For Army veteran and MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University) honors student John Farris, service didn’t end when he left the military. Whether working toward his aerospace degree, training service dogs or helping fellow student veterans, Farris has found ways to carry his dedication to others into every corner of his life.
Originally from Columbia, Tennessee, Farris graduated from Columbia Academy at just 17 years old. By the time most people his age entered college, he was completing basic training and preparing to serve as a radio transmitter operator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. After leaving the Army in 2021, Farris decided to return home and pursue aviation through higher education.
“I chose MTSU because of the aerospace department and because I wanted to be a pilot,” Farris said. “MTSU is also quite close to home, which was a big part of my decision.”
Academic Excellence
Now an aerospace major with a concentration in professional pilot, Farris maintains a 4.0 GPA while also completing his honors thesis, AI in Academia: The Next Evolution of Human Thinking and Learning.
Joe Hawkins, an associate professor in the Department of Aerospace at MTSU, sees firsthand how Farris’s military background shapes his approach to academics and career goals. “John’s military experience has given him a strong sense of discipline, attention to detail and adaptability—traits essential in aviation and academia,” Hawkins explained. “He applies a methodical mindset to complex technical subjects, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that aligns with the high standards expected in the aerospace industry.” He also praised Farris’ leadership skills, noting his professionalism and confidence, especially when working with peers or engaging with faculty. His ability to stay calm under pressure and manage time effectively has been instrumental in helping him balance the demanding coursework and flight training required in the program.
“Veterans like John bring a deep sense of responsibility, not just to their education, but to their families and communities as well.” According to Hawkins, Farris’ example reflects how veterans, despite facing significant personal commitments, excel in MTSU’s rigorous programs while supporting others and enriching the learning environment with their unique perspectives and experiences.
Future Pursuits
With graduation planned for May of next year, Farris is looking ahead to the next chapter—whether it’s instructing future pilots at MTSU’s flight school or pursuing commercial aviation opportunities. But his ambitions stretch beyond the cockpit. For over a year, he has been training Ellie, a German shepherd, to become a seizure-alert service dog for individuals with epilepsy. Ellie is the fifth dog he has trained—what began as fostering through the Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue grew into a calling.
“Ellie was very timid at first, but she had high energy and strong social skills,” Farris explained. “I realized she could make a great companion animal and decided to focus her training on seizure alerts.”
Over the course of 20 weeks, Farris worked with Ellie on specialized responses, including recognizing seizure activity, signaling for help and remaining calm in public spaces. It’s a challenging process, but one Farris finds deeply rewarding.
In fact, the first dog he trained, Hans, was for his father. When his dad’s health began to decline, Farris took on the responsibility of caring for both him and Hans, managing the dog’s training to provide stability and companionship during difficult times. “Hans was very special, not just to my dad but to our entire family,” Farris recalled. “He was incredibly well-trained and could be taken anywhere, anytime. Helping to care for him, especially while supporting my father, gave me a deeper appreciation for the bond between people and their service animals.”
Service & Commitment
That commitment to service extends to his work with other veterans on campus. Like many who leave the military, Farris faced an uphill climb transitioning into civilian and academic life. He credits the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU with making that process smoother.
“The Daniels Center has been instrumental in my transition, as well as the many veterans on campus and the groups I’ve been fortunate to be a part of,” Farris said. “Money was very tight for me the first two years, and without the Daniels Center, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to school. They helped me with scholarships, grants and so much more.”
“The Daniels Center understands that military-connected people are hardwired to serve,” Hilary Miller, director of the center, said. “If they are not doing something purposeful, they are going to feel at a loss. It is our privilege to help reconnect them to purpose.”
For Farris, that sense of purpose now takes many forms—flying, training dogs, helping friends with their service animals and mentoring other student veterans.
“Fulfillment won’t come out of accomplishing one specific thing,” Farris said. “It’s about continually working on yourself and those around you. The only way to find that kind of fulfillment is to push yourself, look for opportunities and strive to help others.”
As he looks toward his future in aviation, Farris hopes his journey will encourage other veterans to take advantage of all that MTSU offers.
And as for Ellie? With Farris’s guidance, she’s well on her way to changing someone’s life, too.
Hans passed away, not the stepfather. The stepfather is still alive.
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