The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is launching a new initiative to enhance support for its growing veteran student population by restructuring the Veterans Success Center and establishing the Office of Veteran Benefits Administration, effective Sept. 18.
“As a university defined by the Volunteer spirit, UT’s dedication to veterans and military-connected students has never been stronger,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “With dedicated service lines, streamlined operational efficiencies and more intentional support, I’m confident we’ll be able to not only meet the needs of this growing population, but we’ll set them on a successful path to excel in both their academic and personal lives.”
Part of UT’s Division of Student Success, the Veterans Success Center has experienced significant growth over the past four years, increasing from approximately 500 to nearly 700 veteran students and from around 700 to nearly 1,000 military-connected students. To better support those students, the new Office of Veteran Benefits Administration will enhance management of $12 million in student VA benefits, while the Veterans Success Center will concentrate on student engagement through academic coaching, peer support and events.
Jayetta Rogers, former director of student veteran strategic initiatives, will serve as chief veteran benefits officer and head the Office of Veteran Benefits Administration. She will lead the department in managing and overseeing all aspects of benefit management for UT’s veteran students, including ensuring state and federal compliance, coordinating financial matters with campus and external partners, and overseeing all documentation and recordkeeping.
“Jayetta is a tremendous leader in this field,” said Williams. “Her deep understanding of the benefits process, along with her strong relationships with key leaders, makes her the perfect fit to lead this new initiative. She’s a true servant leader and I know she’ll continue to be a dedicated advocate for students in helping to ensure they receive the necessary financial support while on Rocky Top.”
Tom Cruise, the former program manager at the Veterans Success Center and a veteran and alumnus with strong ties to the veteran community, will serve as the new director of the center. Cruise will oversee all departmental operations and continue to provide community-building programming aimed at creating a more dynamic, inclusive and responsive environment.
“As a distinguished Air Force veteran and former UT student, Tom is the right person to lead this department and focus on the transformational support we want to provide, especially as we enhance our support measures from a holistic standpoint,” said Williams.
The restructuring aligns with UT’s commitment to better serve Tennessee veterans and enhances its competitiveness for the VETS Bravo Campus designation from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission by prioritizing peer mentoring, support programs and development.
In 2023, UT was included among the Military Times Best for Vets Colleges. In the 2024 U.S. News Best Colleges report, UT ranked 50th among public institutions as a best college for veterans. UT is certified as a Tennessee VETS campus.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)