First Veteran Higher Education Event Connects Prospective Students with More Than 40 Campuses

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder in partnership with Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Russ Deaton and Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan hosted the first statewide Veteran Higher Education Event at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville on Tuesday, July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (CDT).

Representatives from more than 40 campuses from across the state offered information about resources and services available to assist potential student veterans, service members and dependents with accessing educational benefits during their pursuit of a college degree.  This one stop shop event was organized to equip prospective students to get the information they need to decide which campus is best suited for their future professional career goals.

“Campuses across the state have expressed an overwhelming interest in recruiting, retaining and supporting student veterans through to graduation,” Grinder said.  “Student veterans we have spoken to say the journey to decide which campus is best suited for their aspirations and accessing educational benefits can sometimes discourage the pursuit of a degree.  We believe events like this can create powerful partnerships between campuses and potential student veterans.”

“The value of student veterans on campus is obvious to presidents and chancellors throughout higher education,” Deaton added.  “They bring a determination, maturity and leadership that enrich our classrooms and create another resource for life experience for the student population that is valuable as all students transition into the workforce.”

"College degrees empower and equip our service member and veterans to go on to a lucrative civilian career,” McMillan said.  “We are committed to initiatives that connect our brave men and women who serve our country with the tools they need to build on their military service and continue to be leaders in communities throughout the region and the state.”    

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Highways for Heroes Mobile Unit also offered veteran designated driver license issuance as well as commercial driver licenses for eligible veterans and service members. 

Representatives from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) as well as Vet Success on Campus (VSOC) programs also participated to connect veterans with educational benefits and information. 

For more information, visit the department’s web site at http://tn.gov/veteran.