OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Military-Affiliated Student Hub (MASH) has been recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a top veteran school. The recognition will appear in the magazine’s November 1, 2026, issue, highlighting UVU’s commitment to supporting veterans, military-connected students, and their families.
MASH supports approximately 1,000 veterans, along with active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and more than 1,800 military-connected spouses and children. The hub’s name reflects a deliberate expansion of UVU’s focus beyond veterans alone. Previously known as the Veteran Success Center, the center was renamed to signal a broader commitment to the full military-affiliated community, including students who are currently serving, preparing to serve, or pursuing a degree as part of a military family.
“UVU has always believed that those who serve deserve more than a thank you; they deserve a community that shows up for them every step of the way,” said MASH Director Spencer Ebert. “Being recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a top veteran school reflects the work our entire campus has put into building programs, spaces, and connections that meet military-affiliated students where they are. At MASH, we are proud to serve not just veterans, but the full military-affiliated community, because when one member of a military family chooses to pursue an education, the whole family is on that journey with them.”
One of MASH’s most distinctive offerings is an on-campus VA clinical psychologist, made possible through a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible students can access mental health care without leaving campus, removing a barrier that often keeps military-affiliated students from seeking support. UVU also provides Green Zone Training for faculty and staff, equipping the campus community to better understand and serve military-affiliated students. Benefit orientations, peer connections, and dedicated gathering spaces give students additional ways to build relationships and find belonging from the start of their time at UVU.
UVU also supports military-affiliated students through open enrollment, flexible learning options, priority registration, and credit for prior learning. The Normandy Study Abroad program gives ROTC students and others the opportunity to learn and serve beyond campus.
Community extends beyond the classroom as well. Military-affiliated students can participate in the Gunnison Gut Check, a 26-mile backpacking course through the Utah sagebrush landscape held around September 11, in which participants carry packs weighing 35 pounds or more, and a portion of the proceeds supports student scholarships. Through a partnership with UVU’s rodeo team, students can take part in equine therapy, riding instruction, trail rides, and an annual community rodeo. Participants have described these horse-based programs as providing a sense of calm, belonging, and camaraderie. ROTC, the Ruck for Gratitude, military appreciation athletic events, and the MIDAS student organization offer additional ways to connect across backgrounds and generations.
Every year, UVU hosts Veterans Week, a full week of events honoring military service veterans and bringing together the UVU campuses and the broader Utah County community. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to participate in a variety of events celebrating those who have served.
U.S. Veterans Magazine serves veterans, transitioning service members, service-disabled veterans, veteran business owners, and military families by highlighting organizations that demonstrate strong support for the veteran community.
For more information about UVU MASH, please visit https://www.uvu.edu/military-
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.
