SUMMER 2022 ETSU HeroesBuilding for ExperienceStudent Committee for 125, Chapter II Godspeed 10 Years and Go GodspeedBucs: 10 Years and Go Bucs:
SUMMER 2022 ETSU President Brian Noland Executive Editor Fred Sauceman Managing Editors Joe MelissaSmithNipper Advancement/Alumni Editors Pamela Ritter Whitney Goetz Contributing Writers Sara BriarJessicaLaurenJoeFredPhilMelissaJaredJenniferYasmeenO.J.LeeKarenLarryKevinAllenBrownCalhounCriggerAnnDavisEarlyElayanHillNesbittNipperPerrySaucemanSmithTemplinVoddenWorley Graphic Design Jeanette Henry Jewell Contributing Photographers Ron CharlieLarryRobertDakotaTannerMatthewCampbellCarrollClementsHamiltonKingSmithWarden 1 President’s Perspective 7 Charles Allen Hall Ribbon Cutting 11 Committee for 125, Chapter II 14 Remembering Jim Powell 15 Bill Gatton’s Legacy 16 Meet the Board of Trustees: Dr. Linda Latimer 18 Class of 2022 19 ETSU Votes 20 Wayne Winkler Signing Off 21 First and Triumphant 21 Day of Giving 22 Bidwell Named Arts and Sciences Dean 23 Pittarese Named Business and Technology Dean 25 Thomas GroundbreakingStadium 26 DATELINE: ETSU 28 Who’s Teaching at ETSU 30 Serving ALS Patients 31 Why I Teach Podcast 31 Coming to the Martin Center 32 Preparing Math Teachers 33 Center for Pharmacy Education, Advocacy and Outreach 34 Who’s Going to ETSU? 36 ETSU Alumnus Named Principal of the Year 38 Dr.RememberingDormanStout 39 Creating FrameworksTrauma-Informed 41 Hall of DeShawneFame:Blocker 42 1911 Society 44 Class Notes 47 ETSU Obituaries 2 Building for the Student Experience 4 Looking Back 40 years at Quillen 8 Godspeed and Go Bucs A Decade with President Noland 12 ETSU Heroes Honored for Service COVER PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN
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In just a few weeks, the fall 2022 semester will begin. Nothing matches the excitement of being on a university campus in the days leading up to the start of a new academic year. Overnight, the population on campus will climb by nearly 15,000 as students return to our residence halls and classrooms. Our Dining Hall, the Basler Center for Physical Activity, Sherrod Library, the Quad, and other popular campus spots will be bustling. A new group of faculty will arrive on campus to begin their ETSU journey, and they will be greeted by our returning faculty who are back in their offices following a summer of teaching, professional activity, and rest. Our 2021-22 academic year was a milestone for ETSU as it brought the return of many traditions and celebrations that were paused when the pandemic began. Homecoming provided an opportunity for alumni to return to their campus home and engage with their friends. New academic programs moved forward, including our occupational therapy program, which welcomed its first class. Historic news came from Nashville as funding was provided for major capital projects on campus, and an increase in the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship was announced, the first increase since this program was created during the early 2000s. Numerous strategic opportunities for ETSU were identified in the Committee for 125 Chapter II report, which was approved by our Board of Trustees. The Campaign for ETSU, our comprehensive capital campaign, continued with positive momentum, and, of course, our football team advanced to the FCS quarterfinals. Did you know HERO Sports released its FCS Preseason Top-25 poll and the Bucs are slated fifth overall? Homecoming 2022 will be here in the blink of an eye. I encourage you to please make time for you and your family to return to campus the third week of October and participate in some of our Homecoming festivities leading up to our football game against Samford on October 22. In closing, the past academic year was a time of humble reflection for me and my family as we celebrated 10 years as members of the ETSU community. It has been my distinct honor to serve as the president of this world-class institution, and I thank each of you for your support of our students, faculty, and staff. This is an institution that puts people first and that believes in the transformative power of higher education. We are blessed to call East Tennessee State University our home.
PresidentBrianSincerely,Noland
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: BRIAN NOLAND WARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTO
An Integrated Health Services Building will be located on ETSU’s property within Johnson City’s Innovation Park, a 60-acre area adjacent to the campus, Johnson City Medical Center, and the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home. This new $43.9 million facility will bring together students and faculty of all five ETSU Health colleges in interprofessional teaching and learning while providing health care services for the community.
A $47.7 million renovation of Brown Hall, originally constructed in 1942, will provide new classroom and state-of-the-art laboratory space for the basic sciences.
It’s not at all unusual for alumni who graduated two decades ago to express amazement over how much the East Tennessee State University campus has changed. But so many new facilities, renovations, upgrades, and other improvements completed steadily during recent years make graduates of even two to four years ago say, “Wow, I wish we’d had that when I was here!” And there’s more to come. “ETSU is a completely different place today than it was five years ago, and the same is going to be said in another five years,” said Jeremy Ross, ETSU Chief Operating Officer. “In the last five years, ETSU focused on the way students experience campus, whether it is eating at a bakery or restaurant, using technology in a classroom, or attending a football game or the theatre. We are transitioning residence halls into living-learning communities where students have their own study rooms, music practice areas, and collaboration spaces.”
Ross is thankful that these projects received funding from the state, and said he believes the approval came from close alignment of ETSU’s project applications with the funding priorities set forth by the state, which included student retention and graduation, as well as economic development and community outreach.
Soon to come also are a new radio tower for WETS-FM (89.5), ETSU’s National Public Radio affiliate; a $1.5 million Millennium Center renovation to benefit ETSU’s computer science program; and changes to Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall to accommodate arts cinema, community theatre, and more.
The university’s designers and planners are being very deliberate in creating an enhanced student experience.
for the addition of an indoor training facility for Buccaneer baseball at Thomas Stadium, and a $30 million renovation of various residence halls is upgrading spaces for living-learning communities.
“Imagine being a pre-health student a few years ago living in various older residence halls with parking lots outside your front door,” Ross said. “Today pre-health students live in the newly renovated Stone Hall with updated spaces, study halls, outdoor seating areas, and even a new slide, in lieu of stairs, to commute to the new University Commons. Once you are in the Commons, you may observe a festival or outdoor yoga class. If you choose to walk a little farther, you can enjoy a treat at the new bakery or food in several of the new PROJECTS ETSU
THE CHANGING FACE OF CAMPUS
RE NDERINGS RENOVATED CURRENT, UPCOMING
“In addition to our very talented Capital Design and Planning staff, we are fortunate to have faculty and staff across campus who are capable of creating and delivering programs that align with state priorities,” he said. Also underway is a $23 million expansion of Lamb Hall, which increases classroom and laboratory space for the health sciences and is expected to be completed in 2024. Once Lamb Hall is complete, the second phase of University Commons will be created, connecting the first phase adjacent to the Culp Center and Stone, Yoakley, Powell, Carter, Lamb, and Hutcheson halls with Ross Drive and the Quad.
When the Tennessee General Assembly approved Gov. Bill Lee’s budget for the 202223 fiscal year, a number of requested capital projects for ETSU got the green light. New classroom space for ETSU’s general education courses will be the highlight of a new $62.5 million Academic Building, for which a percentage of matching funds will need to be raised. The Campus Center Building – the original student center and home to numerous academic programs, museums, and more since the D.P. Culp Student Center opened in the 1970s – will be demolished to make way for this new facility. Construction is projected to begin in spring 2024.
IMPROVING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE AT
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Lamb Hall Renovation Recently Completed Projects These are just a few of the many projects completed over the past 10 years: Charles Allen Hall Renovation (VA Campus) (See story on next Baslerpage)Center for Physical Activity Addition D.P. Culp Student Center Renovation William B. Greene Jr. Stadium (Football) Martin Center for the Arts Millennium Center Acquisition Parking Garage Summers-Taylor Stadium (Soccer) University Commons restaurants in the Culp Center. Eventually you make your way to Lamb Hall and enjoy the newly updated classrooms and labs for health science students. “All of this was deliberately planned to immerse students in social, cultural, and academic spaces that define and transform ETSU into a unique living-learning community in beautiful East Tennessee.” Jennifer L. Hill is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. BROWN RENOVATED COURTYARD ENTRY / LEVEL 2 CONNECTOR B2 - Page 34 of Add a Footer LAMB HALL Project Information Cost: $23,000,000 Completion: Spring 2023 Status: Under Construction WARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTOWARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTOWARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTOHAMILTONDAKOTABYPHOTOCAMPBELLRONBYPHOTO SUMMER 2022 x 3
“Like a desert mirage, this day has beckoned us for a generation,” Congressman James H. “Jimmy” Quillen told the graduates that morning over 40 years ago during their Honors Ceremony in the Veterans Administration Theatre at Mountain Home. “Our thirst for accomplishment has made our efforts all the more determined and our commitment all the more earnest.”
REMEMBERING THE
After the administration of the Hippocratic Oath, the class made its way to Memorial Center on the ETSU campus, where Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander delivered the commencement address, his second at ETSU since his election in 1978.
The governor’s words would indeed prove prophetic, as the Quillen College of Medicine has consistently ranked among the best in the country for rural medicine and primary care education. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE’S FIRST GRADUATION 40 YEARS LATER
“One of the most important aspects of the medical school is the impact it will have on the health care of Upper East Tennessee,” Alexander told the graduating class. “We are all proud of this institution.”
As the East Tennessee State University band played Clifton Williams’ symphonic march, “The Sinfonians,” 22 women and men prepared to enter the history books on May 8, 1982.
History was perhaps not foremost in the minds of the very first Quillen College of Medicine graduates at East Tennessee State University that day. Those pioneering students were about to enter residency programs all over the country, where the lessons and skills acquired in laboratories, clinics, and classrooms during the preceding four years would be put to use in the healing of patients, their ultimate goal. Meanwhile, they had new housing arrangements to make, new bank accounts to open, beloved family members to visit, and emotional good-byes to share with their fellow students who had taken a risk on this brand-new medical school. But they would forever remember and be grateful for their role in the history of medical education in Tennessee. May 8 was a culmination of years of great triumphs and bitter political feuds that would ultimately forever change the way health care would be delivered in the state and beyond. Since that day 40 years ago, ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine has awarded 2,343 M.D. degrees.
Class of 1982 ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA 4 x ETSU TODAY
graduates from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, UT-Nashville (now Tennessee State), Vanderbilt, Duke, David Lipscomb, the University of Kentucky, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ohio State, Carson-Newman, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Tech. Dr. Judith Bowen of Waverly, Tennessee, the third person to receive a Quillen diploma, was one of seven medical school graduates with baccalaureate degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
“There is a lot of excitement and some anxiety, of course, associated with being in the first class,” she said at the time. “People in the clinical settings had not worked with medical students before, so until we actually started rotating through, they were eager and excited but also anxious. The faculty has always been very supportive and helpful, not only because of our interest in learning, but also because we are the first class, and they are very aware of the fact that they are in the process of defining and creating an effective training program.”
ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA SUMMER 2022 x 5
I was there that day, as ETSU President Dr. Ronald E. Beller and College of Medicine Dean Dr. Herschel L. Douglas presented the coveted diplomas. Dr. Elizabeth L. McMahan, Interim Dean of Faculty at ETSU, presided over the ceremony. In the audience on May 8, 1982, were many of the people who had led the fight for the school, including ETSU President Emeritus Dr. D.P. Culp. In calling for a medical school at ETSU, he had placed his job on the line in his defiance of his boss, Governor Winfield Dunn. Culp had received the long-awaited letter of reasonable assurance for future accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education on his last day in office, at 4:35 p.m. in fact, on June 30, 1977. The first class of medical students would be admitted the very next year. The former president watched with pride on graduation day as each of the 22, beginning alphabetically with Dr. Robert Boleman, crossed the stage. During the Honors Ceremony, Boleman had been named the most outstanding senior student in internal medicine. Fittingly, the award carried the name of Dr. Charles “Ed” Allen, himself an internal medicine physician who had somehow kept his practice going while campaigning all across Tennessee in the 1960s and 1970s for the creation of the medical school. Had it not been for Culp’s bravery and the tenacity of Allen and State Representative P.L. Robinson, a Washington County dairy farmer, the medical school likely would not have been created. They brilliantly built an interparty alliance, resulting in Democratic Speaker of the House Ned Ray McWherter casting the deciding vote to override Governor Dunn’s veto of the med school bill on March 12, 1974. As the drama was playing out on the state level, First District Congressman Quillen successfully championed the proposed medical school on the federal level.
“We have been well-trained, and even though we are new, I learned that older established schools also have their problems. The experience of working with President Richard Nixon signs the Teague-Cranston Act, which provided for the creation of medical schools in partnership with VA medical centers.
Among that first class, four were graduates of ETSU. And there were
Any doubt about how medical education at ETSU would stack up compared to other, more established schools was quickly erased when Bowen completed elective rotations, during her fourth year in medical school, at the Mayo Clinic and at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
“We are no different from medical students at other places,” she asserted.
Dr. Paul E. Stanton, Jr. (left) joined the Quillen faculty as Director of Peripheral Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Charles Votaw, who presided at the Honors Ceremony at the VA as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at the Quillen College of Medicine, said he was more than pleased with the matches the students received through the National Residency Matching Program. “We think the record is very good. It shows that our students have been evaluated with the best in the country and have competed very successfully.”
As the recessional music of the “Thomas Jefferson March” filled Memorial Center on May 8, 1982, the first graduates of the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University set forth to change the world, one patient at a time. Fred Sauceman is Executive Editor of ETSU Today. ETSU Today is grateful to Sandy Laws and the Archives of Appalachia at ETSU for making available documents that help tell the story of the graduation of our first medical school class. In 2004, the original faculty of the College of Medicine joined together to celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary.
PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA
A total of 824 degrees were awarded during that memorable ceremony on the ETSU campus. In addition to the 22 medical school graduates, another student made history. Thomas Weston Hodge II of Johnson City was awarded ETSU’s first Ph.D. degree in biochemistry. OUR FIRST MED SCHOOL GRADUATES AND THEIR HOMETOWNS Bob Boleman Johnson City Bill Boswell Mountain City Judy Bowen Waverly Tom Clary Oak Ridge Johnny Cox Jonesborough Wear Culvahouse Ten Mile Joe D’Amico Oak Ridge David Fanning Bristol Jim Fegan Evergreen, Colorado Ron Homra Fulton, Kentucky Ray Lamb Nashville Billy Murphy Chattanooga Bill Neumann Paris Carolyn Newton Beckley, West Virginia Cathy Page Talbott Paul Porter Shelbyville Rick Reuhland Woodbury Mickey Spivey Kingsport Alan Spreen Hixson Greg Swabe Pegram Jim Vinson Newport Jim Wells Union Springs, New York Note: Leslie Cargile of Nashville would complete her requirements in the summer of 1982.
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State representatives P. L. Robinson and Gwen Fleming were part of the East Tennessee delegation that pushed for the creation of the College of Medicine.
Bowen was selected for a prestigious residency in psychiatry at the Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka, Kansas.
other medical students also gave me the confidence to approach the interviews for residency programs elsewhere.”
Dr. Tom Clary of Oak Ridge, who, along with Boleman, would soon begin residency at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital, added, “Here, I was able to get to know my professors on a personal, as well as a student-teacher, basis. I’ve been to their homes for dinner, and this has really meant a lot. It’s been a unique opportunity. You get to know everything about everybody.”
In summing up the emotions of the time, Bowen said, “It’s pleasant to look back and realize how close we have all become. You develop commontoyearstryingrelationshipsspecialwhentosurvivefourofworkingaccomplishagoal.”
RENOVATED SPACE, NEW PROGRAM
“ETSU’s commitment to providing education and training in degrees in a wide variety of health care fields is primarily responsible for the improvement in health care throughout our region,” said Charles E. Allen, Jr. “With the opening of the Occupational Therapy Program, ETSU is taking one more step in affirming its vision to improve the quality of life for the people of this region.” Melissa Nipper is Director of Marketing and Communications in the Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Ron Campbell
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM BEGINS IN CHARLES ED ALLEN HALL
The building is named for Allen’s late father, Dr. Charles Ed Allen, whose efforts led to the establishment of the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. From 1965 until 1973, he served as the founding President of the Appalachian Regional Center for the Healing Arts, which was created as an official health systems agency with one solid purpose: to make the ETSU medical school a reality. In 2005, Building 2 on the campus of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home was dedicated and named Charles Ed Allen Hall in Dr. Allen’s honor.
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Since 1996, the building has housed ETSU’s Physical Therapy program. With the addition of the OT program and the eventual addition of the O&P program, Charles Ed Allen Hall is poised to become an interprofessional destination for students interested in careers in physical rehabilitative sciences.
“The fact that this building will now house these rehab sciences programs in one space is a continuation of ETSU’s commitment to interprofessional education and training,” said Dr. Don Samples, Dean of the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences (CCRHS). University, community, and health care leaders, as well as federal, state, and local elected officials, attended the ribboncutting celebration. Speakers included U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, State Senator Rusty Crowe, ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics Dr. Kimberly D. Pictured left to right are: Dr. Rachel Ellis, Director of the Occupational Therapy Program; Dr. Don Samples, Dean of the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences; U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger; ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland; ETSU Board of Trustees member Charles E. Allen, Jr.; Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics; State Sen. Rusty Crowe; Dr. Jeff Snodgrass, Chair of the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences; and Dr. Ron Sheppard, Assistant Professor. McCorkle, CCRHS Dean Dr. Don Samples, and ETSU Trustee Charles E. Allen, Jr.
A new chapter is underway for the first floor of Charles Ed Allen Hall (Building 2) on the VA campus. In May, East Tennessee State University celebrated the ribboncutting and grand opening of the renovated space, and just a few weeks later, ETSU’s inaugural cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students were welcomed into the space to begin their studies.
The $4 million renovation began in summer 2021 and transformed 14,000 square feet of space into a state-of-the-art physical rehabilitative sciences hub that now houses ETSU’s new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. It will also be home to the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) that is currently in development.
10 Years10 Years GodspeedGodspeedandGoBucs:andGoBucs: ON THE COVER 8 x ETSU TODAY
“I cannot say enough to thank the ETSU Board of Trustees for the way they approached the pandemic,” Noland said. “They allowed the administration to make the decisions needed to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. “One of the things I am most proud of is that we did not have any furloughs or lay offs the way some other schools were forced to do,” Noland said. “We protected our people.”
“I inherited a great staff from Dr. Stanton, and over the years, I have been able to build upon that staff and continue to surround myself with an outstanding team,” said Noland. “In the end, we are all here for one reason—to help students realize their dreams.
When Noland reflects on the past decade at ETSU, his favorite memories focus on the people – including those with whom he works and the students who make all the work worthwhile.
Most recently, he has guided the university through one of the most difficult periods in its history, the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has led the university through several key transitions, including the 2016 signing of the FOCUS Act, which moved the governance of ETSU from the Tennessee Board of Regents to a campus board for the first time in the institution’s history. He also was at the helm during the 2018 merger of the region’s two health systems into one. Ballad Health now serves as the university’s clinical partner and has funded several key research centers at the university that tackle rural health and other important health issues.
“In my freshman year of college, I was struggling with my path and trying to answer that proverbial question: ‘What do you want to do with your life?’” Noland said.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Dr. Brian Noland’s tenure as President of East Tennessee State University. In honor of this milestone, community leaders from across the region came together to launch a new scholarship program that aims to assist low-income students who are the first in their families to attend college. The Noland Family First-Generation Scholarship was announced in a surprise on-court ceremony during an ETSU basketball game on February 23. “Dr. Noland, his wife, Donna, and his son, Jackson, are deeply committed to ensuring that ETSU is a place where people come first,” said Lieutenant General (Retired) Ron V. Hite, Chairman of the ETSU Foundation. “They have given their whole hearts to this community and led through service to others. This scholarship honors the example they have set through their belief in the transformative power of higher education.”
OPENING DOORS FOR PEOPLE
One way he has opened doors for students is by literally leaving the door open for them to visit. Since his arrival on campus, Noland has hosted regular office hours for students to stop by to talk about anything that is on their minds.
As the ninth president of ETSU, Noland has overseen the largest volume of capital projects in the history of the university and was an essential advocate in the successful campaign to revive the Buccaneer football program and the ETSU marching band. In 2020, he helped the ETSU community achieve further expansion and the realization of a longstanding dream to bring a performing arts center to Northeast Tennessee — a dream that became reality with the opening of the Martin Center for the Arts. Under Noland’s leadership, ETSU has achieved the highest retention and graduation rates in the university’s history and has expanded its academic offerings, adding 51 new programs.
“Over the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to watch more than 20,000 students realize their dreams at commencement. Building relationships with these students are some of my favorite memories.”
Melissa Nipper is Director of Marketing and Communications in the Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photos by Charlie Warden I have had the honor and the privilege of working with world-class people who have helped row and steer and guide this university to where it is today. Dr. Brian Noland
To make a contribution to the Noland Family First-Generation Scholarship Endowment, scan this QR code.
