Tennessee University prioritizes veterans, helps with transition to civilian life

Middle Tennessee State University is helping veterans with their transition from military life, to life in the private sector, all thanks to the Military Family Center. 

Led by Retired Lieutenant General Keith Huber, the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center has helped more than 1,100 veterans make the transition just this year, and they’re looking to help even more. 

The center helps veterans navigate scholarships, learn about benefits, how their military skills can apply to civilian life, and can even help them find a new direction in life. 

“Absolutely, we can help. We’re not going to give you a 1-800, we’re not going to give you a website.  We’re gonna bring you here to this center. We’re going to sit you down with the right people and we’re gonna help you get options for your decision,” Lieutenant Huber said.

“Coming out can actually be a very scary thing, and if you don’t have a support group and you’re not sure what your options are, um, it can be kind of stifling,” explained Corbitt Huseth, who was a Marine Sergeant and squad leader, who served three deployments overseas before deciding to reenter civilian life with his wife, Brie. 

“I knew that it was gonna be a culture shock for both of us,” he said.

“[But MTSU and the Daniels Center has] been a community, a home for veterans, not just airmen, not just marines, a home for student veterans. They can be themselves and feel like themselves,” said Corbitt.

Thanks to the center and his own hard work, Corbitt has earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and even a P.H.D. 

“It’s been indispensable. I mean, you could literally say, the walls are around you because of the opportunities there and I mean that in the most real sense,” he said.