The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been named the top institution in Tennessee for military veterans by Military Times, a leading independent news source for service members and their families.
Military Times annually surveys colleges and universities across the country to assess their veteran-focused programs. Responses, along with public data from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are “rigorously analyzed by the Military Times data team to create a trusted, unbiased ranking.”
Along with its No. 1 ranking among Tennessee colleges and universities, UTC placed 40th nationally among 215 public institutions ranked.
“Being named best in Tennessee and placing in the top 40 nationally is a huge accomplishment,” said Sylvana Matthews, UTC director of veteran and military affairs. “It shows that we’re not only a strong competitor among civilian universities but also reinforces UTC’s commitment to serving veterans and their families.
“When I talk to students and their parents, they know their child, spouse or family member is taken care of here because we have support services that cater to their needs. If we don’t have it, we know the resources that can supply it—and there’s very little that we don’t have.”
To view Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, visit bestforvets.militarytimes.com/rankings/colleges.
UTC was selected as sixth-best among 34 Appalachia region institutions surveyed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. The University was also recognized by Military Times for having both in-person and online options for military veterans.
“Making the Military Times’ Best for Vets list is a meaningful recognition that honors our students,” Matthews continued. “They often say, ‘These are resources we’ve never had access to before.’ It’s proof that our community is expanding and becoming even more supportive.
“The military community relies heavily on word-of-mouth. They share their experiences with each other, their families and their fellow service members. When they come to UTC and Chattanooga, they find a place where they can build a tight-knit community.”
Matthews said approximately 1,160 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans are enrolled at UTC this fall, comprising nearly 10% of the student population.
UTC’s military-connected programs and initiatives include:
- Veteran and Military Affairs Student Ambassadors Program
- Military Student Advisory Council
- Military Science (ROTC)
- Veterans Entrepreneurship Program
- Chancellor’s Annual Veterans Day Luncheon
According to Military Times’ website, the rankings take into account services available to veterans and practical information that will help veterans make important decisions about their career planning—as well as how to use the education benefits they earned through military service. Military Times is the umbrella brand over Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times and Air Force Times.
“Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology ensure that our rankings remain a trusted resource,” said Jon Simkins, executive editor at Sightline Media Group, the parent company of Military Times.
Click here to learn more about UTC Veteran and Military Affairs.
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