Jennifer Vedral-Baron, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System director, spoke on “Trusted Leadership” Jan. 26, in the Simmons Amphitheatre, Room 106, of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building at MTSU.

Jennifer Vedral-Baron

“This presentation is another example of director Vedral-Baron’s commitment to MTSU and our students,” said Dr. Hilary Miller, director of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, one of the co-sponsors along with the University Honors College and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

“Since moving into her new position, the director has already attended a Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony and been instrumental in providing academic and career opportunities to our students,” Miller added.

“The director’s leadership and military experience as well as her medical background should make the presentation appealing to many groups.”

The event was open to the public.

In 2016, Vedral-Baron retired as a captain after 30 years of active military service with the U.S. Navy. She most recently served as director of the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where she was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal.

During her service, she also received the the Legion of Merit Award three times, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Vedral-Baron also holds the distinction of being the only U.S. Navy Hospital commanding officer to have led her teams to five Military Health System Patient Safety Awards.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners selected her a fellow in 2011, and she also was recognized as a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. She maintains certification as an adult nurse practitioner.

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

As MTSU students and staff members listen, guest lecturer Jennifer Vedral-Baron discusses “Trusted Leadership” from her 30-year military career Jan. 26 in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building’s Simmons Amphitheatre. She is director of the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. (MTSU photos by Eric Sutton)

Jennifer Vedral-Baron, right, talks to a group of MTSU students following her “Trusted Leadership” talk Jan. 26 in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building.

Tennessee Valley Healthcare Director Jennifer Vedral-Baron, top left, and event attendees listen as an MTSU student asks a question following her “Trusted Leadership” talk Jan. 26.