The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named a 2026 Veteran Ready Business by the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services. The award recognizes Tennessee organizations that excel in recruiting, hiring and retaining service members, veterans and their families.
For the second consecutive year, TDVS awarded the university a Bronze Level certification. The designation highlights UT’s commitment to recognizing military service in its recruitment and hiring practices, fostering a culture that recognizes veterans’ service and sacrifices, and providing support for veterans’ integration into the workforce.
“We are honored to be recognized again as a Veteran Ready Business. This Bronze Level badge represents a commitment to veterans and their families,” said Tarah Keeler, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. “Our HR team takes immense pride in playing a pivotal role in empowering veteran employees to ensure they have the resources and opportunities to feel engaged and excel in their roles at the university.”
More than 230 current UT faculty and staff members are military veterans. In the fall 2025 semester, the university welcomed more than 1,750 student veterans and military-connected students. Additionally, UT boasts more than 6,400 alumni who have served.
In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UT ranked 48th among public institutions and 67th 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. The same organization named UT sophomore Kevin Ho its 2025 Veteran of the Year in Higher Education.
UT is certified as a Tennessee VETS campus for its focus on helping veterans transition successfully from military service to college enrollment. Veterans, active service members and ROTC cadets attend the university at the in-state tuition rate.
Launched in July 2024, the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business program aims to honor veterans’ service and connect Tennessee employers with highly skilled individuals to drive economic opportunity across the state.
To learn more about UT’s commitment to supporting veterans and details about programs for military-connected individuals, visit the Office of Human Resources and Veterans Success Center websites.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)