ATLANTA — In recognition of its strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing and supporting veterans and the military-connected community, Georgia State University has received a 4 Star Employer Award from the organization VETS Indexes.
The 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards were announced Thursday (April 10), with Georgia State earning one of the organization’s highest distinctions.
“We ensure Georgia State’s success by securing the best workforce talent, and the commitment, discipline and ability to execute demonstrated by those who have served our country in the military is unmatched,” said Ann Williamson, vice president for Human Resources Administration and Georgia State’s chief HR officer. “We value the wide range of communities, backgrounds and experiences that comprise our Panther family workforce and that includes those with military backgrounds transitioning to civilian life.”
“Georgia State University has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the organization one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,” said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes.
“Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, the efforts of Georgia State University to recruit, retain, develop and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack. Georgia State is among the very best veteran employers, and its program can serve as a model for others.”
This year, a record 349 organizations completed and submitted surveys for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards. Of those participants, VETS Indexes recognized 294 organizations across the following award levels: 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer and Recognized Employer. Only those that demonstrated a strong commitment to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and military spouses received awards, VETS Indexes said. Participating organizations included large and small companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and colleges and universities.
VETS Indexes’ in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’ policies, practices and outcomes across five categories, including recruiting and hiring, development and retention, veteran-inclusive policies and culture, support for members of the National Guard and Reserve, and military spouse and family support.
Georgia State has also once again been named a Top 10 Military-Friendly Tier-1 Research Institution for 2025-26 by MilitaryFriendly.com, an honor that recognizes factors such as graduation and career outcomes, military student support and retention, and financial aid and loan repayment options. The university maintains Military Outreach Centers on each of its six campuses throughout metro Atlanta to provide campus and community resources, local veteran support services, and contact and camaraderie among military and veteran students.
“We are proud to be nationally recognized for serving our military and veteran community with professional and academic resources,” said Lisa Boyd, director of Military Outreach for Georgia State. “Whether they’re employees or students, veterans can find a community of like-minded peers at Georgia State who share their life experiences and dedication to success.”