SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
VETERANS
SUCCESS AT UT
SERVING
THOSE WHO SERVED
VETERANS SUCCESS AT UT
Table of Contents
Meet the Directors
Jayetta Rogers.
Thomas Cruise
Erica Quin
What is Veterans Success?
Overview
Vision
Mission
Veterans Benefits Administration
Veterans Success Center
Community & Camaraderie
What We Offer
Veteran Impact Program
VA Educational Benefits
Other Exclusive Offerings
Engagement
Campus Engagement
Community Engagement
Sponsorship
Endowments
Scholarships
Donors to the VSC
John and Debbie Grubb Scholarship
UT’s Commitment to Student Veterans
PERMA and “The Volunteer Experience”
Student Veteran Testimonies
G020 Hodges Library 1015 Volunteer Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37996
Meet the Directors
CliftonStrengths: Context Consistency Belief Empathy Responsibility
CliftonStrengths: Strategic Individualization Adaptability Maximizer Futuristic
Jayetta Rogers
Jayetta Rogers provides leadership, high-priority and collaborative initiatives, programs, partnerships, and special projects for student veterans, while eliminating barriers to graduation and retention to advance the mission of student veteran success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Veterans Success Center currently provides services to all military affiliated students and their families. One of the main roles of the center is to provide students with the tools and resources they need to be successful and ease the transition from military to civilian life.
Rogers holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in educational psychology, counseling, and research with a concentration in adult education. Both are from UT.
“As a Tennessee native, I have enjoyed working with students at the University of Tennessee for over 20 years. Working with our military students and their families is very rewarding, and our office staff is committed to embodying the true volunteer spirit in serving those who have served.”
Thomas
R. Cruise Chief Veterans Benefits Officer
Veterans Success Center Director
Thomas (Tom) Cruise serves as the Director of the Veterans Success Center. As director, Tom plays a key role in ensuring the success of student veterans and military-connected students. This involves overseeing a range of services designed to support students in their transition from military service to academic life. Responsibilities include developing and implementing best practices that enhance both academic and holistic transitions for veterans through programs that foster social belonging, academic support, and career readiness.
Cruise is an Air Force veteran, serving 6 years as a crew chief of the F-16. He holds an A.A. in Business from Ashford University, B.S. in Communications, and M.S. in Educational Psychology, both from UT.
“As a former student veteran, I understand the experiences of our veteran population. It is an honor and privilege to serve this community and aid in their success at UT. We were volunteers then, volunteers now, and volunteers forever.”
CliftonStrengths: Individualization Developer Restorative Empathy Arranger
Erica Quin
Veterans Success Center Associate Director
Erica Quin is the Associate Director of the Veterans Success Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Erica oversees various programming and services such as the Veterans Impact Program, peer mentorship, and academic and social engagement opportunities for military connected students.
A proud Air Force veteran, Quin served 7 years on Active Duty, with assignments in Texas and Japan, where she specialized in Human Resources and Communications. She earned her B.A. in Geography from UT-Knoxville.
“As a former student veteran, I deeply understand both the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to civilian and academic life. I am honored to guide and support our veteran students at UT, helping them thrive academically, personally and professionally. My commitment to service extends beyond my military career; my goal is that it is reflected in my unwavering dedication to empowering others”
WHAT IS VETERANS SUCCESS?
CORE VALUES
leadership integrity
selfless service
respect
excellence
loyalty
humility
KEY FUNCTIONS
military benefit certification
engagement
programming
fundraising & stewardship
Christian Weaver, Volunteer Cheerleader and Air National Guardsman (pictured), was a member of the Fall ’22 (inaugural semester) VIP cohort and graduated Fall ’24.
OVERVIEW
The Veterans Success Center (VSC) at UT is committed to serving and supporting student veterans, dependents, National Guard, and military service members to ensure their academic success. Our office currently serves over 1,500 students using VA education benefits. Our staff certifies VA education benefits, develops programs, engages students with resources, promotes camaraderie, and promotes personal growth and lifelong success to our students.
VISION
As a focal point for veterans and militaryaffiliated students, the Veterans Success Center will emphasize innovative support to engage and enhance the academic and social engagement of the student veteran population.
MISSION
The Veterans Success Center will efficiently maximize support for the veteran and military-affiliated population by designing unique, purposeful, and intentional services that ensure academic and holistic transition into higher ed.
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Empowering Your Educational Journey
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is dedicated to managing all aspects of veteran benefits, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, coordinating financial matters, and maintaining meticulous record keeping. Our mission is to bridge the gap from service member to student by providing seamless support for your educational aspirations.
A New Era in Veteran Support
To better serve veteran students, the newly established Office of Veteran Benefits Administration will manage over $12 million in VA education benefits. This office works hand-in-hand with the Veterans Success Center, which focuses on student engagement through academic coaching, peer support, and events. Together, these initiatives provide holistic support for UT’s veteran scholars.
Resources for Veteran Scholars
VA UT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Access vital resources, including enrollment certification forms, payment plans, deferment details, and guidelines for full-time enrollment.
TUITION ASSISTANCE & TN STRONG ACT
Learn about tuition reimbursement for eligible undergraduate and graduate degrees through the TN Strong Act.
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND OTHER FUNDING
Discover non-VA funding options, including scholarships for service members, their children, and grandchildren.
VISION
The Office of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) strives to be a trusted partner for veterans and military-affiliated students, guiding them through the benefits process with clarity, care, and ease.
By fostering understanding and awareness of available financial resources, VBA empowers students to align their military education benefits with their academic aspirations, career ambitions, and personal goals.
MISSION
The Office of Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) partners with military-connected students and their families to ensure they navigate the benefits process with confidence. Through personalized, holistic support, we champion financial wellness by simplifying access to resources such as veterans education benefits, the Tennessee STRONG Act, and university financial obligations.
YOU SERVED YOUR NATION. WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU.
Let us guide you as you navigate the transition from service to education. Whether it’s applying for benefits, understanding certification, or exploring funding opportunities, our office is here to ensure your success. For more information, contact Jayetta Rogers at jrogers4@utk.edu.
VETERANS SUCCESS CENTER
Our staff strives to provide excellent scholar support, and we have created a compassionate environment to allow us to grow UT into the leading benchmark school for veteran programs.
The Veterans Success Center currently has 4 fulltime staff members and hosts several amenities to students such as:
• 2,489 square feet complete with casual space and study area
• TV, microwave, refrigerator, free coffee, free snacks
• Free school supplies and free personal toiletries
• Meeting space for students
• Student computer usage and limited printing
• VSC monthly newsletter
• Dedicated website: veterans.utk.edu
• Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) from the UT Writing Center & Academic Success Center
• Partnership with Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration (CCDAE)
• The Veteran Impact Program
• Streamlined certification process
COMMUNITY &
& CAMARADERIE
WHAT WE OFFER
Veteran Impact Program
The Veteran Impact Program is a unique cohort program for incoming student veterans that will support their transition to UT and maximize their first-year experience on Rocky Top.
BENEFITS
• Backpack, VIP polo, & other swag exclusive to VIP members
• Access to career prep and campus partnerships
• Strengths-based academic coaching
• Engagement with a financial wellness coach
• Exclusive access to veterans’ scholarships
• Financial incentive upon completion of semester & first year at UT
• Opportunity to become a VIP peer mentor after program completion
3.36 GPA
$91,000
169
STUDENTS
95% average 1st semester from 6 VIP cohorts completed program as of Spring ‘25 in financial impact as of Spring ‘25 retention rate
The program has been useful at providing easier access to resources. “ ” - VIP student
VA Educational Benefits
The Veterans Success Center provides certification of VA education benefits and administers reimbursement payments for those students using the TN Strong Act.
BENEFITS PROCESS
• Electronic certification of VA education benefits
• Fee deferment for tuition and priority registration for students using education benefits and TN Strong Act
• Access to Veterans Academic Coach
• Financial workshops
Spring 2024
627
VETERANS impacted by VA educational benefits
860 Dependents/Spouses +
(1,487 total individuals)
Fall 2025
733
VETERANS impacted by VA educational benefits
975 Dependents/Spouses +
(1,708 total individuals)
I am grateful to our student veterans for their service to our country and their contributions to our Volunteer community. Their unique experiences and valuable perspectives enrich our campus both in the classroom and out. I am so proud to call them all Volunteers.
