For 1st Lt. Terry Ellis, being a veteran isn’t about a single moment. It’s about a promise made. 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.”
From military service to helping others: A veteran’s journey at UTC
Through her love of Chattanooga, Necole Gonsahn decided that the long commute to UTC was worth it to pursue a Master of Education degree in counseling. The May 2025 graduate, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, reflected on her time at the University and partnering with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
The call to serve: UTC grad student Erin Lunt blends athletic training with military commitment
As a second-year graduate student in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s athletic training program, Erin Lunt not only helps keep student-athletes healthy but also serves her country as a first lieutenant in the Tennessee National Guard. For Lunt, service is a way of life—whether on the sidelines working with the Mocs soccer team or in her line of duty as an ordnance officer with her maintenance platoon.
Leading with purpose: Dr. John Harbison’s commitment to service, learning and leadership
On Monday, Nov. 11, Dr. John Harbison will be the keynote speaker at UTC’s annual Veterans Day Luncheon, a celebration of the veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff at the University. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 1,160 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans were enrolled at UTC.
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.
Military molded Abeer Mustafa into successful UTC associate vice chancellor for enrollment
On Nov. 10, Dr. Abeer Mustafa will be the keynote speaker at the UTC Veterans Day Chancellors Luncheon. After graduating from high school in Houston, Texas, in 1990, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, which she served four years and attained the rank of E-4.
Playing ‘Taps’ a commemoration of ‘my favorite veteran’
On Nov. 11, 2022, 30 trumpet players stood about 30 yards apart and looped around the UTC campus from the intersection of Douglas and Vine streets to the Fine Arts Center and back to the Power C on Chamberlain Field.