Middle Tennessee State University’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center is recognizing Nashville-area businesses for their commitment to returning military personnel.

The center and its new Veterans Transitioning Home office are presenting certificates of appreciation to companies who have hired MTSU student veterans and for demonstrating continuous support of the university’s veterans.

MTSU leaders join Covenant Surgical Partners in celebrating the company’s commitment to hiring returning military personnel. From left are Shane Smith, employer search agent for the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center’s Transitioning Home office; Lew Little, CEO of Covenant Surgical Partners; Paula Mansfield, MTSU director of partnerships and strategic planning; Stephanie Arnold, Covenant Surgical Partners; and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. (MTSU photos by Andy Heidt)

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives on campus, and other MTSU officials recently recognized Covenant Surgical Partners in Nashville. Huber presented a certificate of appreciation to Lew Little, CEO of Covenant Surgical Partners, for his company’s support in hiring MTSU student veterans.

Signed by Huber and Dr. Hilary Miller, director of the MTSU Veterans Center, the plaque, which included a photo of Charlie Daniels and his wife, Hazel, reads: “Thank you for your commitment to our returning military as they continue to serve our nation, now in the workforce. Your continued support and involvement are critical to our mission success.”

Huber expressed his gratitude for Covenant’s commitment to hiring veterans and acknowledged the company’s participation in Daniels Center events, including the grand opening of the Transitioning Home office, Graduating Senior Stole Ceremony and career-preparedness training sessions.

The MTSU veterans’ leader encouraged Covenant to continue its support and invited Little to return to MTSU for a campus tour and lunch.

Little said he was humbled by the recognition and expressed his gratitude for Huber’s military service in the U.S. Army and that of all service members.

He added that he is impressed by MTSU’s support for veterans and hopes to find further partnership opportunities. He’s also encouraged his staff to continue to work with MTSU to find additional opportunities for veterans.

Among those present were Stephanie Arnold from Covenant’s human resources department; Paula Mansfield, director of strategic partnerships and planning at MTSU; and Shane Smith, employer search agent for the Daniels Veterans Center.

For more information about the Daniels Center and its services, visit www.mtsu.edu/military.

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

Lew Little, left, CEO of Nashville-based Covenant Surgical Partners, listens as Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU, discusses how partnerships are benefiting MTSU student veterans.