Doug Williams of Smyrna, Tennessee, will achieve yet another personal milestone when he graduates Saturday, Dec. 14, from Middle Tennessee State University with his master’s in human resources.

Williams, 45, who earned a bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 2017, joined nearly 25 other classmates for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center’s 15^th Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Miller Education Center on Bell Street.

MTSU seniors adjusted the red stoles they had just received before the 15th Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony at the Miller Education Center Wednesday, Dec. 4. They can wear the stoles during commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 14, in Murphy Center. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Hosted by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, the ceremony features the presentation of special red stoles to attending graduating veterans that can be worn during upcoming commencement ceremonies in Murphy Center. They are among a class of 86 student veterans and senior ROTC cadets who will be graduating.

“This is an awesome event they put on for veterans,” said Williams, a section manager in quality assurance for Nissan North America in Smyrna. “I’ve been in the Charlie Daniels Center. It’s relaxing. It’s where you can escape from the hustle and bustle.”

Regarding his undergraduate and graduate experience, Williams said “MTSU is very family-oriented. All of the professors want you to succeed and will help you. Dr. (Sidney) McPhee (university president) and other people find a way to get it done. I’m fully vested in MTSU.”

Williams was a military policeman in the U.S. Army. He served from 1994-2004, eventually transitioning from active duty to the reserves. He is a husband (married to wife Taronda Williams) and father (daughter Alexandria Williams, 19, is a Motlow State student).

MTSU ROTC cadet Neily Jiminez, center, received a Challenge Coin, which is a tradition in military history, from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, right, and MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes watches Wednesday, Dec. 4, during the 15th Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony at the Miller Education Center on Bell Street. Student veterans received their red stoles that can be worn Saturday, Dec. 14, during MTSU commencement ceremonies. Huber is senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

“My wife has made many sacrifices and I have as well,” Doug Williams said. “The military taught me core values of leadership and teamwork, and helped me in my career.”

Provost Mark Byrnes told the student veterans that “we’re excited about you graduating and for what you did in your path. The voice of veterans in the classroom is welcome. You’re disciplined. … We look forward to seeing you at graduation.”

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, praised the student veterans who are about “to enter, serve the community and the workforce. … Businesses are looking for your teamwork, accountability and discipline. What you do with this degree — this newly gained knowledge — is to be leaders and honorable in the workforce.”

Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed, an MTSU alumna, and Town Manager Brian Hercules attended the ceremony along with VA benefits staff and David Corlew, the longtime manager for Charlie Daniels and co-founder with him of The Journey Home veteran support organization.

MTSU senior Hal Robertson, left, received congratulations and a commemorative alumni coin from Hilary Miller, director of the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Wednesday, Dec. 4, following the conclusion of the 15th Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony in the Miller Education Center on Bell Street. Nearly 25 student veterans were recognized during the event. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Amazon sponsors inaugural breakfast

Before the stole ceremony, 50 people attended an inaugural breakfast provided by title sponsor Amazon. The breakfast was held for student veterans and their families, Amazon representatives and other business leaders interested in hiring veteran graduates, said Lori Ogden, director of development and external affairs for the Daniels Center.

Huber talked about “the value of hiring veterans” while Amazon’s Thaddeus Jones, talent acquisition leader, provided keynote remarks. Seven other Amazon representatives, six of whom are veterans, joined Jones in sharing how the company “values veteran relationships,” Ogden said.

MTSU has more than 300 combined undergraduate and graduate programs.

 — Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

MTSU military science faculty members joined three ROTC students who received red stoles at the 15th Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Miller Education Center on Bell Street. From left are Maj. Trint Callison, Capt. Alex Rodriguez, Sgt. 1st Class James Plack, Ethan Roberts, Master Sgt. Jay Farmer, Rachel Teufert, Capt. LaShawn Wilson, Neily Jimenez and Capt. Derrick Gessler. The cadets can wear the stoles at the Dec. 14 commencement ceremonies in Murphy Center. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Before the Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony, 50 people attended an inaugural breakfast provided by title sponsor Amazon. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, right, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU, welcomed the student veterans, their families, Amazon representatives and other business leaders looking to hire veteran graduates. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)