Jake Berens, a medical student at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine, was named a 2026 Tillman Scholar. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Tillman Scholar Program has supported active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses by providing academic scholarships, professional development opportunities and access to a national network. 

Berens, who is Quillen College of Medicine’s fourth Tillman Scholar, was one of just 48 individuals chosen from among thousands of applicants nationwide. Scholars are selected for modeling service, scholarship, humble leadership and impact – traits exemplified by Pat Tillman, an athlete, scholar, soldier and leader who served in the U.S. Army and was killed in 2004 in Afghanistan.  

“The Pat Tillman Foundation invests in individuals it believes can make a difference and challenges them to use their talents in service of others,” Berens said. “Being entrusted with carrying forward Pat Tillman’s legacy is both an honor and a responsibility. It reinforces my commitment to serving the people and communities of Appalachia through medicine.”  

Berens has served for over 16 years in the United States Marine Corps. His time on a Marine Special Operations Team as a Marine Raider inspired his pursuit of medicine and fostered a passion for providing care in high-stake environments.   

“Military service taught me to focus my efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact. Medicine is the fulcrum between suffering and healing,” Berens said. “That’s where I’ll be, tools in hand.”  

After leaving active duty in 2021, Berens and his wife moved to Johnson City to be closer to family. He found a welcoming community that quickly felt like home. 

Through volunteer work, disaster relief efforts and continued service in the Marine Corps Reserve, Berens witnessed both the strengths of Appalachia and the barriers many residents face in accessing health care. 

“Those experiences strengthened my commitment to pursuing medicine in a region where dedicated physicians can make a lasting impact,” Berens said. 

As a veteran-friendly institution, the Quillen College of Medicine is proud to support military service members and veterans. The college waives application fees for applicants who have served or are currently serving in the United States military. 

Quillen has long been committed to supporting veterans and military-connected students. The Quillen Veterans Scholarship Endowment, established by veteran alumni and faculty, provides financial support to help veteran students pursue their medical education while bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to medicine. 

That commitment extends across the university. For the 16th year in a row, ETSU has earned Gold status in the 2026-27 Military Friendly School rankings. 

“At Quillen, I’ve been fortunate to learn from physicians and faculty who model how to serve a community with humility, compassion and purpose,” Berens said. “Their example has shaped the kind of physician I hope to become.” 

Today, Berens is focused on the complexities of rural and veteran health. As a student at Quillen College of Medicine and a proud father, he plans to remain in Appalachia to grow as a leader, train as a physician, and care for the people in his community.  

To support the Quillen Veteran Scholarship Endowment, visit https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/66409/donations/new.