ECU once again named Best for Vets
East Carolina University’s military-friendly culture helped attract U.S. Marine Corps veterans Joshua Martinez and Michael Campbell when they were exploring colleges and programs to continue their education after their military service ended.
ECU’s commitment to service members and veterans has earned recognition as a Best for Vets College again this year by Military Times. ECU is in the top 15% of U.S. institutions included in the rankings released Nov. 17.
Students with the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering robotics team work Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in the Science and Technology Building. (Photo by Ken Buday)
“We believe this ranking emphasizes the dedication and hard work that the campus community puts in to ensuring our military-connected students are successful in the classroom,” said Dr. Nicole Binder, associate director of student engagement in ECU’s Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC).
Martinez is a computer science major in ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology. He served 13 years as a UH-1Y helicopter crew chief, which gave him a unique perspective on the applications that computer science has within the military, he said. He’s been interested in the development of computers since adolescence.
At ECU, he’s been able to expand his knowledge and work on projects that were once just theories on paper, he said.
“ECU has been incredibly helpful to me and other veterans alike,” Martinez said. “The staff at ECU is knowledgeable about the different paths veterans and their families can take to attend school. Most notably, the veterans center is a place where we can relax, study and meet others who have been through very similar experiences. In a way, the veterans center provides us a small bit of home while we are away from home conducting the mission of completing school.”
The MVRC provides a central space for military-affiliated students on the second floor of ECU’s Main Campus Student Center.
“We provide a host of resources and opportunities for our students to feel connected to campus, such as career development, social opportunities, benefit counseling and the Veterans Leadership Academy,” Binder said.
This year, the MVRC partnered with ECU’s Center for Counseling and Student Development for additional programming to increase access to mental health support for students. The Veterans Mental Health Initiative is made possible with donor funding, she said.
“Military-connected students bring tremendous strengths to a university, such as discipline, leadership and lived experience, but they also face unique challenges, like navigating complex benefits, balancing work and family life, or returning to the classroom after time away. MVRC exists to make sure that these students don’t fall through the cracks,” Binder said. “When our student veterans succeed, they go on to lead, serve and contribute in powerful ways to their communities and the workforce.”
Campbell said he is deeply grateful for the support he has received from ECU faculty and staff throughout his academic journey.
“Their guidance, encouragement and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on my education and personal growth,” he said.
Student ROTC members present the U.S. flag before the start of an ECU Board of Trustees meeting. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
Campbell earned his associate degree in electrical engineering technology from Coastal Carolina Community College, where he learned about ECU’s Pirate Promise program. Pirate Promise provided a seamless transfer to ECU, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology. He is now pursuing a master’s in technology management with a focus in distribution and logistics. He’s been able to use VA benefits for his degrees.
Campbell has been an active member of the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) Robotics Club, contributing to the fabrication of robots that have won numerous awards in national competitions over the past three years.
With more than nine years in the Marine Corps, Campbell worked as a maintenance management specialist and gained extensive experience as a logistician.
“As I began researching careers outside of the military, I discovered industrial engineering. From my research, I learned that industrial engineering closely aligns with my military occupational specialty, and I believed that combining my Marine Corps experience with a formal civilian education would make me more competitive in the job market,” he said.
Campbell saw that ECU offered a degree in his career field and found several websites highlighting ECU’s strong engineering program and reputation as a military-friendly institution, he said.
“Military Times proved to be a key reference when I looked into colleges in North Carolina,” Martinez said. “As a California native, I researched various colleges until I chose East Carolina University. Before moving to North Carolina, I did various searches and comparisons, searching for schools that offered the education I sought and were military friendly. ECU consistently ranked within the top 100 in the past five years through Military Times. Upon visiting the school, I knew this would be the place for me.”
Martinez plans to pursue a graduate degree after earning his bachelor’s degree.
“It is truly an honor to be able to fulfill the educational dream and accomplish the goals I set out for myself many years ago,” he said.
In the 2025 ranking, ECU is 4th in North Carolina, 12th in the Southeast and 43rd among public universities. Overall, ECU ranks 52nd out of 357 colleges nationwide, up from 72nd last year. Ten schools in North Carolina were included in the rankings.
More information can be found on the Military Times Best for Vets website.
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