Navy Veteran Receives Chancellor's Commendation

November 12, 2024

Kimberly Ferguson Receives Coin
Walters State student Kimberly Ferguson received the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans during Walters State’s annual Veterans Night. From left are Terry Harrison, veterans services coordinator at the college; Ferguson; and Dr. Angi Smith, vice president for Student Affairs.

Navy Veteran Receives Chancellor's Commendation

Navy veteran Kimberly Ferguson received the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans during Walters State’s Veterans Day observance. Ferguson is a general studies major who lives in New Market. She also serves as disability services assistant at the college. 

The Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans is conferred in the form of a special challenge coin. Challenge coins have a long tradition in all military branches and represent special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride and respect. This award was created by Dr. Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Nominees are submitted by college presidents.

“Nominating Kimberly was an honor,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State. “We appreciate her service to the country and her service now to her fellow students. She has a strong work ethic, strong leadership abilities and a mission to help others.”

Ferguson was navy corpsman for six years. Originally from Alaska, Ferguson joined the U.S. Navy because of limited career options in her home state. She hopes to work in homeopathic medicine and/or ministry. One of her motivations for returning to college as a nontraditional student was to be an example to her children, daughter Rae and son Keeghan. Both are now students at Walters State.

In addition to learning and teaching the use of assistive devices as part of her job, Ferguson provides individual assistance and support to students. She often stays late or comes in on the weekends when necessary to meet with students.