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.
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.