Murfreesboro, TN - Ross List and Virgil Teter started their military journeys in the 1990s, each in a different branch, but now they’ve found common ground not just in their careers with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, but also in their academic paths. The two are preparing to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University and were honored with the Veteran Leadership Award during the university’s summer 2025 Graduating Veteran Stole Ceremony. Still more common ground, Roger and Tetter are both Murfreesboro residents.

MTSU's 31st stole cememony was held in the atruyn if the Miller Education Center on Thursday (8/7/2025). It was hosted by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Center. Approximately 50 graduating senior veterans received the red stoles to wear at commencement this Saturday. It is a visible tribute to their service to the country.

Nearly 50 student veterans will walk across the stage alongside more than 700 fellow graduates at the summer commencement, set for 9AM at Murphy Center. Thirty veterans attended the stole ceremony, including Teter and List, both Murfreesboro residents.

Teter and List expressed deep appreciation for the Daniels Center, which supports around 1,200 student veterans and their families each semester. The center operates out of Keathley University Center and has become a vital resource for those transitioning from military to academic life.

During the ceremony, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, reminded attendees to stay proud of their service. “Veterans know how to build a team, lead a team and how to put team above self.” 

David Corlew, who leads the Journey Home Project founded by the late country music legend Charlie Daniels, also spoke. The veterans center bears the names of Charlie and Hazel Daniels in honor of their support.

The ceremony also introduced U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin of College Grove as the new professor of military science, succeeding Lt. Col. Arlin Wilsher, who is retiring.

Among the honored was Ryan Stallsmith, 24, of Nolensville and Pomona, California — the only cadet set to be commissioned this summer. He’ll graduate with a degree in applied leadership and begin a new chapter with a conditional offer from the U.S. Secret Service. “This is a steppingstone to something greater,” he said. “I want to establish my career and follow my dreams.”

To learn more about the Daniels Center, visit mtsu.edu/military or call 615-904-8347.