Vol State Selected as a “VETS Campus”

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced the designation of Volunteer State Community College as one of Tennessee’s first “VETS Campuses,” recognizing the institution’s efforts toward increasing the educational attainment of student veterans. Passed into law in 2014, the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act created an honorary program classification for state colleges and universities that effectively foster a supportive environment for veterans.  This “VETS Campus” designation recognizes institutions that dedicate resources toward helping veterans transition from military service to enrollment in a higher education institution. “We’re proud of this designation,” said Vol State president, Jerry Faulkner. “We have worked hard to develop a strong support system for our student veterans here at Vol State. Our success in this area is in large part thanks to the efforts of our Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Ken Hanson, our entire Student Services team, and our supportive faculty and staff.” To attain the designation, schools must meet statutory criteria, including the facilitation of support and mentoring programs for veterans, in addition to ensuring academic credit is received for skills and training received during military service.  Schools must also educate faculty and staff about veterans’ culture, including information on the combat-related mental or physical disabilities many soldiers face during and after their service. “The overall goal is removing obstacles and working to ensure veterans have a clear pathway to a higher education credential in Tennessee,” said Russ Deaton, Interim Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.  “Volunteer State is to be commended for their efforts in this arena.” To learn more about Tennessee’s VETS program, visit www.tn.gov/thec. For more information about Veterans Affairs support at Vol State visit www.volstate.edu/veterans. Pictured: The presentation of the certificate. Left to right: Ken Hanson, Vol State coordinator of Veterans Affairs, Russ Deaton, Interim Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Jerry Faulkner, Vol State president, and Mark Autry, president of Vol State Student Veterans of America.