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.
UTC named Tennessee’s ‘Best for Vets College’ by Military Times
UTC 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. Along with its No. 1 ranking among Tennessee colleges and universities, UTC placed 40th nationally among 215 public institutions ranked.
Military security to network security to job security
Justin Domon graduated from the UTC accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity (BAS-IT CyS) program in August. That’s just 12 months after he enrolled in 2023. Following that, he’ll remain a paid intern with TVA through the end of 2024 or until he takes a full-time position—whichever comes first.
Record-tying five UTC students land prestigious Gilman international scholarships
A school record-tying five UTC students, Ashlyn Roberson, Bailee Fiste, Bryce Sanders, Kamila Vargas and Kylie Knott, are recipients of U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships.
UTC wants you: University recognized as a military-friendly institution
At the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year, approximately 600 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans were enrolled at UTC, comprising more than 5% of the student population. “Our community is growing and getting stronger,” said UTC Veteran and Military Affairs Director Sylvana Matthews. “Military community often speaks word-of-mouth. They tell each other, they tell family, they tell their brothers and sisters, their next-of-kin. When they come to UTC and Chattanooga, they build a close-knit community here.”
UTC recognized as Military Friendly School
UTC has been designated a military-friendly and military spouse-friendly school by Military Friendly®, a national veterans organization. UTC received gold-level 2024-2025 Military Friendly designation for the University’s efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful education paths for the military community.
Enjoy the fun and cozy vibes of campus with UTC’s Winter Welcome Week
Often referred to as “the fun week” by college students, the first week of school is usually the time to catch up with friends after winter break while easing into classes. UTC likes to aid in the fun atmosphere with a week’s worth of events to give students a warm winter welcome beginning Monday, Jan. 8.
UTC helps vet transition from the military to a civilian career in IT
Noah Syler, who graduated from the UTC BAS-IT CyS degree program in December 2023, will start working as a systems programmer at EPB in 2024.
With a ‘profound sense of gratitude and respect’: Thank you, veterans
On Friday, Nov. 10, UTC hosted a Veterans Day Luncheon for all students, faculty and staff who are veterans or active military.
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.