Roane State Student, Navy Veteran Ayden Havener, Receives 2024 Chancellor's Commendation for Military Veterans

Roane State Community College held its annual Veterans Day observance on Nov. 11 at the Roane County Campus.

Roane State Community College celebrated Veterans Day with its annual observance on Nov. 11 at the Roane County Campus. Students, college leadership, faculty and staff members, and special guests gathered in the Vann Student Center for the ceremony.

The event included the presentation of the 2024 Chancellor's Commendation for Military Veterans.

This year, Roane State's recipient was also the ceremony's guest speaker – student and U.S. Navy veteran Ayden Havener.

Havener is a wildlife and fisheries major. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2017 until 2021, earning the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

In a letter written to the Tennessee Board of Regents recommending Havener for the commendation, Chancellor Flora W. Tydings, who is also Roane State's director of veterans services, said his initiative and strong leadership capabilities have been an incredible asset.

"Ayden has become a vital component of the department of veterans services here at Roane State," said Lynzee Patrick, the department's director. "He has been involved with outreach and mentorship to help other student veterans, all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. He continues to uphold the values expected of someone who represents Roane State."

Leading the Veterans Day observance, Roane State President Chris Whaley presented Havener with the Chancellor's Commendation challenge coin before inviting him to speak.

"I'm so proud to be a veteran, proud to have served," Havener said. "I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart; it means a lot. Thank you for this award."

Whaley noted that Havener has continued to serve his community and fellow students while pursuing his education.

"We thank Ayden for joining us today, for the words he shared and, most of all, for his service," President Whaley added. "We are so thankful that students like Ayden continue to choose Roane State. We are blessed to have him."

Havener is from Florida but now lives in Wartburg, Tennessee, with his wife, Destiny. He plans to graduate with his associate degree this May. Havener said his next step will be Tennessee Tech University, where he will continue his studies as a fish conservation major.

The Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans was launched in 2020. A nominee may be a student, member of the faculty or staff, an alumnus of the college or a member of the community who is a veteran or active-duty member and exemplifies characteristics of service, honor, courage, commitment and integrity.

“Our college communities are strengthened by the veterans and active-duty personnel on campus. The experiences and perspectives they bring are an important part of the broad diversity of people and backgrounds on our campuses that benefits everyone,” said Dr. Tydings. “We are committed wholeheartedly to serving our veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reserve members, military spouses and children. It’s a privilege to honor them, not only on Veterans Day but all year.”

Forty Chancellor's Commendation recipients were honored across the state on Veterans Day.

For information on Roane State's resources for student veterans, visit roanestate.edu/veterans.