The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) recently awarded Austin Peay State University a $100,000 grant to host a two-day Veterans’ Reconnect Conference on the University’s campus. The conference, “Bridging the Gaps: Tennessee Institutions Leading the Change for Military/Veteran Transition,” will take place Oct. 14-15 at the University’s Morgan University Center. The event will bring in academic leaders from across Middle and West Tennessee to provide attendees with resources and training for supporting military-affiliated students on their campuses.
“Returning to civilian life presents new opportunities—and challenges—for veterans,” Dr. Kristine Nakutis, executive director for the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell, said. “Many veterans look forward to life after the military to spend more quality time with family and friends without the worry of military structure or deployment. However, transition comes with challenges including the pursuit of higher education. Tennessee higher institutions of learning continue to position themselves to support transitioning veterans and become the first choice in higher education.”
