8 minute read
From Ground to Sky
Veteran balances flight, family, and service to soar at MTSU
By Robin E. Lee
For Army veteran and MTSU 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.
“John has demonstrated and upholds the highest tradition of ‘service before self’ that servant leaders— including future airline captains—must possess to be effective leaders,” said Peter Neff, an associate professor in MTSU’s Aerospace Department.
A Tennessee native, Farris graduated from Columbia Academy at just 17 years old. By the time many people his age entered college, Farris was completing basic training and preparing to serve as a radio transmitter operator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Though his dream had always been to become a pilot, the contract requirements for military aviation didn’t align with his plans.
After leaving the Army in 2021, Farris made the decision 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.”
Now pursuing MTSU’s Professional Pilot pathway, Farris has maintained a 4.0 GPA while also completing his Honors thesis titled “AI in Academia: The Next Evolution of Human Thinking and Learning.”
John’s military experience has given him a strong sense of discipline, attention to detail, and adaptability.
“His research addresses the mixed messages students face when AI policies are left to individual faculty members rather than being guided by a clear institutional framework,” said Tara Perrin, Farris’ thesis advisor and an MTSU Online instructional designer. “John’s work explores how faculty can thoughtfully incorporate AI into the classroom without compromising core elements like pedagogy and the development of critical thinking skills.”
Perrin praised Farris’ thoughtful feedback approach and dedication to making meaningful impact through his research.
“One of the strengths I’ve noticed in our short time working together is his ability to handle critique, reflect, and thoughtfully adapt or defend his ideas,” she said. “Through this project, John hopes to support students who see AI as a tool to enhance—not replace— their learning. By examining policy gaps and faculty perspectives, he aims to offer recommendations that benefit his peers both during their time at MTSU and in their future careers.”
GROUNDED IN FUTURE PURSUITS
Joe Hawkins, an Aerospace associate professor, sees firsthand how John Farris’ 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 said. “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.”
Hawkins emphasized the importance of traits such as discipline, communication, and teamwork, which Farris has cultivated throughout his military service.
“John’s perseverance is a testament to the strength and dedication that make veteran students such an asset to MTSU’s community,” he added. “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.
With graduation planned for next May, Farris is looking ahead to the next chapter—whether it’s instructing future pilots at MTSU’s flight school or
“I knew I wanted to continue working with dogs, not just for my own healing, but to help others find the same comfort and support that my dad found,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to help others, and extending my skills to help others with their animals has been a very rewarding experience. When Ellie is ready and passes her Public Access Test, I know it will all be worth it to help someone in need.”
TRAINING ANIMALS FOR SERVICE
Farris’ ambitions also 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. This 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 said. “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.”
The only way to find that kind of fulfillment is to push yourself, look for opportunities, and strive to help others.
During this period, Farris was balancing an intense schedule that would be overwhelming for most. He juggled a demanding academic load at MTSU— including 18 credit hours and a rigorous flight lab— while working 24 hours a week as a patrol officer on campus and training Hans while serving as his father’s primary caregiver.
“It was very difficult, and I’m proud of myself to have made it through that time,” he said. “Trying to keep up with school, work, and caring for my dad felt like a constant uphill battle, but I knew I couldn’t drop the ball on any of it.”
Although Hans has since passed away, Farris reflects on that season of his life as one that shaped his dedication to helping others through dog training.
“I knew I wanted to continue working with dogs, not just for my own healing, but to help others find the same comfort and support that my dad found,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to help others, and extending my skills to help others with their animals has been a very rewarding experience. When Ellie is ready and passes her Public Access Test, I know it will all be worth it to help someone in need.”
“HARDWIRED TO SERVE”
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 MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center 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.”
Daniels Center Director Hilary Miller says Farris’ story represents exactly why the center exists.
“The Daniels Center understands that militaryconnected people are hardwired to serve,” Miller 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 own 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 encourages other veterans to take advantage of all MTSU offers.
“Go for it,” he said. “There’s nothing stopping you from being a great student and part of the community. This has been the best time of my life—the Daniels Center, the Honors College, the Department of Aerospace—all have changed me to be a better person and a contributor to the community.”
And as for Ellie? With Farris’ guidance, she’s well on her way to changing someone’s life too.
