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.
Each having served in the military, a trio of friends share a special bond at UTC
Approximately 600 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans are enrolled at UTC this fall, comprising more than 5% of the student population. Among that group are a trio who have become fast friends: Kyra Daley, James Sellers and Joe Rowell.