Kevin Ho, a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named the 2025 Veteran of the Year in Higher Education by Military Friendly. The national honor recognizes an outstanding veteran making a difference at their school.
“To me, this honor is still quite surreal,” said Ho, who hails from Lorton, Virginia. “I never would have imagined being in the position I am now when I first arrived in Knoxville. To be selected among so many other outstanding veterans in higher education really makes me feel recognized. I hope to be able to be a good Military Friendly representative, and I wish to continue to do my part in helping my fellow veterans on campus.”
A veteran of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry, Ho came to UT in 2024 to pursue a degree in supply chain management at the Haslam College of Business and has been deeply involved with the veteran community on campus. In addition to serving as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs work-study student at UT’s Veterans Success Center, he serves as president of the university’s Student Veterans of America chapter, helping to ensure that student veterans receive the support and resources they need to succeed in class and beyond. His campus leadership also includes serving as a senator in the Student Government Association, vice president of risk management for Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and a member of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board.
In announcing Ho as the winner, Military Friendly lauded the ways in which he fosters a supportive environment for veteran students at UT through leadership, advocacy and community engagement. The organization cited his strategic planning and dedication to service, which strengthen the veteran community and help students navigate the challenges of higher education.
“We were thrilled when Kevin was named Veteran of the Year for Tennessee, so just imagine how proud we are that he has earned the national title of Veteran of the Year in Higher Education,” said Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. “I can think of no better role model or example of a veteran, scholar, campus leader and Volunteer. He truly is exceptional.”
Thomas Cruise, director of the Veterans Success Center, said, “We are incredibly proud of Kevin for being recognized for this well-deserved award. This honor reflects not only Kevin’s dedication, resilience and leadership as a student veteran but also the strength and impact of our veteran community here at UT. Kevin’s achievement inspires us all and reaffirms the importance of supporting our student veterans as they pursue academic and personal success.”
Supporting student veterans
Military Friendly, the awarding organization, is dedicated to helping companies foster employment opportunities for veterans who have transitioned into civilian life. UT holds a Silver ranking as a Military Friendly School, placing the university among the nation’s leading institutions for supporting student veterans and military-connected students.
In June, Military Friendly named Ho its 2025 Tennessee Veteran of the Year for his commitment to supporting other student veterans.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)
Kara Addy (865-974-5534, kaddy1@utk.edu)