Noland recalled sitting in large political science class of 400 students at West Virginia University when the professor, Dr. Robert DiClerico, told the class that he had open office hours and encouraged them to stop by to visit. “I went to his office, and I’ve never been so afraid to knock on a door or turn a door knob, but I did,” he said. “I met with him time and time again. Eventually, he was on my master’s committee, and he helped shape my decision to get a doctoral degree in political science. That professor’s open office hours changed my life, so I always knew that if I was ever in a position such as this, I wanted to keep an open door for students and to make sure that they knew I am here for Today,them.”one of Noland’s favorite items in his office is a photo of Donna, Jackson, and him at their first ETSU home basketball game in 2012. Jackson was in first grade when the photo was taken; this fall, he will be a senior at University School. “I look all around me and can see the passage of time,” Noland said. “This institution has transformed my life and my family’s lives. Donna and Jackson have been an important part of this journey; what we have done, we have done “ETSUtogether.isabout the people, and I have had the honor and the privilege of working with world-class people who have helped row and steer and guide this university to where it is today.”
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PHOTOS BY CHARLIE WARDEN AND LARRY SMITH #10YearsofFun 10 x ETSU TODAY
staff, students, and community members, were also formed with the purpose of developing vision statements around academics, equity and inclusion, ETSU Health, student success and experience, research and scholarship, and fiscal sustainability. Noland, as well as other senior leaders at ETSU, engaged the public in the strategic visioning process, and the Board of Trustees held a retreat to discuss how ETSU can continue to evolve and grow over the next decade.
Michael Hoff, Vice Provost for Decision Support and University Chief Planning Officer. Task forces, comprised of faculty, for students. The university would like to see 90% of ETSU students participating in internships or realworld experiences within their majors.
ETSU
The ETSU Committee for 125 Chapter II was formed in March 2021 and included ETSU board members, national leaders, former university presidents, and regional leaders from the Appalachian Highlands. In addition to the work of the committee, the university hosted a range of town halls, ledfocussessions,listeningandgroupsbyDr.
Create a Center for Community Engagement that elevates the number of experiential learning opportunities In its quarterly meeting in late April, the East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the final report from the Committee for 125 Chapter II. It’s a transformative document that will guide the university through 2036.
“Our institution has been focused on this for the better part of two years,” said Dr. Brian Noland, President of ETSU. “The higher education landscape has changed so much in recent years, and this report helps position the university for the future.”
The committee’s ultimate charge: to incorporate input and feedback from stakeholders to craft a strategic vision for ETSU to pursue in advance of its 125th anniversary in 2036. When the ETSU Board of Trustees approved the final report in April, Noland said ETSU will begin implementing the initiatives outlined by the committee. Some of those include: Establish a comprehensive student support center that offers a full spectrum of services for students, especially first-generation students, from the point of application through career placement.
Offer additional pathways for veterans, military-affiliated families, ROTC cadets, and military personnel.
Expand the Access ETSU program for neuro- and physically-diverse students. Enrollment was a key factor in the committee’s work. “Factors that demonstrate the value of higher education, those that have shown they open enrollment opportunities, and initiatives that ensure all who enroll succeed will receive top priority for promotion and resources as we implement the bold vision contained in the remainder of this report,” Noland wrote.
Over the summer, Hoff and other senior leaders are communicating the strategic vision across both the ETSU campus and the Appalachian Highlands. This initiative is the second part of the first Committee for 125. That strategic visioning process launched in 2012 when Noland arrived at ETSU. Many of the recommendations from the initial group have already been implemented, including the establishment of a single identifiable university brand, the realization of the arts initiative with the construction of the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, and the launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
O.J. Early is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photos by Charlie Warden Dr. Michael Hoff
“Vision, analysis, capital, and execution are the recipe for success,” Hoff said. “With the report from the Committee for 125 Chapter II, the next decade at ETSU will elevate the university once again as we approach the 125th anniversary of the institution.”
COMMITTEE FOR 125 CHAPTER II SETS VISION FOR THE NEXT DECADE
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Zachary Olsen is technical director for the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance. His designs and input instrumentalwerein the completion of the Aerial Dance Studio in Brooks Gym, and he continues to support the aerial
MEET THE ETSU HEROES 12 x ETSU TODAY
ETSU celebrated the extraordinary and impactful stories of the inaugural recipients of the ETSU Heroes award during the spring semester. The ETSU Heroes recognition program honors the exemplary service of those who “embody excellence and contribute significant and innovative accomplishments” to the university. Recipients of this prestigious award received a medallion and honorarium.
Five ETSU Heroes from across the university were recognized and presented with their medallions by Noland and Jeremy Ross, ETSU Chief Operating Officer. In addition, Ballad Health also received special recognition for the health care heroes risking personal health and providing steadfast leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.The inaugural ETSU Heroes are: Patti Marlow is the executive aide with the ETSU Marching Band. She has worked for the ETSU Department of Music for 32 years and is renowned in the marching band for her ability to solve problems and for the compassion she has for her students. She maintains contact with many alumni of the program and has formed lasting friendships with them and their families. On Senior Day each year Marlow stands on the field with students whose families cannot attend so that they will not be alone as they are recognized.
“Quite often we get so caught up in the pace and flow of dayto-day life that we miss acts of bravery, fortitude, kindness, and grace that happen around us each day. This event provides us the opportunity to take time to celebrate those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others,” said President Brian Noland.
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Kelvin Tarukwasha recently served as the general manager of Sodexo Dining Services at ETSU. His leadership is characterized by its flexibility, innovation, and extraordinary service. During the pandemic, Tarukwasha helped provide high-quality meals to students isolated in quarantine rooms. Tarukwasha shows his care for students through the example he sets for ETSU dining services. He initiated a scholarship in support of ETSU students and supported Bucky’s Food Pantry and other local charitable meal service organizations.
dance program with his technical knowledge. As the director of the scene shop at the Martin Center for the Arts, he is faced with challenges that he meets with proactive and innovative solutions. Olsen is also known for his unwavering support of the students he leads and his commitment to providing students with meaningful, quality experiences. Derek Patton is the public safety officer assigned to the ETSU Health Johnson City Downtown Day Center. Officer Patton often exceeds his duties as head of security to offer counseling to clients, assist staff with their own duties, and offer guidance when needed. His incredible patience puts clients at ease and encourages them to open up about their needs. Officer Patton also encourages and motivates the staff of the Day Center. Officer Patton’s support is instrumental to the function of the Downtown Day Center. He has been with ETSU for 15 years.
ETSU Health was also recognized as an ETSU Hero in recognition of the system’s efforts to provide care throughout the pandemic. The ETSU Health team stood on the front lines from the moment the pandemic began by establishing the region’s first drivethrough COVID-19 testing site and later opening the first COVID-19 community collection site that delivered molecular PCR test results within 24 hours. The ETSU Health team also delivered some of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines and has continued to offer vaccine clinics.
In addition to the Heroes honorees, ETSU student Emily Burnette received a special recognition for her act of heroism that occurred on the ETSU University Commons. While walking to class, Burnette saw a woman fall and injure her leg. Burnette called ETSU Public Safety and remained with the injured woman, refusing to leave her side until the paramedics were finished treating and transporting her. Noting the increased mental challengeshealththat the community has faced throughout the pandemic, ETSU also recognized the work of one of ETSU’s most popular and photographed figures, Pepper. As the resident therapy dog on campus, Pepper was presented with a bone and treats for her work spreading smiles across campus. The Heroes celebration will become an annual event on campus, recognizing the work that often takes place behind the scenes to make ETSU and the community a better place to live, work, and study.
LEAVING A LEGACY MR. JIM POWELL
“Jim and Sandy Powell have been a true gift to hundreds of students in the Department of Music,” said Dr. Alan Stevens, Department Chair. “They have provided scholarships for students in every area of music, especially those in choir and piano. In addition, the Powells funded world-class guest artists that helped our students experience a variety of professional musicians. It is not an overstatement to say that the Powells have changed the department in countless ways over the past several decades, culminating in the beautiful Powell Recital Hall in the Martin Center. We will greatly miss Jim’s presence at our events, and we deeply appreciate Mrs. Powell’s continued support. Their legacy will live on through the many students they have helped.”
In a letter to university faculty and staff, ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland reflected on Jim Powell’s legacy. “Over the years, many people asked Mr. Powell an obvious question: ‘How can I ever thank you?’ He always answered the same way, ‘One day, when you can, help one young person the way you have been helped,’” Noland wrote. “With that in mind, we can never truly lose Jim Powell. His generosity of spirit lives on through the tens of thousands of people he has helped and through the inspiring example he has set. We can all take comfort in knowing that he used his time to make this world a better place – and for that we are truly thankful.”
The Nashville native was the son of a farmer and attended the University of Tennessee after a teacher helped him secure a $250 scholarship. Mr. Powell went on to found Powell Construction Company, which grew to encompass offices in Johnson City, Knoxville, and Nashville, Tennessee; Beckley and Fairmont, West Virginia; and Sydney, Australia. He diversified the company to include steel erection, crane rental, electrical, manufacturing, and the design and building of coal preparation plants. With that success, Mr. Powell never forgot the difference that $250 scholarship made in his life, and he made it his mission to help others in that same way. He and his wife of 66 years, Sandy, established scholarships at ETSU and other regional institutions to provide educational opportunities to thousands of students. At ETSU, the Powells contributed major support to the Department of Music; the College of Business and Technology; Intercollegiate Athletics; the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program; and other areas. Their generosity allowed ETSU and UT to become All-Steinway Schools and supported the state-of-the-art Powell Recital Hall in ETSU’s Martin Center for the Arts. The Powells faithfully attended music, athletic, and other events at the university, and often accompanied students on the trips abroad for which they also provided significant funding.
In addition to financial support, Mr. Powell shared his time and wisdom as a leader in higher education throughout the state. He was an inaugural member of the ETSU Board of Trustees and served as Chair of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission from 2002-2006. The longtime member of the ETSU Foundation was its President from 1981-1983. He also gave of his time and abilities to his church and numerous faith-based, business, arts, charitable, and other organizations throughout the region.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN
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Jennifer L. Hill is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. East Tennessee State University lost a leader, supporter, and friend in Mr. Jim Powell, who passed away at the age of 84 on February 7, 2022, at his home in Limestone, Tennessee.
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I feel it gave him true pleasure to see his investment making a difference in the lives of young people. He enjoyed each time he was able to get in front of students and “tell stories.” He always left them with a challenge: “Give back when you can.” I will end with my most memorable interaction with Mr. Gatton. I mentioned the many trips to Lexington where he would introduce me to UK dignitaries and talk about the Gatton College of Pharmacy. On the last trip I made with him, he was introducing me to one of those individuals and he didn’t say, “This is Larry Calhoun, the Founding Dean of the Gatton College of Pharmacy.” Rather, he said, “This is my friend Larry.”
the accomplishments of the “Gatton students.” He was so proud of the awards and recognitions they received.
Many will miss you, Mr. Gatton. Dr. Larry Calhoun is the Founding Dean of Gatton College of Pharmacy. Bill Gatton died on April 18, 2022, in Bristol, Tennessee.
