This week, in observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, a Jackson State University student military or veteran service member will be highlighted each day for service.
Throughout the year, other service members will also be noted.
Today’s student is:
T.L. Chandler
Chandler, 46, grew up in Jackson, graduated from Provine High School, class of 1996.
Branch of Service: U.S. Army.
He retired from the military in 2007, after 21 years, at the rank of captain.
His last tour of duty was in Iraq, 2003-2005. “I’ve been everywhere,” he said.
Chandler is a Ph.D. candidate in social work, after receiving his masters degree in 2012 in clinical mental health at JSU.
Started at JSU: 2008.
His area of interest is “the empowerment of the community as an urban university.”
But his studies don’t allow much time for many outside activities.
“Ph.D. students don’t have fun,” he joked, adding that much of his energy outside of studying is as a “loving husband and loving father.” He has one daughter, 11 months, and another on the way.
Last month, Jackson State University was named a 2015 “Military Friendly” school by Victory Media.
The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and to ensure their success on campus.
There are more than 370 veterans and military students on campus and this number is growing, according to Tim Abram, director of the JSU Veterans and Military Center.
To view information about resources and services for veterans and military personnel at JSU, visit https://www.jsums.edu/studentlife/veteran-student-services-program/ or call 601-979-1365.