Navy Veteran Receives Chancellor's Commendation
November 12, 2024
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.