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To say I was a bit intimidated when I first met Bill Gatton would be an understatement. We were meeting in his Bristol office to discuss his commitment to meet Governor Phil Bredesen’s challenge to start a College of Pharmacy at ETSU. Dr. Ron Franks and I were escorted to his office. The environment was not at all what I expected. “Disheveled” is a word that comes to mind. On the floor in the corner was a picture of Mr. Gatton and President Ronald Reagan, while prominently displayed on his desk was a handwritten thank-you note from what appeared to be a child. In the opposite corner was a large stack of trash bags. He was quick to point out that the bags did not have trash in them. They were filled with handmade dolls destined for Christmas presents for children in a rural East Tennessee elementary school. I mention this story to make an important point. While Mr. Gatton gave MILLIONS of dollars to support worthwhile causes – education in particular – we will never know the magnitude and depth of his generosity for meeting unmet needs in our community. I was blessed to be able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Mr. Gatton. He was quick to realize that I was a sports fan. He invited me to accompany him to a number of Kentucky basketball games. We would drive through the mountains to Lexington to Rupp Arena. Being the single largest donor to the University of Kentucky, he had great seats (the governor sat behind us). Mr. Gatton was very proud of Gatton College of Pharmacy at ETSU. He was never shy in telling the story of how the college was started, our historic facilities, and most importantly the success of our students. I especially enjoyed the time he shared this information with the president of the University of Kentucky. I could fill pages upon pages with “Bill Gatton stories” – golf games with Guy Wilson and Newt Raff that ended in the exchange of $1 bills on the 18th green; invitations to his dealership for what I thought was just a conversation, only to learn that he had a large check to give me for the college; and long conversations on the back roads of Kentucky in the rain, just to name a few. However, I must point out that he always wanted to hear of
REFLECTIONS ON BILL GATTON
MEET THE ETSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES: LINDA LATIMER
So, rather than going to see a counselor or an advisor, she arrived on campus for her first semester, grabbed a course catalog, and picked the courses she thought would be best for her. Latimer initially took computer and business courses, but she also was potentially interested in genetic engineering or even the law. By the end of her sophomore year, she felt she needed to make a decision and she read that the courses she had taken were perfect for work in healthcare administration. So she transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina and obtained her B.S. degree in healthcare administration.
“To be honest, I had never considered it before then as we had no physicians in our family,” Latimer recalled. After graduating with her undergraduate degree, she was planning to attend medical school at MUSC, but back home, her mother’s medical condition became worse and Latimer decided she needed to be closer to family. Fortunately, the presence of the Quillen College of Medicine meant Latimer could continue her journey to becoming a physician.
One, in particular, will always stand out. Let’s rewind first: Growing up in Kingsport, Latimer attended Sullivan South High School and began college at the University of Tennessee – as a first-generation college student.
Except for one bump in the road. The medical school in Charleston did not require courses like organic chemistry and physics, so she would need to take those courses and sit for the MCAT exam before she could attend Quillen.
“That summer, I took those classes at ETSU, and when I started I had absolutely no idea what was going on,” she said. “I did not want to admit I needed help, but I was lost.”
So, one day after class, Latimer approached her physics professor and explained her dilemma. Dr. Lattie Collins pulled out a piece of paper, sketched out a billiard table, and used this simple model to explain a number of physics properties to her.
For Latimer, the light came on. She got it, but physics 1-0-1 wasn’t the only lesson she walked away with that day.
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Along her journey to becoming a physician at ETSU, Dr. Linda Latimer acquired many valuable lessons.
When Latimer was an undergraduate, her mother became ill, and the doctors could not pinpoint a diagnosis. Determined to help the doctors find out what was going on, Latimer headed to the library to do research. Her friends who were in medical school at the time caught notice of her passion for finding clinical answers and encouraged her to go to medical school.
“Keep in mind, I was a person who never asked for help if there was something I did not know.”
“My parents had an incredible work ethic, and they had achieved great success without having to go to college,” she said. “For me, the plans were to attend college, but as far as knowing the process or what was involved, we did not have a clue.
In addition to serving on both public and private corporate boards, non-profit boards, and committees, Allen also served two terms in the Tennessee General Assembly.
“An accounting or finance degree not only allows you to start a career with a specific skill but also allows you to understand any operation and the details necessary to manage the business or non-profit,” said ETSU alumnus Steven DeCarlo, Executive Chairman of Amwins Group, Inc., a global specialty insurance distributor.
“The ability to understand income statements and balance sheets took me in the direction of private equity and allowed our firm the opportunity to acquire 60 different enterprises over the last 20 years,” DeCarlo said. He started his first business, RSUI, in 1988 after serving as an internal auditor for the Domestic U.S. Insurance Company and holding the role of Chief Financial Officer for The London Agency in Atlanta.
Charles E. Allen, Jr., who serves as President of both Stowaway Storage and Charles E. Allen Company, holds three financial certifications, CPA, CFP, and CFA. He is an entrepreneur with an expansive background in finance, real estate, and banking. “I received an education at ETSU that is second to none, and I still use my knowledge obtained in those accounting classes daily. ETSU provided me with the foundation for my future successes,” he said.
Melissa Steagall-Jones, a partner in the accounting firm Blackburn, Childers & Steagall CPA, is also a Certified Internal Controls Auditor.
“Both Dr. Kwasigroch and Dr. Brown had a teaching style that would have us on the edge of our seats,” she describes. “They would craft these amazing stories, and by the end of the lecture, you would have absorbed volumes of information without even realizing it.”
Steagall-Jones credits her education at ETSU with setting her up for success and helping her pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, a designation required to earn the highest-level role at a CPA firm. “Accountants are called to serve on non-profit boards and churches. There are so many ways that accountants improve the lives of the people of the Appalachian Highlands,” she said.
Yasmeen Elayan is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. “When we were done, Dr. Collins looked at me and said, ‘Now, stop being afraid to ask for help.’”
Latimer adds that a highlight of being on the board has been learning about the student success initiatives taking place across campus, particularly for first-generation students.
East Tennessee State University provides a seamless pathway for students hoping to achieve both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in accounting. In fact, ETSU is the only university in the region that provides both degree options, equipping students with the opportunity to earn advanced degrees and prepare for top-tier careers in business, taxes, advisory services, and non-profits.
Joe Smith is Senior Director for Strategic Communications in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications.
“I spend most of my time in audit, taxes, and consulting, and my primary industries are governmental, health care, and employee benefit plans. I never have the same day twice,” she said.
Latimer graduated in 1995 and went on to complete a pathology residency at Quillen. She held various positions throughout her career, including serving as the medical director of the Cytopathology Laboratory in Johnson City, the medical director of the laboratory at the former Takoma Regional Hospital in Greeneville, and clinical assistant professor in the Quillen College of Medicine. She also was a member of many committees at hospitals including the Johnson City Medical Center and Takoma Regional Hospital as well as the Mountain States Health Alliance Foundation Board. In 2017, Latimer was appointed by then-Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam as an inaugural member of the ETSU Board of Trustees. She led the Academic, Research, and Student Success committee before being elected as chair of the board in 2021. “This has been a wonderful experience, and one of the benefits of having a local governing board is that you have leaders who have experience working in the private sector who can bring that knowledge to the public sector,” she said. “We have built a powerful institutional presence for our work teaching and learning, and I am excited about the potential for opportunities in advancements in research and innovation that are before ETSU, particularly in the health sciences.”
MEET THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS WITH ACCOUNTING DEGREES SMITHLARRYBYPHOTOWARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTOWARDENCHARLIEBYPHOTO SUMMER 2022 x 17
Latimer says that Drs. Brown and Kwasigroch would show up during the late evenings as she and her classmates were prepping for the Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
“A lot of time had passed and a lot of new information had been added since we had those courses, and they were there to help us review and be ready,” she said. “Their desire to see us succeed was genuine and truly heartfelt.”
Three of the eight members appointed to the ETSU Board of Trustees achieved degrees in accounting and have a proven track record of navigating a wide range of business environments.
It was a transformative moment for Latimer who says she did not shy away from asking for help in medical school. She also had professors who had a profound impact on her educational career, including Dr. Tom Kwasigroch and Dr. Earl Brown, whom she credits for inspiring her to become a pathologist.
“When students need assistance or do not know the answers, we have a wonderful team at ETSU who are there to guide them. It’s about getting them connected with the right person, and letting our students know that, yes, you should never be afraid to ask for help.”
| Photos by Charlie Warden
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PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN
“I want to challenge you to think differently about adversity. You will face it. Your first job may suck. You may run out of money and feel broke. You may already be there. You will have personal relationships that hit the skids. You may face a medical crisis. I guarantee you will face big time adversity. All of us do. That is just part of life.
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PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH
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Dr. Kim M. LeDuff, VP of People and Culture at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. “Never forget that in life, the playing field isn’t always even or fair, but we have the power to overcome and achieve whatever we put our mind to. Think of the para athlete who may not have feet to put in running shoes, but still manages to win the marathon! There is great power in the ability to persevere. It is in the most challenging times that we have the greatest opportunities for learning and growth. Use those moments to become the strongest and best version of yourself!”
Congratulations Class of 2022
“The question is, what will you do about it? Will you become the victim and succumb to the problem, sink into depression or blame your circumstances on others, or will you see it as a moment to grow, to change, to explore new opportunities? The answer will depend largely on your perspective. Is your glass half full? And believe it or not, you control the answer.”
Michael Ainslie, Venture Investor and Philanthropist:
PHOTO BY LARRY SMITHPHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN
The early voting site is not in operation during the entirety of early voting periods. The early voting period for October 2022 begins October 19 and ends November 3. During that time, the early voting site located on ETSU’s campus will be in operation starting Monday, October 24, and ending Friday, October 28. “We are thrilled to have ETSU serve as an early voting site for Washington County,” said Washington County Election Commission Administrator of Elections Dana Jones. “What a wonderful opportunity this is for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the larger community. We know when people can cast their ballot in familiar places, more voters vote.”
ETSU’s main campus is now a Washington County early voting location, providing students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community a convenient place to participate in early voting. To celebrate the achievement, the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement’s ETSU Votes initiative, in partnership with the Washington County Election Commission, hosted an unveiling ceremony March 2. The early voting site is located in room 219 of the D.P. Culp Student Center. The news came after ETSU received a report from the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education that revealed student voting on campus increased significantly during the 2020 presidential election. The report indicated that the student voting percentage rose from 46.8 percent in 2016 to 64.3 percent in 2020 for a 17.5 percentage point increase overall. Efforts by the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement and the student-led ETSU Votes initiative helped propel an increase in student participation in general elections, earning ETSU a Voter Friendly Campus designation for the 2021-2022 academic year. “We were so excited to give ETSU students the opportunity to cast their ballot on campus this year,” said Joy Fulkerson, Director of Leadership and Civic Engagement. “It was a natural complement to our work of providing students with the tools and resources to register to vote, confirm their voter registration status, determine how and where to vote, understand what is on their ballot, and pledge to vote. I look forward to our continuing to increase student voter participation at ETSU.”
