The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Veterans Success Center, in partnership with veteran services from across the community, hosted the inaugural Veteran Town Hall Nov. 13 in the Student Union.
“It’s an honor to join UT in celebrating the strong partnership between the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and our veteran community,” Tommy Baker, TDVS commissioner, told attendees. “UT truly embodies what it means to be a veteran-friendly campus, empowering student veterans and their families to thrive. Because for us, service never ends.”
In her welcoming remarks, Chancellor Donde Plowman said, “As a university, we are deeply committed to student success, for our veterans and for all our students. That’s why we’re proud to host today’s town hall and support the veterans on our campus and across our community. Today’s event reflects who we are as an institution. One that values service, community and opportunity. When we invest in those who have served, we strengthen our entire community.”
UT’s resources for student veterans include the Veterans Success Center and the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration, both housed within the Division of Student Success. VSC helps student veterans transition from military service to academic life, offering resources such as academic advising, career counseling and community-building opportunities. VBA assists military-connected students and their families with navigating the benefits process.
“We are honored to support our UT student veterans on their academic journey, and this includes connecting them to essential resources and benefits provided through external partners,” said Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. “We value our robust partnership with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and the broader veteran community, and it is our privilege to serve as this year’s host location for this statewide event.”
The town hall featured engaging discussions on a variety of topics relevant to the veteran community. In addition to Baker, speakers included Ed Harries, director of the Tennessee State Veterans Home; Director Kevin Knowles and Assistant Commissioner of Cemetery Operations Patrick Rice of the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery; Chris Magra, director of UT’s Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War; and Kevin Ho, president of UT’s chapter of Student Veterans of America.
Ho, a second-year supply chain management major who was recently named 2025 Veteran of the Year in Higher Education by Military Friendly, said, “Being able to voice our concerns and bring awareness of issues that directly impact student veterans here on campus is extremely important and allows for a channel to help solve problems and concerns within our community.”
The town hall included an all-day resource fair featuring informational tables to connect attendees with local and state resources for veterans.
About UT’s military veteran community
This fall, the university welcomed more than 1,750 student veterans and military-connected students. Additionally, more than 230 faculty and staff members are military veterans, and UT boasts more than 6,400 alumni who have served.
In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UT ranks 48th among public institutions nationally as a best college for veterans. Earlier this year, the university was awarded a Silver ranking as a Military Friendly School by Military Friendly in recognition of its ongoing efforts assisting student veterans and military-connected students. UT is also certified as a Tennessee VETS campus.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)
Kara Addy (865-974-5534, kaddy1@utk.edu)
