Representatives from the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center recently presented Dollar General executives with a framed certificate, thanking and recognizing the major retailer for their strong partnership.

Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, made the presentation to Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos, executive vice president and chief people officer Bob Ravener and members of the company’s military employee resource group, known as SERVE, at the company’s corporate headquarters in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

The presentation was followed by a tour through Dollar General’s “Hall of Values” that showcases the company’s nearly 80-year history and evolution. Dollar General then hosted the MTSU contingent for lunch, where future partnerships, collaboration and leader development opportunities between the organizations were discussed.

MTSU’s Keith M. Huber, center, presents a framed certificate of appreciation to Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos, left, and Bob Ravener, executive vice president and chief people officer, recently at the company headquarters in Goodlettsville, Tenn. Huber is MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. He and other university representatives thanked Dollar General for its support in hiring student veterans. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Huber, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, was first introduced to Dollar General’s military hiring initiatives through the company’s Paychecks for Patriots program. Aimed at supporting veterans’ transitions to civilian life, the Paychecks for Patriots program helped find meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and their families.

In 2017, Huber helped form a formal partnership between MTSU and Dollar General when he spoke at Dollar General’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville.

“I spoke at the cemetery about the meaning of Memorial Day and of the sacrifice of our military and their precious families,” Huber recalled. “It was a well-attended event and participants included Dollar General leadership. Their leaders have also attended our Stole ceremonies and listened to my words.”

The Daniels Center is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee college campus. It assists the 900-plus student veteran population — and their families — with a one-stop shop to meet a variety of academic needs. The center’s Veterans Transitioning Home office helps match student veterans and other students with prospective employers.

As of March 2018, Dollar General Corporation operated more than 14,600 stores in 44 states.

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

While holding the framed certificate he would later present, MTSU’s Keith M. Huber, right, thanks Dollar General executives Todd Vasos, left, and Bob Ravener for their support in the hiring of graduating student veterans, particularly those from MTSU. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Keith M. Huber, center, discusses the partnership the MTSU Daniels Veterans Center has with Dollar General officials, including CEO Todd Vasos, left, during a recent framed certificate presentation at the company’s headquarters in Goodlettsville, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)