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Briar R. Worley is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Briar R. Worley
ETSU EARLYBECOMESVOTINGLOCATION
SIGNING OFF…
“Dick Ellis left a pretty good operation with a lot of potential,” said Winkler, “And I think that’s exactly what I’m leaving to the next person here.”
Jared Nesbitt is Communications and Multimedia Assistant in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Ron Campbell
“When I got the bachelor’s degree, I thought: ‘I’ve finally figured this school thing out, I know how to study, I know how to do this stuff; and just when I get it figured out, it’s over? Let’s go get a master’s degree.’”
To make a gift to WETS-FM in honor of Wayne Winkler’s legacy at ETSU, scan this code.
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WELL, SORTA Winkler would defend his master’s thesis the day before interviewing with the search committee for the station manager job at WETS. That was in August of 1993. Winkler got both the job and the degree, and he still considers that to be one of the best weeks of his life.
Though he is retiring as station manager, Winkler will still hang around WETS. One thing he will work on is repackaging a regional TV show, “Song of the Mountains,” as a radio show. Winkler also plans to continue running the “Soul Kitchen” program. “I watched the station grow,” said Winkler. “I watched the industry change a lot....In 1978, if I walked in to (the station as it is today), I would recognize the microphone. The board would look a little bit space-age to me, but I’d figure out what that was. But what is the rest of this stuff? Where are the turntables? Where’s the tape recorder? I’ve had people say, ‘You’ve been in the same job for 44 years.’ No, not at all. The job changes every few years. Time just flew on by. I don’t even know where it went.”
After landing the job, Winkler’s first few weeks at WETS coincided with the 1977 U.S. Senate hearings on the ratification of the Panama Canal treaty. Because the hearings ran all day, there was little for Winkler to do except sit in the booth and listen to the broadcast, and he worried that he would not get an opportunity to prove himself in his new job. That opportunity did come. The station manager at that time, Dick Ellis, encouraged Winkler to find something that he would enjoy doing. What Winkler liked was blues music, so he approached Ellis with an idea to do an afternoon blues show, and he hosted “Blue Monday” every week from 1984 to 2010. As an employee of East Tennessee State University, Winkler was eligible to take free classes after six months at his job. He brought an associate degree with him from Vincennes University, but he thought he could benefit from a bachelor’s, so he worked toward a degree in communications with a minor in history.
The first time Wayne Winkler came to WETS-FM, he didn’t even have enough money to get home. At the time, he lived in North Miami, Florida, where he worked as a surveyor after being laid off from a job at a radio station. A friend from college let Winkler know about an opening with WETS, and Winkler bought a one-way ticket to Knoxville – which was all he could afford – and then hitchhiked to Johnson City. “I had relatives (in Sneedville),” said Winkler, “And I was counting on them not allowing me to hitchhike back to Florida.”
HOW THE ETSU COMMUNITY HELPED 13,500+ STUDENTS IN 24 HOURS
2022 DAY OF GIVING
Bryce chose ETSU because it was close to home. He liked that the campus was big enough to contain many new and exciting adventures, but that the university was small enough that he could meet and connect with people. Despite the busy schedule of his life at university, Bryce keeps his mother in his thoughts, and he visits her often. “There’s not a day that goes by that she’s not working to better me,” said Bryce. “She betters me over herself some days. And that’s the reason that I do the things that I do; so I can better her.”
“When I discovered that American Sign Language was something ETSU offered, I was immediately drawn in. I fell in love with it,” said Hutchins. “It’s such an incredibly beautiful language, and I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn it.”
DAY 2022GIVINGOF 1,015 donations More than $319,000 etsu.edu/give (423) 439-4242
Hutchins is just one of the 13,500-plus Buccaneer students for whom the ETSU family united to help during Day of Giving, April 19-20, 2022. This is an event when people come together to show kindness and generosity and by giving their voices, time, talent, money, and more to support ETSU and its students. At the end of this year’s project, over 1,015 donors made gifts totaling more than $319,000, ensuring students like Hutchins continue to get opportunities to follow their dreams.
Thank you so much if you were able to participate this year! Our next Day of Giving celebration is planned for April 18-19, 2023.
When he was a kid, Bryce’s mother, Lauren Hopkins, often worked two jobs, often 50- or 60-hour weeks, to support Bryce. “You want to be able to not work two jobs,” said Lauren, “and that sometimes takes higher education to do so. That’s kind of where I think a lot of his drive comes from, too, is knowing that things can be easier.”
In the first installment of “First and Triumph,” viewers met Bryce Hopkins, a finance major from Greeneville who is a member of the Preview and Orientation Leaders Organization (POLO) and the Expedition Leaders, two organizations that help prospective students transition to college life. To Bryce, serving with these organizations has a personal meaning. “I’m a first-generation college student,” said Bryce. “So, what I like to tell people that is whatever background you’re coming from, ETSU is going to be an accepting place for you. The reason I tell people about being a first-generation college student is because someone might be scared like I was.”
However, Hutchins says all of this – her future and succeeding in her desire to assist those in need – may not have been possible if not for those who took the initiative to help her first. Coming from a single-parent household, Hutchins says scholarships are what enabled her to come to ETSU.
Scan the QR Code to watch “First and Triumph” to see Bryce Hopkins’ story.
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For decades, ETSU has been a popular destination for firstgeneration college students. A new video series, “First and Triumph,” tells the stories of some of the many first-gen students who call ETSU home.
Mylan Hutchins, a human services major with a double minor in special education and American Sign Language (ASL), always knew she was meant to help others. It wasn’t long after arriving at ETSU that Hutchins was heading directly toward what would become her life’s passion.
“These scholarships gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams,” said Hutchins. “I wouldn’t be here today without them. There are a lot of people on campus who were in that position, unsure if they could get higher education, until someone out there invested in them.”
FIRST AND TRIUMPH: MEET ETSU’S FIRST-GEN STUDENTS
Bidwell, who served nearly two years as Interim Dean of the college, has a range of goals as he assumes his post. The College of Arts and Sciences, home to 18 departments ranging from Art and Design to Chemistry, is the center of general education at the university. “I am humbled and honored to receive this appointment,” said Bidwell. “Along with our exceptional faculty, I will work to continue to elevate the College of Arts and Sciences at East Tennessee State University.”
Throughout his career, he has been highly active in supervising the research and honors studies of many graduate and doctoral students.
“ETSU offers current and potential students so much, and the College of Arts and Sciences is at the center of it,” Bidwell said. O.J. Early is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Charlie Warden
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BIDWELL NAMED DEAN OF COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics at ETSU, announced the appointment in May following a months-long search.
Dr. Joe Bidwell, an internationally respected scientist who has published well-received work on topics ranging from climate to reptiles, will lead East Tennessee State University’s College of Arts and Sciences as Dean.
In the months ahead, Bidwell would like to see the college explore additional opportunities for interdisciplinary programs between departments, as well as with other colleges and universities. He wants the college to foster equity and inclusion, as well as adopt a culture that is trauma- and resilience-informed. “I would also like to continue to promote shared governance with department chairs, faculty, staff, and students since we are all part of the team that makes the college,” he said. Bidwell became Interim Dean of the college in August 2020. He succeeded Dr. Gordon Anderson, who retired after more than a dozen years leading the college. During his tenure as Interim Dean, Bidwell successfully led a number of efforts related to faculty recruitment, strategic planning, program development, facility improvements, and diversity and inclusion. “Certainly, the greatest thing about the role of interim was getting to know my colleagues better. I gained a better appreciation of the diversity of the disciplines, as well as the needs of the departments,” he said. “I also gained a lot of appreciation for the challenges that Dean Anderson had faced before me.”
“Dr. Bidwell emerged from a field of outstanding candidates,” McCorkle said. “Dr. Bidwell’s successes at ETSU, including faculty recruitment and strategic planning, made him an ideal choice. We look forward to all that Dr. Bidwell and his team will accomplish.”
At ETSU, Bidwell has served as Chair of the Council of Academic Chairs and was a Presidential Fellow in 2019. He has been active in strategic planning efforts across campus and recently chaired the ETSU Committee for 125 Chapter II Task Force on Research and Scholarship. Bidwell first joined the ETSU faculty in 2014 as Chair and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. He previously held the chair’s position at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Oklahoma State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and was awarded his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in zoology from Virginia Tech. Since joining the ETSU faculty, he has completed work funded by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A wellpublished scientist, Bidwell recently had journal articles appear in Ecotoxicology, Austral Ecology, Northern Territory Naturalist, Journal of Arid Environments, Journal of Experimental Biology, and Ethology Ecology and Evolution.
Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics at ETSU, announced the appointment in May following a months-long search.
PITTARESE TO LEAD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
“I regularly tell our people that I believe the most important word in the name of our college is the ‘and.’ There are many exciting educational opportunities that come from bringing business and technology together,” said Pittarese.
Most recently, Pittarese has helped pioneer a partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee that led to the establishment of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute. The groundbreaking collaboration will provide Tennessee students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in computing and a job offer from BlueCross in just over two “Theyears.opportunity to build a partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee emerged in late 2020 as we were in the midst of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We put together a team of ETSU faculty and developed a format for an accelerated program that allowed us to meet all of BCBST’s strategic employment goals while still retaining our ABET accreditation and program quality,” Pittarese said. The accelerated degree will provide a new pathway into one of the fastestgrowing careers in the country by developing much-needed technology talent to then prepare the next generation of technology leaders in fields such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis, health care information systems, and more. “Giving students the ability to earn a full undergraduate degree in just 27 months accelerates them into their careers faster,” said Pittarese. “The BlueSky Tennessee Institute gives us the amazing responsibility to reach out to underserved student populations with the opportunity to earn a college degree at no cost to the student and with the guarantee of a job offer upon graduation thanks to the great support of our partner.”
“One great example is our MBA program with a concentration in cybersecurity management. CBAT graduates are well equipped to meet current and future career demands.”
The College of Business and Technology is ETSU’s second largest college, with more than 150 faculty and staff in seven departments and an undergraduate and graduate enrollment exceeding 2,800.
Dr. Tony Pittarese, who served as Interim Dean of East Tennessee State University’s College of Business and Technology for a year and held the roles of Senior Associate Dean and Department Chair of Computing through 2021, will lead the college as Dean.
Prior to his move to Johnson City, Pittarese held the chair’s position for the Department of Computer Science at Pensacola Christian College, where he also served as a faculty member for 15 years. He earned his doctoral degree in computer science and software engineering from Auburn University. He was awarded his Master of Science in computer science and software engineering and his MBA in management and marketing from the University of West Florida. Throughout his career, he has received multiple outstanding service and faculty awards.
