THEC Honors Veterans, Recognizes Tennessee Campuses Supporting Their Success

THEC Media Contact
Jessie Greene
[email protected]
Press Release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - This Veterans Day, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) recognizes the colleges and universities supporting military-connected students through the VETS Campus and VETS Bravo Campus designation programs.

These designations recognize institutions that help veterans transition from military service to higher education and provide support throughout their college experience. Designated campuses help veterans earn credit for military training, connect with mentors, and prepare for careers.

"Our veterans have made it possible for Tennesseans to live in freedom and pursue better opportunities," said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. "In turn, we want every veteran who pursues a college credential to have the support they need to succeed. Our VETS and VETS Bravo Campuses put that commitment into practice through mentoring, career services, and recognition of military training for academic credit."

The Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Campus designation recognizes institutions that provide veteran-focused orientation, mentoring, annual student surveys, faculty and staff education on military culture, and processes for awarding academic credit for military training and experience.

The VETS Bravo Campus designation recognizes institutions that meet elevated standards for supporting military-connected students. To earn this distinction, campuses must have held VETS Campus status for at least three consecutive years and demonstrate additional commitments through dedicated peer mentoring or similar programs, tailored career services, professional development for campus liaisons, and the use of student feedback to improve services.

Tennessee's VETS Bravo Campuses:

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) UpperCumberland

Austin Peay State University

East Tennessee State University

Tennessee's VETS Campuses:

Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology: Athens; Chattanooga; Dickson/Clarksville; Elizabethton; Harriman; Hartsville; Hohenwald; Jacksboro; Jackson; Knoxville; McMinnville; Nashville; and Pulaski.

Community colleges: Chattanooga State; Cleveland State; Columbia State; Dyersburg State; Jackson State; Motlow State; Nashville State; Northeast State; Pellissippi State; Roane State; Southwest Tennessee; Volunteer State; and Walters State.

Private institutions: Belmont University; Bryan College; Carson-Newman University; Christian Brothers University; Lane College; Lipscomb University; and Maryville College.

Public universities: Middle Tennessee State University; Tennessee State University; Tennessee Technological University; University of Memphis; University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; University of Tennessee, Health Science Center; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and University of Tennessee, Martin.

This work supports Tennessee's 2025-2035 Strategic Higher Education Master Plan and its vision of helping every Tennessean earn a credential that leads to lifelong success and a stronger state. Recognizing learning gained through military service, providing support that responds to students' needs, and connecting education to meaningful careers advance the plan's priorities for a more aligned, achievable, and agile higher education system.

On Veterans Day and throughout the year, THEC thanks veterans for their service and the campus communities helping them pursue their educational and career goals.

For more information about VETS Campus and VETS Bravo designations and resources for military-connected students, visit THEC's Veteran Initiatives webpage.

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About the Tennessee Higher Education Commission

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. As the state's higher education coordinating body, its mission is to build a strong higher education landscape that provides opportunities for all individuals to pursue high-quality education and high-value credentials.