Interim Provost Billy Clow says it's an opportunity to serve the people who protect us.
"So we can provide some educational opportunities for enlisted folks and their families, and be able to do it on their schedules. So we can make it work for them how-ever it works best for them. It's difficult I know, and so when they have the opportunity to be able to do that, if we can help make that a little bit easier, I thinks that's what we're here for."
As part of the agreement, the university will offer courses, in-person, online, and hybrid, leading to bachelor's and masters degrees.
Colonel Todd Allison, Commander of the the Arsenal Garrison, says this partnership offers affordable and quality classes to people affiliated with the military.
"Whether they're transitioning soldiers, whether they're initial term soldiers who are out in the reserves and Guard serving in Illinois, up and down the river in all these armories, or maybe if they're in a Marine, Air Force, or Navy detachment, it's just so great."
He says currently there are more than 120 members of the military, their families, and civilian employees taking classes now at Western Illinois University.