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“Dr. Pittarese has been an integral part of the ETSU family since 2007 when he first joined us as an assistant professor,” said McCorkle. “Dr. Pittarese’s successes at ETSU, including strategic planning, the expansion of academic programs that result in high-demand career opportunities for our students, and faculty recruitment, allowed him to emerge from a field of exceptional candidates. We are certain that we will see more amazing accomplishments by Dr. Pittarese and his team.”
He also created the plan for ETSU’s acquisition of the Millennium Center, which houses the Niswonger Digital Media Center and an area dedicated for courses taught by the Department of Computing. Within the college, Pittarese has been involved in a number of strategic academic initiatives, including the establishment of bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity/modern networks and information systems.
Pittarese also developed partnerships with Eastman Chemical Company, IBM, and other external organizations in support of research activities, academic program development, and student “BlueSkyrecruitment.isanexample of the type of partnership that I would like to replicate with more businesses throughout the region,” he said. “The College of Business and Technology can enable companies to address workforce needs while creating exciting career opportunities for ETSU graduates. It is a win for our students, a win for businesses, and, more broadly, a win for our region as we keep great talent here at home.”
Yasmeen Elayan is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Charlie Warden
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$2.15 million in gifts and pledges have been made toward the $2.75 million project. Those interested in making a gift should contact Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Dr. Matt McGahey at (423) 439-5925 or via email at mcgaheym@etsu.edu.
Kevin Brown is Director of Communications for ETSU Intercollegiate Athletics.
PHOTO BY DAKOTA HAMILTON
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CELEBRATIONGROUNDBREAKINGHOLDSATTHOMAS STADIUM ETSU CELEBRATIONGROUNDBREAKINGHOLDSATTHOMAS STADIUM
The 8,000-square-foot facility will feature a turfed indoor training area with three hitting cages and pitching areas. In addition, a team locker room, coaches’ offices, a conference room, and sports medicine office will be housed inside the complex. “This is a special time for our baseball program, and we are thrilled about the new indoor facility at Thomas Stadium,” said ETSU Baseball Head Coach Joe Pennucci. “This will continue the growth of our program and the development of our players. I am grateful for the donors who have made this vision a reality.” The facility will be located down the right field line adjacent to the Buccaneers’ dugout. So far, more than ETSU
During a special groundbreaking celebration on May 20 at Thomas Stadium, the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the start of construction for an indoor training Dignitariesfacility.from the university, city officials, donors who have given to the project, and members of the ETSU campus community joined current and former Buccaneers for the “ETSUannouncement.Athleticsisproud to call Thomas Stadium the home of ETSU Baseball,” said ETSU Athletic Director Scott Carter. “The fan experience and home field advantage it provides the Bucs is second-to-none in the Southern Conference. Today we begin a training facility enhancement to Thomas Stadium that is transformational for ETSU Baseball. This training facility completes the vision of Thomas Stadium that is over a decade in the making. We are so thankful and proud of the donors who have made today possible, along with the support of the ETSU administration led by Mr. Jeremy Ross and our President, Dr. Brian Noland.”
Pharmacy’s PharmacistsAcademyAssociationPharmacistsAmericanofStudent Operation Substance Use committeeDisorders(formerly Generation
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Dan Bishop is named ETSU Director of Veterans Affairs. Lewis Kearley APRIL 1 ETSU names Dr. Nick Hagemeier as Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer. APRIL 5
MARCH 9 ETSU and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine announce a guaranteed admissions interview program for ETSU undergraduates who have applied to attend medical school at VCOM. MARCH 10 ETSU earns the Military Friendly School designation for the 12th consecutive year. Leaders from the National Junior College Athletic Association visit the ETSU esports arena to talk with staff about collegeopportunitiespossiblepartnerships,gaming,andnewforstudents.
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MARCH 11 ETSU announces strong performance of a team of business students in the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge.
The Reece Museum captures two Tennessee Association of Museums Awards of Excellence.
MARCH 2 ETSU is ranked No. 144 by Forbes in the America’s Best Midsize Employers category.
Operation Substance Use Disorders Chapter Achievement Award in
Gatton College
DATELINE: ETSU Wilhoit
The Quillen College Class of 2022 celebrates Match Day. 24 of Rx) national first runner-up for the APhA-ASP 2020-21. MARCH 28 ETSU Civility Week and the Festival of Ideas begin with keynote speakers Van Jones (CNN), political commentator Meghan McCain, and award-winning journalist David Plazas. MARCH 31
MARCH
JANUARY 13 ETSU announces Dr. Kathryn Wilhoit as Director of the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement. JANUARY 24 Timothy Lewis becomes Director of New Student and Family Programs. FEBRUARY 4 ETSU announces that public health graduate student Justin Kearley is elected as the 2022 student representative to the Rural Health Congress, the National Rural Health Association’s policy-making body.
Clemmer College announces new graduate certificate in Nature-Based Therapy which offers comprehensive preparation for the creation of nature-based therapeutic services, including the integration of nature-based therapeutic practices into traditional approaches. MARCH 18
MAY 12 Theatre and Dance faculty member Cara Harker publishes new book, “Foundations for Training:PerformanceSkillsfor the Actor-Dancer.”
Dr. asdownSamplesDonaldsteppedfromhisroleDeanofthe College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health July(CCRHS)Scienceseffective1,2022, to return to the classroom until he retires. A respected member of the ETSU family since 1990, Samples has spent 23 years of his tenure serving in administrative roles. He was Chair of the Department of Allied Health for nine years and spent five years as the college’s Associate Dean of Academics before becoming Dean in 2013.
Dr. A. Lynn Williams was appointed Interim Dean of CCHRS. She has served as CCRHS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs since 2014 and as Professor in the ETSU Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology since 1995.
APRIL 6 ETSU signs two articulation agreements with Virginia Highlands Community College and Southwest Virginia Community College to expand opportunities for students wanting to pursue careers in the health sciences. Former poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey speaks at ETSU.
MAY 18
ETSU and Ballad Health bring together leaders from 12 colleges and universities from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for a strategic planning meeting to brainstorm ways to increase the pipeline of students into the field of nursing. This was the first regional gathering of the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement. Plans are to start the pipeline with students as young as sixth grade and to address increasing nurses at all levels including CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and beyond.
Samples Williams
APRIL 22
The ETSU Board of Trustees votes not to increase tuition for undergraduates and graduate students attending in fall 2022. The board also approves the final report from the Committee for 125 Chapter II, a transformative document that will guide the university through 2036.
APRIL 29 ETSU hosts country music artist Miranda Lambert during the SGA Spring Concert at Greene Stadium to a record crowd of 11,180 guests.
MAY 5 ETSU announces Jenny Lockmiller as Director of University Career Services. MAY 7 ETSU confers degrees to more than 2,000 members of the Class of 2022. MAY 10 ETSU begins a new tradition by presenting two specially designed coins each to newly tenured or promoted faculty: one to keep in recognition of achievementprofessionaland another to give to a student who has been an important part of the professionalprofessor’slife.
APRIL 10 ETSU Theatre and Dance inauguralcompletesseason in Bert C. Bach Theatre, with all outperformingshowstosold-audiences.
APRIL 12 Dr. Trena Paulus is a 2022-23 Fulbright Scholar and will spend six months working with faculty and students at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland on qualitative research methods and more.
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Khoury and her colleagues challenge students and have high expectations of them. “My students may not like me during the semester, and that’s fine as long as when they’re in practice, in an internship, or interviewing for a job, they’re able to see the value of their education.”
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Desiring further education, Khoury traveled to the United States to pursue her doctorate at Johns Hopkins University. During her first year, she had no financial aid. After a full day of classes, she worked until midnight, then got up to do the same the following day. By the end of that year, though, the school recognized the quality of her work and offered her a full scholarship. She became an avid researcher, traveling the country conducting research in women’s health and presenting her findings, and received federal funding for her dissertation research.
WHO’S TEACHING AT ETSU?
“Before long, I was on this incredible path and fell in love with academia,” she said. “Upon graduation, I moved to Mississippi, although a lot of my colleagues wondered why I was ‘leaving the country.’ But I had visited the Deep South and connected with the living conditions in the rural areas. The challenges and barriers to health care were not very different from where I grew up. I saw the opportunity to make a difference in the poorest state in the country.” And she did. The research Khoury and her team conducted and the resulting campaign to promote breastfeeding among women throughout Mississippi became a model used in other states. Later, after a stint at the University of Florida, Khoury and her husband, Chad, moved to the Tri-Cities in 2006 with their children. In 2007, Khoury joined the ETSU College of Public Health and established the Department of Health Services Management and Policy. She also worked with Dean Randy Wykoff and colleagues in establishing the first accredited school of public health in Tennessee. Later, she founded and directs the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE) in Women’s Health. While she does not teach as much now due to her other responsibilities, Khoury finds inspiration in classroom dialogue and challenging students to do their best, even while juggling school with work and other obligations, just as she once did. “As faculty, we can lecture and present information, but students come alive when they have opportunities to discuss concepts, debate, and connect lived experiences with the education they are receiving,” she said. “Seeing them engage in discussions and appreciate each other’s differences while learning from one another – that’s inspiring.”
Khoury hopes her students take away a commitment to lifelong learning.
“Learning does not end when you get your degree,” she said. “In college, students learn how to critically think, how to analyze, how to separate fact from fiction. It’s important they know how to seek reliable information and how to grow through lifelong learning and engaging in diverse experiences.”
As a little girl in Beirut, Lebanon, Amal Khoury could not remember what her home country was like before civil war erupted when she was 5 and continued through her teens. She recalls leaving school when bombings began in the middle of the day and running to a shelter to wait for her parents to pick her up. She did homework by candlelight and waited in long lines for rationed necessities like bread and gasoline. “My father was kidnapped from our home while we were watching, and there was nothing we could do about it,” she said. “My sister was shot at in the back of our car. Death – destruction – were all around us. Those were very difficult and sad times, but they were also times that taught me resilience and perseverance in difficult situations.” Despite these odds, and with the support of her family, she completed her high school studies and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public health at the American University of Beirut. “Public health was not a common field at the time, but it was a field I was attracted to because of the community impact public health professionals can have.”
Dr. Amal KhouryDr. Amal Khoury
PHOTO BY CHARLIE WARDEN
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The clinic has been my lifeline in knowing what to do to help ease the difficulties of this disease. Jean Peace Jean Peace pictured with her daughter Jennifer Humphrey.
Peace appreciates how the clinic has helped her be aware of and prepare for each change that ALS brings, including an eventual need for a speech device. During one of her first appointments, the clinic’s coordinator, Courtney Andrews, recommended that Peace get a Bluetooth keyboard and voice enhancer.
