Leading the Way: Kevin Ho
Champions UT’s Veteran Community
Kevin “Kev” Ho dedicates much of his time to connecting with fellow veterans on the UT campus. A passionate advocate for the military community, he serves as president of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) UT chapter, works at the Veterans Success Center, and represents fellow veterans as a senator for UT’s Student Government Association (SGA).
Military Friendly, a national designation for veteran and military family support, recognized Ho’s efforts with two awards: Tennessee Veteran of the Year 2025 and Veteran of the Year in Higher Education. “I did not anticipate this recognition,” he says. “I hope to use the awards to bring more attention to veterans and help them succeed.”
Ho grew up surrounded by military families and culture near Washington, D.C. The first-generation American joined the Army at 18, an experience Ho says fundamentally changed him. “I absorbed the values and discipline, and it helped me grow,” he says.
After serving more than four years in the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry, Ho left the military in 2021. He worked several private-sector jobs, including a logistics role, which motivated him to pursue a supply chain management degree at Haslam. Now a sophomore, he will graduate in 2027.
Ho felt overwhelmed when he arrived on campus as a first-generation college student, but UT’s Veterans Success Center and Veterans Upward Bound helped him find his footing. “Nontraditional students often face difficult circumstances, whether it’s having a family or a full-time job,” he says. “Military service can also be connected to disabilities that affect how people learn. Having organizations specifically designed to support veterans makes a big difference.”
“There’s always more to be done, but we’re headed in a good direction at UT.”
– Kev Ho
In his second semester at UT, Ho spoke with fellow veterans about how campus organizations could better serve them. SGA appointed him to a veterans’ special interest group, and he later helped relaunch UT’s SVA chapter, a student-led organization supporting veterans. Ho also helps build community through the Veterans Success Center, which supports military-affiliated students as they transition from service to academic life.
Erica Quin, associate director of the Veterans Success Center and staff advisor for the Rocky Top SVA chapter, says Ho has shown exceptional initiative. “Helping restart UT’s SVA chapter wasn’t easy, but he stepped up and brought people together,” she says. “He’s very passionate about ensuring veterans have a voice on campus.”
Lane Morris, Haslam’s associate dean of undergraduate studies and student affairs and the John W. Fisher Professor of Innovative Learning, says Ho is an excellent example of the Volunteer Spirit. “We are very proud of him and appreciate his service to our country, our campus, and his peers.”
For Ho, seeing his fellow veterans thrive is the most rewarding aspect of his efforts. “There’s more to be done, but we’re headed in a good direction at UT,” he says. “We’re always working to improve things for our vets.”
