From the U.S. Navy to Walters State: A Journey Comes Full Circle
November 12, 2026
Fate, it seems, always meant for Dr. Terry Rawlinson to be at Walters State. And, with the help of the U.S. Navy, he eventually got here.
Rawlinson, professor of psychology and department head, received the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans during the college’s annual Veterans Day basketball game festivities. The Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans is conferred in the form of a special coin and recognizes achievement, excellence and hard work. The award is given by Dr. Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, based on the college’s nomination. The award reflects his dedication to excellence in both his military and civilian careers.
A Texas native, Rawlinson joined the armed forces for the GI Bill benefit, which provides higher education benefits after service is completed. Rawlinson served two years aboard the USS Enterprise, an aircraft carrier based in Norfolk, Virginia. He also served two years in the active reserves.
That’s when fate started its intervention. Rawlinson’s best friend in the Navy happened to be from Newport. When time didn’t allow travel to Texas for holidays, Rawlinson joined his friend to celebrate in East Tennessee. Rawlinson found the people here very welcoming and he loved the mountains. He actually remembers walking around the Morristown campus and thinking he could relocate to the state and start his education here.
The timing wasn’t right. After his discharge, he moved back to Texas, where he had the support of his family. He became the first in his family to complete college, earning an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate. At first, he followed his military training in electronics and the relatively new role computers had started to play in every business.
“I was working on my master’s and designing software,” Rawlinson said. “My boss encouraged me to look into how customers viewed and interacted with software. That’s where my interest in cognitive behavior originated.”
After completing his education, he switched to a college teaching position. He got married and started a family.
Fate then made its last interruption. An emergency in his wife’s family called his growing family to her hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. While there, his wife expressed a desire to be closer to her parents as they aged.
“I didn’t think much about it, but I said if Walters State Community College has a job opening for a psychology professor, I’ll apply. A few minutes later, she showed me a computer screen, listing an open psychology professor position at the college,” Rawlinson said. He only had a week to apply. He thought his chances were slim, but he submitted his materials. A week later, he had an interview with Dr. Lori Campbell, the vice president of academic affairs.
“I learned I would be at the Sevier County Campus. After my interview, I drove over just to look at the campus. I was actually standing on the balcony of Maples-Marshall Hall looking at the fountain when my phone rang. It was Dr. Campbell offering me the job,” Rawlinson said.
The Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans was a full-circle moment for Rawlinson, realizing that starting at the lowest rank in the Navy led to this career and his family’s life in Sevier County. All of his tuition expenses were paid through the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act, a Texas program that also rewards service with higher education benefits. Now, he is known for his cognitive research probing behavior when individuals are immersed in virtual or online worlds. He is known for always having time for students and fellow faculty members.
“Dr. Rawlinson has served both his country and this college with distinction,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters State. “He demonstrates a strong dedication to students and his fellow faculty members. His daily life continues to embody honor, courage and commitment, characteristics embedded in the Sailor’s Creed.”