Haslam College of Business - UT Haslam Student Named Tennessee Veteran of the Year

Kevin “Kev” Ho, a veteran of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry and second-year student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, was recently named by Military Friendly Tennessee Veteran of the Year 2025. The award, which Ho describes as a great honor, recognizes his commitment to supporting his fellow student veterans.

“I’m proud of the impact I’ve had in only two years,” says Ho, who arrived in Tennessee in 2023.

As Tennessee Veteran of the Year, Ho is now eligible for Military Friendly’s National Veteran of the Year award, which the organization will announce on September 11.

A Supportive University Community

After leaving the military in 2021, Ho worked a series of jobs in Virginia, finding the transition to civilian life challenging. America’s VetDogs provided him with his best friend, service dog Margie, who played a crucial role in supporting him during his post-military journey.

While working in a logistics role with an HVAC company. Ho found he was adept at supply chain logistics but knew he would need a college degree to move into positions of responsibility in the industry. That’s when he decided to apply to UT.

Upon arriving at the university, Ho felt supported by the university community after drawing on university resources for veterans, like the Division of Student Success’ Veterans Success Center (VSC) and Veterans Upward Bound. This support gave him the confidence to pursue higher education with renewed energy.

Ho transformed this enthusiasm into meaningful leadership roles in the Volunteer community. In addition to completing an internship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and being deeply involved in the VSC as a student veteran coordinator, he serves as president of the Student Veterans of America UT chapter, a senator for UT’s Student Government Association, vice president of risk management for Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and a member of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board. He is also taking a full slate of classes this fall.

“UT’s community, environment and support structure are the driving factors behind the success I’ve found,” Ho says.

Advice for Nontraditional Students

By carrying the torch of service, Ho shines as an example for nontraditional students, encouraging them to find a support network where they feel at home.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” he says. “Join student organizations, go to a student club meeting and make friends. Having a support structure when you’re at school can make a difference between going through the motions and actively thriving.”

Ho welcomes student veterans seeking community to join the Student Veterans of America tailgate at UT football games.

“We host a tailgate for every home game,” he says. “We want as many veterans as possible to join us.”

About Military Friendly

Military Friendly evaluates businesses and universities on their dedication, effort and success in creating opportunities for the military community. It does so through a ratings system determined through a rules-based algorithm using both public data and organizational surveys. The organization is a division of VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business, dedicated to connecting the military community with civilian opportunities in employment, education and entrepreneurship.

Main image: Kevin and Margie take a break from a meeting at the White House this summer, where he was invited to sit in on a meeting of cabinet members.

—

CONTACT:

Scott McNutt, senior business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu