UT Southern receives grant to support military-connected students
PULASKI, Tenn. — The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has awarded a total of $1 million in grants to eight Tennessee higher education institutions, including the University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern). These funds will expand resources, strengthen mental health and well-being support, and help institutions better serve military-connected students and their families.
UT Southern was awarded a $150,000 Veteran Initiatives Designation Grant, allowing the institution to establish a comprehensive support program designed to improve recruitment, enrollment, retention and completion outcomes for veterans and military on campus. With the grant funds, a full-time veterans services coordinator will be hired to establish a hub that will deliver coordinated, student-centered services to address the needs of this unique population. Core components of the initiative include individualized academic advising, mentoring, connecting students with campus and outside resources, and the development of a lounge and gathering space for military-connected students.
“The Veterans Initiatives Designation Grant is a tremendous investment in the University of Tennessee Southern and, most importantly, in the veterans and military families we are privileged to serve,” Criminal Justice Department Head and Assistant Professor Daniel Scherr, Ph.D., said. “As a personalized, rural public university, this support will strengthen our capacity to expand meaningful programs, enhance resources and create greater opportunities for those who have served our nation and their families. This grant allows us to build on our commitment to ensuring that every veteran who comes to UT Southern feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”
The new programs and staffing will strengthen coordination of services, streamline application and transcript review and prior learning assessments, and enhance recruitment, retention and completion outcomes for military-connected students. Building on the efforts of Veterans Coordinator Lt. Col. Cochran Pruett and Certification Officer Emma Hlubb, the additional funding will allow the university to expand its existing efforts, strengthen services and create a more comprehensive support network for military-connected students.
“This grant represents an important step in strengthening how UT Southern serves veterans, active-duty service members and military-connected students,” UT Southern Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Prentice Chandler, Ph.D., said. “These students bring tremendous experience, leadership and perspective to our campus, and we want to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Pursuing the VETS Campus designation reflects our commitment to building a culture of care where every student knows they belong and has a clear pathway to success.”
The grants were proposed by Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly last year, continuing Tennessee’s investment in ensuring veterans and military-connected students have access to the support they need to succeed after service.
For more information about Tennessee’s VETS Campus initiative and veteran and military-connected student resources, visit www.tn.gov/thec.
About the University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern provides an exceptional educational experience that empowers students to discover their potential, serve their communities and lead meaningful lives. Located in Pulaski, Tennessee, UT Southern offers personalized learning, hands-on experiences and a close-knit campus community while serving southern Middle Tennessee and preparing students for success.