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STAFF KUDOS: Southwest Awards Velvet McCallum Tennessee Board of Regents’ Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans

By Diana Fedinec 

Velvet McCallum receives Tennessee Board of Regents’ Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans Challenge Coin from President Tracy D. Hall during the college’s veterans’ recognition event Nov. 8, 2022.
Velvet McCallum receives Tennessee Board of
Regents’ Chancellor’s Commendation for Military
Veterans Challenge Coin from President Tracy D. Hall
during the college’s veterans’ recognition event
Nov. 8, 2022.

Southwest kicked off National Veterans Week with a Veteran Employee Appreciation and Recognition Event Nov. 8, 2022 at the Macon Cove Campus in celebration of its veteran employees. During the event, former Army Reservist and Library Services Security Coordinator, Velvet McCallum, received the Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans. McCallum was honored for her exceptional service to the college and dedication to students. 

“Velvet’s career at Southwest spans 43 years and in that lifetime of service to the college, she has touched the lives of many students and admirably worked to keep our campuses a safe place to work and learn,” Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said. “Velvet goes beyond her responsibilities to motivate and uplift our students with many graduates returning to thank her for her support. We are thrilled to honor Velvet for her unwavering commitment to the college and compassionate concern for our students.” 

McCallum joined the Army in 1976 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and additional training at Fort Lee, Virginia, serving four years as an Army Reservist. She arrived at Southwest in 1979 as the Coordinator of Police Services for former Shelby State Community College and in 2000, became the Library Services Security Coordinator. According to her colleagues and the many students who have crossed her path, Velvet rarely misses an opportunity to attend a campus event or volunteer to help. 

During the award ceremony, McCallum was presented with a specially commissioned Challenge Coin featuring the military branches on one side and the Chancellor’s Commendation designation on the other. Challenge coins have a long tradition in all military branches, awarded by commanders in recognition of special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect and esprit de corps.

“I am proud of my service to my country and just as proud to be a part of the Southwest community,” Velvet McCallum said during the ceremony.  “I consider it an honor to be able to make a difference in the lives of our students – it is something I deeply cherish.” 

Congratulations to Velvet on her distinguished honor and award!