education Accessible for the Military Community
One of the standout features of UMGC is its commitment to credit transferability and flexibility in military education. Kristin highlights how UMGC’s approach is unique in that it allows students to bundle credits from multiple sources, ensuring they don’t lose valuable progress simply because of a move or a change in duty station. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits, allowing students to maximize their prior learning and military training. This approach is especially beneficial for service members who have completed military training and courses that can be converted into education credits.
Additionally, UMGC offers on-site advising across the globe, ensuring that students have direct access to academic guidance regardless of their location. From Asia and Europe to domestic bases across the United States, UMGC’s advisors work closely with students to develop academic roadmaps that align with their career aspirations and benefit eligibility. Recently, the university expanded its presence by opening an on-site advising location in Minot, North Dakota, further proving its dedication to serving military education students everywhere.
Veteran Support and Yellow Ribbon Program
Kristin shared some remarkable statistics that highlight UMGC’s veteran support: in Fall 2023, out of 51,000 undergraduate students, 32,000 identified as military-connected. To accommodate this large population, UMGC has built a 25-person veteran certification team that specializes in handling GI Bill and VA education benefits, ensuring a smooth process for students pursuing education.
A major differentiator for UMGC is its Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps veterans bridge the gap between in-state tuition coverage and the actual cost of tuition. While some institutions cap the number of students or funding available through the program, UMGC does not impose any such limitations. This means that every eligible veteran can access unlimited Yellow Ribbon funding to cover their education expenses without financial barriers.
For those unfamiliar with the Yellow Ribbon Program, Kristin provided a helpful breakdown. Essentially, the VA covers the highest in-state tuition rate for a given school. If a veteran is attending a school where the out-of-state rate is higher, the Yellow Ribbon Program steps in to cover the difference, splitting the cost between the university and the VA. Unlike many universities that limit participation, UMGC ensures that every eligible veteran can take full advantage of this benefit for their military education.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Tuition
Beyond financial aid and credit transfers, UMGC provides a wealth of additional services aimed at ensuring student success in military education. Some of these include:
On-site advisors at community colleges to help veterans and military spouses transition into four-year programs.
Mentorship programs connecting students with professionals in their desired career fields.
Scholarships tailored to military students and their families.
Networking opportunities to help veterans and spouses establish professional connections as they transition into civilian careers.
These initiatives go a long way in ensuring that military education students receive the guidance, support, and career preparation they need to succeed both academically and professionally.
The Impact of UMGC’s Global Reach
One of UMGC’s defining features is its global reach, which allows military members and their families to continue their military education no matter where they are stationed. This global presence is especially valuable for service members deployed overseas, who often struggle to find quality military education opportunities while on assignment. UMGC’s robust online learning platform and on-base classrooms provide students with the flexibility to continue their studies seamlessly, regardless of location.
For military spouses, this flexibility can be life-changing. Kristin’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of military families who refuse to let frequent relocations hinder their military education goals. By offering transfer-friendly policies and accessible advising, UMGC has become a beacon of hope for those striving to achieve higher education despite the challenges of military life.
Final Thoughts: Education as a Lifeline for Military Families
Kristin Byerly’s insights underscore the critical role military education plays in empowering the military community. UMGC’s commitment to removing barriers, maximizing benefits, and offering global accessibility makes it a top choice for service members, veterans, and their families seeking higher education. Whether through flexible credit transfers, unlimited Yellow Ribbon funding, or comprehensive student support, UMGC continues to set the standard for military education.
For anyone considering higher education while navigating military life, Kristin’s message is clear: don’t let challenges hold you back—there are institutions like UMGC dedicated to helping you succeed.
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