MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — For U.S. Army veteran and Middle Tennessee State University honors student John Farris, service didn’t end with his military career. Whether working toward his aerospace degree, training service dogs or helping fellow student veterans, Farris continues to channel his dedication to others into every aspect of his life.

Originally from Columbia, Tennessee, Farris graduated from Columbia Academy at 17 and enlisted in the Army shortly after, serving as a radio transmitter operator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Though he had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, military aviation didn’t align with his goals. After completing his service in 2021, Farris returned home to pursue aviation through higher education.

“I chose MTSU because of the Aerospace Department and because I wanted to be a pilot,” he said. “It’s also quite close to home, which was a big part of my decision.”

Now majoring in aerospace with a concentration in professional pilot, Farris maintains a 4.0 GPA and is completing his Honors thesis, “AI in Academia: The Next Evolution of Human Thinking and Learning.” His research examines how inconsistent AI policies among faculty can create confusion for students and advocates for a more unified, thoughtful approach.

“John’s work explores how faculty can thoughtfully incorporate AI without compromising pedagogy or critical thinking,” said Tara Perrin, Farris’s thesis advisor and instructional designer for MTSU Online. “He’s incredibly reflective, open to feedback, and focused on helping students see AI as a tool to enhance — not replace — their learning.”

“John upholds the highest tradition of ‘service before self’— a quality essential for future airline captains and leaders,” added Peter Neff, associate professor in the Aerospace Department.

Associate professor Joe Hawkins, a fellow veteran who now teaches Farris, also sees how his military background benefits him in the classroom and cockpit. 

“John’s sense of discipline, attention to detail, and calm under pressure reflect his Army training,” Hawkins said. “He’s committed, professional and leads by example, supporting his peers while excelling in a demanding program.”

‘I couldn’t drop the ball’

Farris’ dedication doesn’t stop at the airport. For over a year, he has trained Ellie, a high-energy German shepherd, to become a seizure-alert service dog. She’s the fifth dog he has trained since first getting involved with Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue.

“Ellie was timid at first but had strong social instincts,” he said. “I realized she could make a great companion animal and focused her training on seizure alerts.”

The work is challenging, involving months of specialized behavior training and public access preparation, but Farris finds it deeply meaningful. His first dog, Hans, was trained for his father, whom he also cared for as his health declined. While supporting his father, Farris juggled 18 credit hours, a demanding flight lab, part-time work as a campus patrolman, and Hans’ training.

“It was very difficult,” he said. “Trying to keep up with school, work, and caring for my dad felt like a constant uphill battle, but I knew I couldn’t drop the ball on any of it.”

Although Hans has since passed, Farris credits that experience with inspiring his continued work with service animals. 

“Hans really inspired me to keep going,” he said. “After he passed, I knew I wanted to continue working with dogs, not just for my own healing, but to help others.”

That same spirit of service fuels his involvement with the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, which supports military-connected students at MTSU. Farris credits the center with helping him navigate the difficult transition from military life to higher education.

“The Daniels Center has been instrumental in my transition,” he said. “Money was tight my first two years, and without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to stay in school. They connected me with scholarships, grants and support I didn’t even know existed.”

Hilary Miller, the center’s director, said Farris embodies the mission of the Daniels Center. 

“Veterans like John are hardwired to serve,” she said. “If they’re not doing something meaningful, they feel adrift. It’s our privilege to help reconnect them to purpose.”

For Farris, that purpose includes flying, helping others and mentoring fellow veterans. He hopes to one day instruct at MTSU’s flight school or pursue commercial aviation through opportunities like Delta’s Propel or Southwest’s Destination 225°.

“The Aerospace program constantly pushes us to succeed,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to be a part of it and hope to give back by instructing here one day.”

And as for Ellie? With Farris’s guidance, she’s well on her way to changing someone’s life, too.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)