Lt. Gen. Dennis Cavin, vice president of International Air and Missile Defense Strategic Initiatives for Lockheed Martin and a UTM alumnus, will deliver the fall commencement address at UTM.

Commencement will be at 2 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 19, in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center on the UTM campus. About 400 degrees are expected to be awarded.

Cavin received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from UTM in 1970 and a master’s degree in management from Webster University in St. Louis. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Department of Defense’s senior executive level educational program, the Industrial College of Armed Forces.

He joined Lockheed Martin in October after completing 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. As vice president of International Air and Missile Defense Strategic Initiatives, he is responsible for global identification, qualification and pursuit of international air and missile defense programs.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in electro-optics, precision munitions and advanced combat missile, rocket and space systems for the United States and its allies.

Before to joining Lockheed Martin, Cavin was the principal executive responsible for meeting the Army’s military human resource missions for the Active and Army Reserve.

He also was responsible for developing policies and training standards for all Initial Military (Basic) Training across the Army’s five training bases. He directed the Army’s advertising and marketing program launching the highly successful, “Army of One,” campaign in January 2002. Today, this campaign is credited for making the U.S. Army slogan the most recognizable of all the Armed Forces.

Cavin, a career Air Defense Artillery officer, served in both Short Range and High Altitude Air Defense Artillery units for more than 20 years. In 1996, he was promoted to the grade of general and served as Deputy Commanding General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery center at Fort Bliss, Texas, until 2000. He has served in multiple overseas assignments and critical leadership positions during his military career.

Cavin, a native of Martin, currently resides in Gallatin with his wife, Mary. They have a daughter, Brandie Cole, who resides in Lebanon and also is a graduate of UTM.

Chancellor Dunagan will preside over the exercises and confer degrees.

Dr. Kay Durden, University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Alumni Distinguished Service Professor, will be the mace bearer, and the processional marshals will be Dr. Daniel Pigg, faculty senate president; Dr. Robert LeMaster, faculty senate vice president; Al Hooten, vice chancellor for finance and administration and Dr. Katherine High, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Immediately following commencement ceremonies, a reception will be hosted in the Duncan Ballroom in the Ed and Carolyn Boling University Center.