Cranford Native Set To Become Army Officer

CRANFORD, NJ — A Cranford native is celebrating a major milestone after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before preparing to begin a career in military service.

Matt Coyne recently graduated from the university's Haslam College of Business with a degree in supply chain management and will soon be commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

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Coyne said his interest in supply chain management was influenced by his father's work and the broad career opportunities the field can provide.

"Everything in the world revolves around logistics, not just in business," Coyne said. "When I leave the Army, I have the opportunity to land a job pretty much anywhere because everyone needs some sort of a logistics network."

At Tennessee, Coyne participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which helped shape both his college experience and future career plans. He and fellow ROTC cadet Spencer Rabenold became roommates during their first year and remained close friends throughout college.

Coyne said joining ROTC pushed him outside his comfort zone.

"Coming to Tennessee forced me to push myself out of my comfort zone just by signing up for ROTC," he said. "I have no family in the military whatsoever, so that was a big jump for me."

During his time at the university, Coyne also studied abroad in Germany, where he observed different approaches to business and manufacturing.

Following graduation, Coyne will spend a year at Fort Benning, Georgia, before heading to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for his Army assignment.

"For me, it's about contributing to something bigger than myself and supporting the men and women standing next to me," Coyne said.

According to the University of Tennessee, Coyne's background in supply chain management could help him manage logistics and supplies while serving as an Army officer.

His graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter that combines his business education with military service.