1st Lt. Terry Ellis, an assistant professor of practice in UTC’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, delivers the keynote address during the Chancellor’s Veterans Day Luncheon.
For 1st Lt. Terry Ellis, being a veteran isn’t about a single moment. It’s about a promise made.
“It begins the moment that you raise your right hand and swear an oath to support and defend this Constitution of the United States of America to both enemies, foreign and domestic,” he said. “In that instant, you write a blank check to America payable in amounts up to and including your own life.
“What makes this promise extraordinary is its unconditional nature. You don’t get to choose when or where you serve. You don’t negotiate the terms. You simply commit to the answer and to answer the call when the call comes.”
When Ellis, an assistant professor of practice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, was announced as the keynote speaker for the annual Chancellor’s Veterans Day Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 11, he described it as “humbling.”
Coming from a military family, the U.S. Army National Guard serviceman recognizes the sacrifices involved in earning the title of veteran.
His father, Sgt. 1st Class Terry Ellis, was deployed to Kosovo in 2004. During that time, Ellis and his brother—Tyler—only saw their father once in 15 months.
“The cost of the veteran status begins with time, and that’s time away from your family during trainings, deployments and unexpected call-ups,” Ellis said. “It’s measured by drill weekends and annual training periods and years of service that compound over a career.”
Ellis acknowledged all veterans, recognizing the unique roles of both active service members and their family members.
“The cost of being a veteran is real,” Ellis said. “It’s measured in time and sacrifice and in missed moments and physical and emotional scars, but it’s also measured in pride and purpose and bonds that can never be broken in service that echoes across generations.
“Today, we honor that cost. We acknowledge the sacrifice and we commit ourselves to ensuring that veterans and their families receive the support and recognition they earned.”
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Click here to read more about Terry Ellis’ story.
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Dr. Chris Smith, director of the UTC School of Nursing, introduced Ellis by highlighting his commitment to service in all facets of life.
“Terry represents the best of what it means to be a Moc, even though he’s only been a Moc for a short time, he’s embraced it,” Smith said. “Dedicated, determined and deeply connected to purpose. He wears many hats—educator, entrepreneur, student, husband, father, soldier—and somehow manages to excel in all of them.”
Smith was recently honored with the Patriot Award by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program—due to her flexibility, understanding and support of National Guard and reserve members.
“At UTC, we often talk about the power of purpose,” Smith said, “How our experiences shape how we serve others. Terry Ellis lives that every day. Whether he’s mentoring nursing students or leading his Guard unit, his message is the same: Be ready. Stay calm. Lead with integrity. Never lose sight of the mission. Above all, he leads with humility and faith.”
Chancellor Lori Bruce attended her first Veterans Day Luncheon and stressed the University’s commitment to its veteran population. More than 15% of UTC’s student body is connected to the military.
“About one in seven students has worn the uniform, is currently serving or is part of a military family,” Bruce said. “That’s a powerful reminder that our University is strengthened by those who have served our nation and who continue to serve our campus with the same integrity, discipline and commitment that defined their time in uniform.”
On Oct. 9, through Mocs Give Day, UTC raised $105,000 for the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, which helps veterans launch or grow their own businesses.
Bruce thanked Sylvana Matthews and Robert Dorsett for their work as director and associate director of UTC’s Veteran and Military Affairs.
UTC was also named Tennessee’s top veteran-friendly school by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
“We take pride in offering resources and programs that meet the needs of our military-connected students,” Bruce said. “One very important resource I’m very supportive of is academic credit for military experience, tailored advising, career guidance, peer mentorship and partnerships that open doors to opportunity.”
UTC student Brandy Parman was 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.
“This school does a really good job on the inclusivity of making us feel welcome and heard,” Parman said. “Knowing what we went through is way different from what a civilian would go through and helping us with those specific issues.”
UTC Police Lt. Kenneth E. Lloyd was also recognized for his time in the service.
“Every time you turn around, there’s something available for the veterans on campus,” Lloyd said. “Whether that be assistance through education, mental health, food assistance or whatever, the University is always reaching out. The leadership here has been extremely open towards veterans.”
Lloyd, Ellis and human resources consultant Julie Brown were all presented a quilt by Fran Randolph as part of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Learn more
UTC Veteran and Military Affairs
Photo gallery by Angela Foster
