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 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.”
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.
UTC selected to 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been recognized as one of the country’s top schools for military veterans by Military Times, a trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families.
UTC introduces new veteran student mentoring program
The Veteran and Military Affairs Student Ambassador Program is designed for service members currently enrolled in classes at UTC, military veterans, dependents and spouses. An essential component of this initiative is that UTC students will play an important role in easing the transition.