At 21 years of age, John Harbison was leading a team of 20 soldiers and was responsible for $2 million in equipment—a responsibility he hadn’t fully anticipated.
“I had to grow up quick,” he said. “Luckily being in the military, having other officers and (non-commissioned officers) to help me, I rose to the challenge.”
Harbison, now a professor of practice for the Learning and Leadership programs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, shared his journey from U.S. Army officer to educator as a keynote speaker on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
As part of his address, he talked about some of the harrowing situations that came with serving 22 years in the Army, including his time in a “die in place” unit.
“That’s what we all knew,” he said. “That’s what was expected. We didn’t feel any anxiety or angst over it because it was what we signed up for.”
The real anxiety, he said, was coming back to the civilian world.
“I’m in this world of civilians that I was still not comfortable with,” Harbison recalled of his post-military transition. “We didn’t understand them; they didn’t understand us or what we do.”
However, he found that he was able to use his “leadership, mission focus and adaptability” experience to excel in the workplace, which is the message he shared with other veterans in the audience.
“I want you to reflect on the lessons, the skills that you have learned as a result of your service,” he said. “You can bring to the table many valuable assets our country, companies and organizations need to be successful.
“Second, I ask you to help other veterans and help other civilians who have not served to understand these skills, to promote those skills, to show them how they can add to the organization.”
====================================================================
Click here to read more about Dr. John Harbison’s story.
====================================================================
Dr. David Rausch, professor and director for the Learning and Leadership programs at UTC, introduced Harbison, emphasizing his commitment to service.
“Service and serving others is what he’s about,” Rausch said. “His family, his country, his colleagues, all the students. Everyone recognizes that he’s proud to serve others as well as contribute to their success—making a contribution.”
Dr. John Harbison was the keynote speaker at the Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon. Photo by Angela Foster.
Harbison was one of a multitude of veterans attending the luncheon, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering that UTC recently was named Tennessee’s “Best for Vets College” by Military Times.
Chancellor Steven Angle shared his gratitude to the veteran students, faculty and staff at UTC.
“Words cannot express the debt your country and each of us owe to you for your service,” he said.
He also recognized what the Military Times’ achievement means to the campus.
“This prestigious recognition highlights our steadfast commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and support for our veterans,” he said.
Angle thanked those on campus who contribute to the University’s veteran support, including Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA) and the National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.
UTC student James Sellers, who took advantage of the VMA services and even helped other military-affiliated students in the VMA Student Ambassador Program, was recognized as the recipient of the UC Foundation Sgt. David Alex Stephens Scholarship—awarded to an undergraduate student on active duty with one of the U.S. military branches or who has previously received an honorable discharge.
“It means a lot because it’s coming in a time of financial uncertainty,” said Sellers, a senior double major in history and anthropology from Jasper, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Army in 2010 and did four years of active duty in Fort Moore, Georgia.
“It definitely feels good to be appreciated,” he said, “and being recognized and awarded for something like that means a lot.”
Sellers said he understands why UTC received the Military Times recognition.
“We’ve always been taken care of,” he said. “UTC is always friendly toward veterans.”
As part of the luncheon, the Quilts of Valor Foundation returned with presenter Fran Randolph, who shared the foundation’s mission to comfort and heal veterans through handcrafted quilts.
Randolph awarded quilts to several individuals with ties to UTC: Maintenance and Operations superintendent Donnie Hodge; student Garrett Davis; Associate Director of Procurement and Contract Services Victor Howell; and Dr. Mike Breakey, a lecturer in the Learning and Leadership program.
Learn more
UTC Veteran and Military Affairs
Leading with purpose: Dr. John Harbison’s commitment to service, learning and leadership
The call to serve: UTC grad student Erin Lunt blends athletic training with military commitment
From Coast Guard to classroom: UTC student recognized for meritorious service
Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon photo gallery by Angela Foster
Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Sylvana Matthews, UC Foundation Sgt. David Alex Stephens Scholarship recipient James Sellers and Associate Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Robert Dorsett.
Quilts of Valor recipients Garrett Davis (left), Dr. Mike Breakey, Donnie Hodge and Victor Howell.
