MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — When Rashieq Cockerham walks across the stage at Middle Tennessee State University for graduation this May, his journey will represent the culmination of an incredible transition — from U.S. Marine to accomplished student leader and soon, commissioned officer. 

With an impressive list of accomplishments and campus involvement, the Murfreesboro resident and biology major exemplifies dedication, resilience, and service.

Choosing MTSU

“He impressed me from the moment I met him, and it’s been incredible to watch his growth over the past three years,” explained Judy Albakry, Honors College advisor. “From returning to college after time away to earning a spot in the Honors Buchanan Transfer Fellowship and ultimately defending his thesis last semester, he has embraced every challenge with determination and resilience. 

“He continually pushes himself, grows as a leader, and steps up in ways that truly make a difference. Always ready to support others, his dedication and drive are nothing short of inspiring.” 

For Cockerham, choosing MTSU was a decision rooted in its exceptional support for veterans, particularly through the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans Family Center, which provides invaluable resources tailored to military-affiliated students. 

“The Daniels Center has been the cornerstone of my transition from military to academic life. It has provided guidance in navigating life at MTSU, academic advising when I needed it most, and a supportive community,” he explained. “I noticed it from my initial interactions with Hilary Miller (center director) and Jeremy Winsett (transition manager). Additionally, the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and Honors College offer outstanding programs and leadership development opportunities, such as the Honors thesis that aligned perfectly with my academic and career aspirations.”

“We are excited to follow his career,” said Miller. “Without a doubt, we know he will make a difference in the lives of so many. We are proud to say that he is one of ours!” 

A Marine Corps foundation

Before becoming a student, Cockerham served in the Marines, where he worked as a communication systems maintainer.

“One of the most impactful aspects of my military experience was the mentorship I received from staff non-commissioned officers. I made it a point to ask my mentors what they believed made their time in the military worthwhile. Their answers varied — some were stories of camaraderie, while others were marked by loss, but all shared a common thread: they would do it all over again,” Cockerham shares. “These conversations left a profound impression on me, teaching me resilience, the value of shared purpose, and the importance of servant leadership.”

These experiences laid the groundwork for his decision to pursue a commission and continue serving his country. Reflecting on his time as an enlisted member of the Marine Corps, he recalled his appreciation for effective leadership. “Pursuing a commission allows me to lead by example, mentor others, and take on strategic responsibilities to positively and selflessly impact the Marine Corps.”

Leadership and involvement

Since arriving at MTSU, Cockerham has immersed himself in academic and extracurricular activities. Among his roles are Honors Ambassador, member of the Honors Council, Chemistry Society member, student worker in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and learning assistant in the Chemistry Department — a position he describes as one of his favorites. 

“I really enjoy that this role emphasizes mentorship outside of the classroom, creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions about the course material and exploring new ideas,” he said. “I think every department could benefit from having learning assistants to develop active and inclusive learning environments.”

In this role, this is his third semester sitting in on the lectures taught by assistant professor Katy Hosbein. Cockerham explains, “My primary reason for being a learning assistant is to support students’ learning while fostering a sense of community as a peer mentor. I love attending weekly pedagogy meetings with fellow learning assistants to balance authoritative and dialogic teaching techniques in our respective lectures.”

Hosbein is enthusiastic about working with the veteran. 

“It’s clear that he cares deeply about both student success in learning and their well-being,” she said. “He makes sure students have what they need to succeed. I can only imagine he’ll show the same dedication and compassion to every Marine under his command.”

He’s also active in organizations that reflect his wide-ranging interests, including the Minority Association for Pre-med Students, Student Veterans of America ‘Blue Raiders American Veteran Organization (BRAVO) MTSU chapter, the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research, The Honors Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Each of these roles has had a meaningful impact on his MTSU experience. 

“Some of my most memorable moments are when students share their stories and challenges during my office hours. Watching students’ confidence levels increase throughout the semester has made the experience amazing,” he explains. “Being a part of organizations like these has enriched my academic experience. These memberships provide opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers, learn about research opportunities, and further my scholarly growth.”

Supporting fellow veterans

As a member of BRAVO and an advocate for student Veterans, Cockerham is dedicated to helping those who have served make the transition to higher education. He has attended multiple incoming Veteran briefings, assisted with fundraising, and volunteered for various BRAVO events.

“Shared experiences and challenges create a unique bond, and I am motivated by the opportunity to help others succeed in their transitions to civilian and academic life,” he said. “This organization fosters a strong, supportive environment for student veterans, ensuring their unique needs are met.”

He credits the Daniels Center, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, and the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students as instrumental in his success. “For Veterans beginning their college journeys, I encourage them to take full advantage of campus resources,” he explained. “Building a strong support network has also been crucial for me.”

A future of leadership

After graduation, Cockerham will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, a step he sees as the next chapter in a lifelong commitment to service. 

“The academic background and leadership experiences I’ve gained at MTSU have equipped me with critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, tools I’ll carry with me into my career as a commissioned officer,” he says.

He believes his time at MTSU has prepared him well for the challenges ahead as he aspires to serve in roles that will challenge him intellectually and allow him to mentor others. “Although I have not yet decided on a specific specialty, I plan to connect with other Marines to determine which specialty best aligns with my personality and skill set,” Cockerham adds.

Looking back, Cockerham is proud of how far he’s come. “The values of perseverance and adaptability instilled during my time in the Marine Corps continue to shape my civilian and academic experiences. These lessons guide my approach to challenges and reinforce my commitment to lifelong learning,” he says. 

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)