University receives state grant to support military-connected students

A new grant awarded to Carson-Newman University will benefit veterans, service members and other military-connected students. The award, given to only six Tennessee institutions with established VETS Campuses, is part of a $1 million statewide initiative proposed by Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.

The Veterans Initiatives Grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Council (THEC) will expand mental health and well-being support for military-connected students at Carson-Newman. The grant program assists in delivering tailored support to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve personnel and their families.

“The Office of Military & Veterans Services at Carson-Newman is the central point of linking our military-connected students with academic and personal support resources, both on and off-campus,” said Carson-Newman’s Pat Bivens, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of Military and Veterans Services.

“This grant will help provide vital support to those military-connected students who might be struggling with the transition from military to higher education and who may struggle with succeeding academically while balancing employment and family responsibilities.”

Bivens cites the University’s partnership with HopeNation Counseling. The grant allows the two entities to expand elevated, trauma-informed, evidence-based mental-health care for military-connected students. The collaboration, called The Military Connected Eagle Wellness Initiative, directly supports THEC’s call for VETS/VETS Bravo campuses to strengthen mental-health resources for military connected students experiencing higher rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and transition-related challenges. The program is slated to start Nov. 1.

The VETS Campus initiative recognizes Tennessee institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving veterans, service members and other military-connected students. Carson-Newman earned its VETS Campus designation in 2023.

For more information about Carson-Newman’s military and veteran services, visit: cn.edu/militaryservices