Tennessee State University Receives Official Designation as a Certified Vets Campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University today received its official designation as a Certified “Vets Campus.”

The University first received word of the distinction during the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2014 when Dr. Mark Hardy, vice president of Academic Affairs, announced the award.

Tom Morrison (right), the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Assistant Executive Director for Veterans Education, presents the title and certificate of designation to President Glenda Glover, officially declaring TSU a certified "Vets Campus." (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

At a special recognition ceremony on the Avon Williams Campus this morning, TSU President Glenda Glover called the designation a “monumental achievement” not only for Tennessee State University but also for the entire community.

“This recognition is a fulfillment of our goal to make Tennessee State University a top destination for veterans,” Dr. Glover said. “This was made possible after much work, including surveys, student orientation and mentoring to make sure we had everything in place to ensure that veterans coming to TSU are provided the necessary environment and resources to ease their transition. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of TSU.”

Presenting the certificate and letter if designation to Dr. Glover, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Assistant Executive Director for Veterans Education, Tom Morrison, said the organization was highly appreciative of TSU’s commitment and dedication to veterans.

“Veterans play a very important role in our nation, and we are thankful to Tennessee State University for its commitment to ensure the educational wellbeing of people who have served our country,” Morrison said.

He estimated that TSU currently has about 200 veterans who are enrolled on the GI Bill. “I am happy to present this title and certificate designating Tennessee State University as a Certified Vets Campus,” Morrison added.

During last year’s Veteran Day ceremony when the award was announced, Hardy explained that Vets Campus designation recognizes the institution’s efforts toward increasing the educational attainment of student veterans.

Passed into law in 2014, the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act created an honorary program classification for state colleges and universities that effectively foster a supportive environment for veterans.

This “VETS Campus” means that the University provides support services especially for veterans to ease their transition from military service to college life; some are transitioning from military life to civilian life while adjusting to the ins and outs of college. Many are nontraditional students with spouses and children, who need help in navigating their way. We help them find resources or put them in the right direction for help to make their educational experience more rewarding.”

To attain the “Vets Campus” designation, schools must meet statutory criteria, including the facilitation of support and mentoring programs for veterans, in addition to ensuring academic credit is received for skills and training received during military service.  Schools must also educate faculty and staff about veterans’ culture, including information on the combat-related mental or physical disabilities many soldiers face during and after their service.

Today’s ceremony included several senior university officials, among them Dr. Evelyn Nettles, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, who thanked the various departments and individuals who were instrumental in making the designation possible.

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