ETSU’S
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“Over the past six months, we’ve been incredibly busy with referrals,” said Andrews. “People are learning that we are here and what we do, and we’ve seen an increase in patients. It’s so needed in this area. Every time we work with a new family, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do.” Melissa Nipper is Director of Marketing and Communications in the ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo contributed.
“Also, in the beginning, she told me what voice recorder to get and instructed me how to start recording my speech for later use when I can no longer talk,” Peace said. “She has been an angel sent from God to help me through this journey, and I can’t imagine how I would have managed without her leadership and without the supervision of the staff at the clinic. I would have had no idea I needed to do these things. “The clinic has been my lifeline in knowing what to do to help ease the difficulties of this disease.”
For the past five years, ETSU Health Internal Medicine at 325 North State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, has donated space for the clinic on the third Friday of each month. All the clinicians volunteer their time, and the clinic’s only funding source is donations from the community.
them from the burden of making multiple trips to different specialists. The clinical care includes neurology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nutrition, pharmacy, social work, an assistive technology professional, and an ALS Association liaison. These clinicians, who are all volunteers, have collectively donated more than 1,200 hours at the clinic, conducting approximately 180 patient visits over the past five years. “When I went to the clinic the first time, I was bowled over by the attention I received and the number of professionals who spent a lot of time with me,” Peace said. “They tested my strength, my pulmonary function, my speech, my diet, my state of mind, and many other things. There aren’t adequate words to express how much help they have given me.”
FIVE YEARS OF CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH ALS GARY E. SHEALY MEMORIAL ALS CLINIC MARKS MILESTONE
On February 18, 2022, the clinic, housed in ETSU’s College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, celebrated its fifth anniversary. The clinic offers patients an opportunity to receive coordinated care from a variety of clinicians in one visit, relieving Mountain Home and former member of the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences Philanthropy Board, donated funds to create the clinic following the death of her husband, Gary E. Shealy, in 2016. She recalled how she and her husband, along with other patients and their families from this region, would have to drive hours to other universities to attend an ALS clinic and that her hope was that the new clinic at ETSU would ease the burden on patients and their families. The clinic officially opened in 2017.
Dr. Faith Akin, audiologist at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Before she was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in March 2021, Jean Peace played tennis four days a week and enjoyed an active lifestyle that included power walking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. After her diagnosis, Peace, who lives in Kingsport, had to learn to navigate a new lifestyle – one that will include a motorized wheelchair and a device that she can use to communicate when she loses her ability to speak. At first, Peace wasn’t sure where to go to find the coordinated care she needed to help her deal with the developing symptoms of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). “I googled ALS and found the ALS Association of Tennessee, so I blindly signed up,” she said. From that contact, Peace learned about East Tennessee State University’s Gary E. Shealy Memorial ALS Clinic, a free clinic that offers a multidisciplinary approach to the care of people diagnosed with ALS.
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The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts also invites you to support the arts. Your support allows the Martin Center to offer internationally recognized performances throughout the year to benefit the Appalachian Highlands.
NEW ETSU PODCAST: WHY I TEACH
FOR MARTIN CENTER Since its completion in fall 2020, the ETSU James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts continues to establish and grow its vision of community and campus collaboration. The 93,000-square-foot facility houses three different performance venues –the 1,200-seat ETSU Foundation Grand Hall, the 200-plus-seat Powell Recital Hall and flexible black box performing space, and the Bert C. Bach Theatre. Currently, the facility has been hosting a variety of events from student rehearsals and recitals to public and private events. As awareness of the performing arts continues to spread across the Appalachian Highlands, so does the ability to bring an array of artists to perform on the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall stage.
Inaugural guests for the podcast were Dr. Tom Kwasigroch (Quillen College of Medicine) and Dr. Sean Fox (College of Public Health). You can listen to the podcast at the ETSU Provost website or subscribe on Podbean, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, or Spotify.
The ETSU Martin Center is filling its calendar with a wide breadth of events and performances for the upcoming ’22-’23 Season. As an added bonus, they will soon announce their Spring ’23 Broadway Season. With this brings aspiration of making the Martin Center a destination attraction in the area. “Being able to bring something as big as Broadway to Johnson City and the university broadens our reach and will make a huge impact for the arts in our region,” said Executive Director Jennifer Clements. “With everything else our region has to offer along with our variety of performances – it’s sure to make people want to spend more time visiting the Appalachian Highlands.”
ETSU professor Martin Walters composed the music for the podcast.
Along with these performances, the ETSU Martin Center plans to continue to announce more upcoming shows in the summer and fall months and bring more entertainment variety to the region. To stay up to date with the ETSU Martin Center events, visit ETSUMartinCenter. org and sign up for their mailing list. You can also find the Martin Center on social media @ETSUMartinCtr (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Jenna Lafever, Director of Development at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, at moorejl7@etsu. edu or (423) 439-8333.
FULL SEASON AHEAD
The kickoff of the fall season includes a wide range of genres from artists such as master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt and The Goners with special guest Sonny Landreth; Pink Floyd tribute band, Brit Floyd; and Contemporary Christian Music artist, Amy Grant – all performing within the same week at the Martin Center. Other artists set to perform throughout the fall season include The Black Jacket Symphony; co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson with special guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin; vintage swing cover group, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox; and all-male a cappella group, Straight No Chaser.
Dr. Kimberly McCorkle, who joined the ETSU administration last summer as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics, has launched a new podcast, “Why I Teach: Conversations with ETSU Faculty.” Provost McCorkle conceived the idea for the podcast after meeting with every college on campus during her first semester and says she was inspired by how passionate the faculty of ETSU are about teaching. She hosts the podcast as a way to amplify the stories of the faculty and to learn about the impact they hope their students make on the world.
Sara Allen is Marketing and Communications Manager for the Martin Center for the Arts. | Photo contributed.
Dr. Sean Fox (left), who is a member of the Class of 2013, chats with Provost McCorkle prior to his segment.
“With a major in math education, you are just about guaranteed a position once you pass all the requirements,” said Dr. Daryl L. Stephens, Associate Professor, Associate Chair, and the math education major advisor. “We get more inquiries from school systems seeking to hire someone than we have graduates.”
“I want to help those who need it most because I was once the young girl from an inner city who did not have access to support systems that every child needs to be successful,” said Johnson.
32 x ETSU TODAY
Future teachers like Johnson want to help. “I had amazing teachers in high school who took time out to make sure that I knew that they could see me and hear my cry,” she said. “They gave me the push needed to continue, and nothing would be more fulfilling for me than becoming that person for others.”
Professors in ETSU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics are preparing students like Johnson to enter a workforce that desperately needs additional math instructors.
FUTUREPREPARINGMATHTEACHERS
At ETSU, students who ultimately want to teach math have access to a range of resources and curricula. The courses offered by the department give a good perspective on the math foundation courses taught in schools. All students take part in an original research project, presenting it to their peers and professors. For students who opt for a secondary education minor, they get the chance to work with a veteran teacher in a public school for nearly an entire academic year, earning indepth, on-the-ground experience.
For additional information, contact Stephens at stephen@etsu. edu or (423) 439-6981.
Though many Americans were likely aware of teacher shortages before the pandemic, COVID-19 has made an already difficult issue worse, the National Education Association reported.
O.J. Early is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Tanner Clements East Tennessee State University math education major Tataya Johnson isn’t sure where she wants to eventually teach. She does want to be wherever “the biggest need is.”
The ability to get a job is appealing. So is the potential to be a great influence. “With a major in math education, you have an opportunity to influence countless youth on their way to becoming competent, well-rounded adults who are numerate as well as literate,” said Stephens, who taught math in public schools before joining ETSU. “With any luck, you can pass along an enthusiasm for the structure, beauty, and utility of mathematics to the next several generations, and help stamp out math anxiety and math phobia.”
“Working alongside seasoned professionals in the field creates an invaluable educational experience for students, and we’re grateful that we can provide that practice and build relationships early on,” said Dr. Matthew Loos, Ballad Health’s Chief Academic Officer.
ETSU’s long-time commitment to interprofessional education and team-based care, as well as Gatton College of Pharmacy’s award-winning student programs focusing on naloxone training and community outreach, provide a foundation for the center’s efforts on preparing pharmacists for the critical role in interprofessional teams that care for patients with chronic pain, opioid use disorder, and mental health disorders.
| Photo by Charlie Warden
Through the new center, ETSU and Ballad Health will work to develop simulation and laboratory education offerings and collaborate to develop and enhance curricula that include training in addiction, mental health, and clinical transitions.
“ETSU and Ballad Health share a long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the Appalachian Highlands, and this is the focus of the center,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “We are grateful for Ballad’s support and for the opportunities to enhance the educational experience for our clinical students whose impact on the region will be profound.”
Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy and Ballad Health have established a new center to improve the lives and health outcomes of people in the Appalachian Highlands. Ballad Health has committed a $470,000 annual gift to the college to create the Center for Pharmacy Education, Advocacy, and Outreach, which will broaden efforts to help better equip pharmacists to transform practice and to work with patient care team members across inpatient and outpatient settings to improve transitions of care on hospital admission, discharge, and overall health outcomes.
It also will focus on preceptor development and developing training experiences for student pharmacists.
IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES
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PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH
BALLAD CREATES THE CENTER FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, AND OUTREACH
“The center will help us to continue to strengthen pharmacists’ important role in the delivery of health care within the hospitals, during transition of care, and in the communities,” said Byrd. “Our faculty will dedicate time to serve as integrated clinical specialists within Ballad facilities, and Ballad will provide preceptor availability and targeted experiential instruction for our student pharmacists. It is a win-win for these future pharmacists and for the patients they will serve.”
The center will be a catalyst for developing policy recommendations at the local, regional, state, and national levels in the areas of addiction and mental health, which are pressing concerns in rural America. It will work toward developing an annual conference in the region to address the latest in research and solutions to health care challenges and will collaborate on professional development and continuing education offerings.
The idea for the center grew from a series of conversations between Pharmacy leadership at Ballad Health and Dr. Debbie Byrd, Dean of Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. They recognized that there were opportunities in the way students are trained and in the way that ETSU faculty are integrated into the inpatient work environment.
“Once students graduate and start working in pharmacy care on their own, they fall back on their training and studies, so we want to do everything we can to bolster that early understanding and proficiency, so they’re better served in the future.”
“Ballad Health is committed to the multitude of partnerships we have developed with ETSU in pursuit of the best clinical experience for training tomorrow’s health care workforce,” said Ballad Health Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine. “We remain grateful to all those who have worked so hard to develop and sustain the Gatton College of Pharmacy. This partnership is critical to ensuring our region leads in the development and use of the most effective treatments for our patients.”
“ETSU is proud to partner with Ballad Health to take this innovative approach to training future pharmacists,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics. Melissa Nipper is Director of Marketing and Communications in the ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications.