- Donde Plowman, Chancellor
OTHER EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS
• Yellow Ribbon Funding
• Peer mentorship opportunities
• Veterans Success Workshop series “Boot Print to Footprint”
• Graduation Cord and Medallion
• Purple Heart Parking (this is provided to students, faculty, & staff if awarded a Purple Heart)
• Out-of-state tuition waiver for all military service members and ROTC cadets regardless of residency
• Out-of-state tuition waiver for dependents who are using benefits and living in TN at the time of enrollment in classes at UT
ENGAGEMENT
“The more events I go to with veterans the more I feel connected.” - VIP member FA ‘22
Campus Engagement
• UT Athletic Events
• HABIT Therapy Dog Program
• Veteran Appreciation Events
• Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration
Community Engagement
The Veterans Success Center and Volunteer Puppy Partners, an official UT student organization, work in partnership with SMSD (Smoky Mountain Service Dogs) to help raise service dogs for wounded veterans with disabilities and promote awareness. Scan the QR code to learn more about being a puppy raiser.
• Academic Success Center
• Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
• Veterans Upward Bound
SPONSORSHIP
Endowments
• Pilot Company Endowment
• Chancellors Endowment
• Bacon Family Endowment
Scholarships
• Shope Family Scholarship
• Earl W. Fortner East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard Scholarship
• Bacon Family
• The Boyd Foundation
• James H Taylor Memorial Scholarship
• James H Taylor Endowment
• Alan & Wendy Wilson
• Giltner Family Endowment
• Volunteer Veteran VSC Award
• Veterans Emergency Fund
• The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Fund
• John and Debbie Grubb
• Jamie Flasphaler Memorial Scholarship
Scan to learn more about scholarships, grants, and other funding
Donors To The VSC
The Veterans Success Center would like to acknowledge special thanks to the following donors for their generous support:
• Dr. Mark D. Aierstok
• Christopher and Sara Christi
• Enterprise Holdings Foundation
• Dr. Reid R. Gerhardt
• Wayne and Jane Mackey
• MacGregor and Lisa McClellan
• Daniel and Rebecca Selgelid
• Joan Sullivan
John and Debbie Grubb Scholarship
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will strengthen student veteran success through a generous donation from John Grubb, a 1970 alumnus, and his wife, Debbie. The gift will provide additional scholarships, enhance research and instructional support, and expand public service opportunities, reinforcing the university’s commitment to supporting its veteran community.
The John and Debbie Grubb Veteran Success Center Coach Fund, Veteran Scholarship and Awards Fund, and Veteran Success Center Program Fund will encourage participation in veteranfocused programs, support student veterans pursuing STEM disciplines and expand resources by enabling the hiring of additional staff.
John Grubb earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the Tickle School of
Engineering at the University of Tennessee. He leveraged his education to establish a successful company that plays a critical role in supporting the poultry industry. His journey is one of resilience and opportunity at just 17 years old, he left his hometown of Erwin, Tennessee, to serve in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he took full advantage of the Gl Bill, which provided him with access to higher education.
After graduation, he took a job in Ohio where he met his bride of more than 40 years, Together, John and Debbie share a passion for UT students, particularly student veterans. They share a vision that each veteran that returns to UT will be fully embraced and supported by the university, with an academic experience that is unparalleled.
As an Air Force veteran, John knows firsthand the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve. Through this generous gift, John and Debbie Grubb are investing in the success of our student veterans, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel at UT and beyond. “ ”
- Tom Cruise
UT’s Commitment to Student Veterans
PERMA AND THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Central to UT’s Strategic Vision, the Volunteer Experience is a comprehensive, university-wide approach to promoting student well-being and career readiness in all aspects of a scholar’s experience. It is both a culture and culminating experience designed to help students thrive. This initiative includes three interrelated strategic investments:
• Targeted academic initiatives
• Deep student engagement
• Transformational student experiences
The VSC, along with the Division of Student Success, will focus all programmatic efforts around the PERMA model framework.
“
The availability of tutoring services coupled with the knowledge of other veterans is extremely helpful.
I joined the VIP program in order to establish a new sense of belonging and community within UTK. As a transplant from Washington, moving here was a bit daunting. Through the VSC, I found a safe space and community in which I am able to ask questions and complete schoolwork.
[The VSC] has helped me transition from active duty to being a college student better than I would’ve been able to do alone.
