New, returning MTSU student veterans treated to ‘newcomers briefing’

New and returning MTSU student veterans and their families were welcomed Jan. 19 at a “newcomers briefing” provided by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center.

The event was held in Cantrell Hall of the Tom H. Jackson Building, 628 Alma Mater Drive.

Hilary Miller, at back standing, director of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, listens to comments from Trey Smith during the “newcomers briefing” provided by the center Thursday, Jan. 19, in Cantrell Hall of the Tom H. Jackson Building for new and returning MTSU student veterans and their families. Seated, from left, are Aaron Greenberg and Dr. Brian Hinote, an associate professor in the anthropology and sociology department. (MTSU photo by Eric Sutton)

Dr. Hilary Miller, standing at center left, director of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, listens to comments from Trey Smith during the “newcomers briefing” provided by the center Thursday, Jan. 19, for new and returning MTSU student veterans and their families. Seated, from left, are Aaron Greenberg and Dr. Brian Hinote, an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. (MTSU photos by Eric Sutton)

The briefing was to ensure veterans and their families are up to speed on campus resources, said Dr. Hilary Miller, center director.

Miller and her staff targeted new-to-MTSU student veterans and family members, but the event was open to all military-connected students, she said.

“Our goal is to make sure they have on-campus contacts for all offices that can help them be successful,” Miller said. “In addition, we want them to know the center staff, be connected to us and know other student veterans.”

The agenda included a dinner; a welcome and introduction of staff and an explanation of the center’s mission, led by Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives and retired U.S. Army lieutenant general; introductions of veterans; and a discussion of current center programs and fall semester events, led by Miller.

Dr. Derek Frisby, a veteran, MTSU alumnus and professor in the Department of Global Studies and Cultural Geography in the College of Liberal Arts, shared information on MTSU and its relationship with veterans.

Officials also discussed discovering campus resources for veterans, which include tours and information about the G.I. Bill, VetSuccess on Campus and tutoring, and Miller presented a college challenge to the newcomers by emphasizing graduation and employment expectations.

Student veterans can get more information about the center at its website, www.mtsu.edu/military.

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

Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives and retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, speaks to new and returning MTSU student veterans and their families attending a “newcomers briefing” provided by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center Thursday, Jan. 19, in Cantrell Hall of the Tom H. Jackson Building.

U.S. Army Capt. Shane Smith, an assistant professor in the MTSU Department of Military Science, speaks to new and returning MTSU student veterans and their families at a “newcomers briefing” provided by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center held Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

While Military Science professor Capt. Shane Smith holds her daughter, Ava, at right, MTSU student veteran Nashelly Larmon signs in for the “newcomers briefing” Jan. 19 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

MTSU student veteran Timothy “TJ” Lewis, left, accepts a tote bag with information from U.S. Army Capt. Shane Smith, an assistant professor in the Department of Military Science, after signing in at the “newcomers briefing” hosted by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center Jan. 19 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

MTSU student veteran Emily Steinway speaks during the “newcomers briefing” provided by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center held Jan. 19 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.