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Overcoming Obstacles
Student veterans achieve their missions at MTSU despite challenges
by Randy Weiler
A Hawaii native and former California resident, retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Bolding overcame a bone marrow transplant and other health issues on his path to graduating summa cum laude from MTSU at age 52.
Marine 2nd Lt. Rashieq Cockerham, of Murfreesboro, 29, immersed himself in research and campus organizations while earning his degree. After previously serving four years on active duty, he commissioned into the Marines in the Daniels Center shortly after his May graduation.
Among 100 veterans graduating from MTSU in May 2025, the two exemplify military-connected students and families helped by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Both also were surprised with special recognition for their hard work during their academic careers as the Daniels Center hosted its 30th stole ceremony.
Bolding, a stay-at-home father and husband while attending MTSU, earned the Journey Award as he notched a 3.9 GPA majoring in Integrated Studies with emphasis in education and leadership. He received a variety of medals and badges during his service, which included deployment in Bosnia during a NATO mission and in the Operation Iraqi Freedom conflict.
“I adapted to college life without too much difficulty,” said Bolding, who admitted to “hating school growing up. . . . My first semester, I decided to get A’s. I knew I had to work to make that happen. I owe a great deal of thanks to the Daniels Center. Without them, I’m unsure if I would have been able to be as successful as I have been.”
Cockerham, given the Veteran Leadership Award, recorded nearly a 3.7 GPA while majoring in Biology with a Physiology concentration and minors in Science (chemistry emphasis), Spanish, and Honors. He published research in MTSU’s Scientia et Humanitas academic journal in spring 2025 and received the Honors Dean’s Distinguished Essay Award for an associated article.
Cockerham, who participated in five conferences in his final semester, said he “still wrestles with imposter syndrome” but that “mentorship, a supportive academic community, and wife” helped him overcome obstacles. He served as a Chemistry Department learning assistant, Honors College ambassador, and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs student worker.
“Life at MTSU has been amazing,” Cockerham said. “I arrived as a nontraditional student and quickly found an on-campus community that supported both my academic and personal growth. The support I received from faculty, the Honors College, the Daniels Center, and my peers made this journey incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”
