Walters State Receives State Grant to Expand Support for Veterans
August 28, 2026
Walters State is one of just six Tennessee institutions selected to receive a Veteran Initiatives Grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, part of $1 million in funding announced this month to strengthen support for veterans and military-connected students across the state.
The grant builds on Walters State's existing VETS Campus designation, a recognition given to Tennessee institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving veterans, service members and their families. The funding is specifically earmarked to expand mental health and well-being resources for military-connected students.
“Our veterans and military-connected students have given so much in service to others, and they deserve to know that Walters State is here to support them in return,” said Dr. Angi Smith, vice president for Student Services. “This grant will help us strengthen the resources that support their mental health and well-being, so they can focus on their education their families, and what comes next.”
What This Means for Veterans at Walters State
Walters State already supports more than 150 degree and certificate programs approved for veteran education benefits, along with a dedicated Veteran Center in Room U181 of the Student Services Building on the Morristown campus.
This grant adds resources on top of that foundation, specifically aimed at mental health and well-being support for military-connected students — veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses and dependents.
Students who want to know more about veteran benefits, the certifying process, or the Veteran Center can visit the Veteran Services page or start with a call to Senators Central at 423-585-2600.
“Serving veterans and military-connected students is part of our responsibility as a community college,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters State. “They bring tremendous experience, leadership, and perspective to our classrooms and our communities. We want Walters State to be a place where they know they belong, where they have the support they need, and where they can build the next chapter of their lives with confidence.”