Yasmeen Elayan is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Ron Campbell
The eight-week leadership development program focused on critical skills to become effective servantleaders at ETSU and beyond. Cain said she developed skills in community engagement while upholding a fundamental component to successful leadership: focusing on what you can do for others and the value your actions can bring to those around you.
MEET AMYRE CAIN WHO’S GOING TO ETSU? 34 x ETSU TODAY
The decision to pursue a college degree is often a personal one, especially for first-generation students. It begins as a journey of courage and hope. It then transforms into a new world filled with opportunities that open doors to personal, academic, and career development. A constant source of encouragement for Amyre Cain’s college journey is her grandmother, who passed away in 2019 following a stage-four breast cancer diagnosis. In 2018, Cain decided to become the first person in her father’s family to attend college. She is now a senior at East Tennessee State University. Cain is from Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The miles from Michigan to East Tennessee did not hinder her daily phone calls with her grandmother. “It’s a miracle being a firstgeneration student. However, it is very stressful. The support I have here on campus and around me makes it a lot better. My grandmother was my biggest cheerleader,” said Cain. That consistent motivation and encouragement to keep pushing to accomplish her dreams propelled Cain to grow as a leader during her time at ETSU and use her voice to elevate the voices of minority and underrepresented communities of color. After declaring her major in Sociology and minor in Black American Studies, Cain spoke about how crucial diversity and representation are to the ETSU campus community during a panel that included ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, faculty, staff, and administrators. Additionally, Cain is the first student on the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council at ETSU. She then joined the Black Affairs Association and became a leader for Black History Month. The organization is accessible to all students and serves as a source of encouragement for students to become involved in a variety of activities that make a difference on campus and in the community. “It definitely helps when it comes to educating people who are not of color and other cultures, too. Now they’re more mindful about the importance of Black History Month – instead of it just being a month,” added Cain. In 2020, Cain was selected to join the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy Program.
Cain now shares her motivational story as an Expedition Leader, making her one of the first friendly faces prospective students see during ETSU campus tours, in addition to lending her voice to recruit outof-state students. You’ll often find her in the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, located in the D.P. Culp Student Center, where Cain said she met some wonderful mentors who helped shape her collegiate life. “If it wasn’t for Ms. Carshonda Martin (the former Multicultural Center director), I wouldn’t be where I am today – along with the entire team at the Multicultural Center.” Cain will graduate from ETSU in December. She wants to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees before one day opening a school she hopes to name in memory of her grandmother. Cain says her grandmother’s words of wisdom still echo in her mind, and the rings Cain’s grandmother left her are tangible tokens she wears each day that serve as a gentle reminder to carry on the legacy of empowering others to achieve their dreams. “Keep going, keep going. Surround yourself with good people, people who are going to support you no matter what. Don’t let anything stop you, because at the end of the day, you are here for a purpose.”
Cain teamed up with Girls Inc. to pack nonperishable food items for children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who did not have access to school meals during virtual learning. Seeing firsthand the faces of those benefiting from the acts of service, Cain said, “It helped a lot. Before the pandemic, when I was younger, I was the person who was in need. So, I know how hard it was being in that position. Going in and taking action as soon as the nation shut down, it helped.”
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Each year, the Tennessee Department of Education recognizes exceptional individuals who provide opportunities through leadership, programs, and vision. After an extensive vetting process consisting of over 60 of the state’s top educational leaders, Hampton was selected as a recipient of the department’s Tennessee Principal of the Year Award. “While I am humbled to have been selected for Tennessee Principal of the Year, what I am most proud of is the opportunity to highlight the incredible work the students and staff at Dobyns-
“Why teach?”
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR: DR. CHRIS HAMPTON
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Though the inquisitive individual will find that the precise number of answers to this question are equal to the number of educators in existence and no less, a universal truth ties them all together: the path to a career in education is paved with passion, devotion, and the sincere fondness for human potential. As cultivators of the generations that will inherit our communities, their responsibilities are immense. DobynsBennett High School Principal Dr. Chris Hampton with Kingsport City Schools is certainly equipped for the job.
In addition, the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen proclaimed April 15, 2002, as Chris Hampton Day.
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Originally hailing from Erwin, Tennessee, Hampton knew from an early age that he was destined to pursue a career in education. While struggling with the uniquely arduous circumstances that come with being an at-risk youth in Appalachia, both his experiences in school and the compassionate support of his mentors allowed his dreams of a brighter future to flourish. Naturally, Hampton came to view education as one of the most powerful tools anyone could have at their disposal – one that could shift the outlook of his entire life. “I come from a very humble background. In fact, I lived in the depths of poverty from birth through high school graduation,” said Hampton. “I was a firstgeneration college student, and public education was critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. I have always wanted to help pave the way for other students to get out of similar circumstances.”
On top of numerous accolades earned through Dobyns-Bennett High School and a plethora of presentations over the years, Hampton also received the 2019 University of Tennessee Field Award for Secondary Principal of the Year and was named both the 2019 Distinguished TRIO Alumnus by ETSU and the 2000 TARGET Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
Hampton also credits Upward Bound, a federally funded grant program that provides disadvantaged high school students the opportunities to succeed in their pursuit of higher education. It was through ETSU’s Upward Bound program that Hampton fully realized his passion for empowering others.
Hampton spent the following years honing his skills for exactly this purpose. From ETSU, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education, a master’s degree in Counseling, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Although Hampton has served as the principal of the high school for well over a decade, his history with DobynsBennett stretches back 25 years. Driven by his desire to assist a population in considerable need of support, he initially joined the school as a special education teacher. Throughout the years, he has also served as a counselor, assistant principal, and secondary curriculum coordinator. Hampton said he discovered the scope of his influence was greater with each subsequent position, and he was always motivated to pursue opportunities that would enable him to demolish whatever barriers stood in the way of the success of any student striving to be better. “My personal mission is to work in a school that opens its doors each day with the explicit goal of improving the lives of the students and staff who walk through them,” said Hampton. “My ultimate hope is for all students to find ambition and refuge within the walls of our schools – that they realize education is the ticket to any life they desire to have. I have been blessed in many ways by many people. I want to be that person for others.”
Bennett are doing on a daily basis,” said Hampton. “I am so fortunate to work in a school where the culture promotes excellence, and our focus is always student success. I accepted the award on behalf of our entire staff. We earned it together.”
Briar R. Worley is Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photos contributed.
The Dorman G. Stout, Jr. Student Leadership Endowment was created to award an annual scholarship to a student who demonstrates the leadership traits and character that reflect Dr. Stout.
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DR.REMEMBERINGDORMANSTOUT
An advocate. Leader. Mentor. Visionary. Community servant. A proud veteran. A champion for students. And a loyal friend. Dr. Dorman Stout embodied these traits in everything he did throughout his 30-year career at ETSU. A graduate of the university, he returned to campus in the mid-1960s as Dean of Men and was soon promoted to Dean of Students. In 1984, he was promoted to Vice President for Student Affairs, a role he remained in until his retirement. On Friday, June 24, Dr. Stout passed away. Dr. Bonnie Burchett, Director of Housing and Residence Life, remembers Dr. Stout as the person who hired her in 1977. “Dr. Stout was all about the students,” she reflects. “He always thought about what was best for the students, and that came first. It was never about him. He was very humble, and he did not like a lot of recognition.”
During his tenure at ETSU, Stout led a major expansion of the Division of Student Affairs, now the Division of Student Life and Enrollment. One of the things former colleagues say he enjoyed most about his job was working with the Student Government Association and other student leaders on campus. Among his many accomplishments was guiding the creation of the Counseling Center. He also began the early planning to establish a physical activity center on campus.
Guests at the ETSU Alumni Banquet will remember Stout’s rich voice that for years led the crowd in the singing of the alma mater. “He was always a team player,” Burchett added, “and by his actions, we were reminded that ‘We play as a team, and we do what is right for the students and the university.’”
Joe Smith is Senior Director for Strategic Communications in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. To make a gift to the Dorman G. Stout, Jr. Student Leadership Endowment, scan this QR code.
“Dr. Stout cared about people,” Burchett added. “He would always ask me how my mother was, even years after he retired. A few years back when Southwest Virginia was blanketed with a heavy snowfall that lasted several days, he called me to see how my mother was and if she was ok. He did hundreds of those types of things but was never one to brag or take credit. Rather, he just quietly and humbly showed kindness and concern for others.
The goal of the five-year initiative, called the Resilient Schools Project, is to guide administrators in identifying what tools, resources, and practices the Unicoi County School System can provide to help these students overcome barriers to being successful in school, according to ETSU faculty member Dr. Ginger Christian.
ETSU’s ELPA department and Strong BRAIN Institute (SBI) are teaming with Unicoi County Schools on this project to offer training, coaching, and assessment tools. “As educators, we want to transfer these feelings into a sense of hope and healing,” she said. Researchers with ETSU’s Strong BRAIN Institute are involved in this partnership. The institute, which promotes the awareness and empirical study of ACEs, was established in 2020 through a gift from Ballad Health.
Christian added, “We are honored to partner with Unicoi County Schools and work collaboratively to support school leaders as they pioneer new innovative systems. The tools and evidence-based practices will connect the power of multiple resources working together for students. An educator’s role is to understand and engage the brain much like a neurologist. “This work embodies the idea of teaching the whole child’s heart and mind and links the medical research to educational practices,” she added. “The Resilient School Project seeks to understand how to build strong brains while we capture students’ hearts for a bright and productive future. There is no limit for students and schools in our communities.”
According to Christian, the project recognizes that children’s brains grow and develop until they are 25 and captures the power of resilience at work from year to year throughout the journey from kindergarten through 12th grade.
ETSU faculty member and Strong BRAIN Institute member Dr. Megan Quinn has provided information on the connection of neuroscience and the physiological impact of trauma on students. Christian and Dr. Virginia Foley spent the spring semester providing training to Unicoi County principals on ways to put strategic plans in place for learning and assessment.
“The project champions the Unicoi County School System’s vision to invest in students and build our future,” said John English, director of UCS. “We are excited about the focus on social emotional learning and research-based programs that align with our district goals.”
DEVELOPING SCHOOLTRAUMA-INFORMEDASYSTEM
The ELPA department and SBI are providing resources and working closely with the UCS Leadership Team to teach students how to respond to challenging life events. These university partners will make resources available to design and implement a continuum of support from elementary through high school that will serve as a model for other school districts in Tennessee.
“Children face challenging life events, and this can affect their ability to learn and thrive,” said Christian, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) in the Clemmer College. “Educators are a powerful influence in students’ lives and resilient schools understand and connect evidence-based practices to building strong brains.”
An innovative partnership between ETSU and the Unicoi County School System will provide a framework to support students who have experienced trauma and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Christian says the goal is to help educators respond to these students and to provide immediate and proactive interventions. Students who have experienced ACEs often express anger, fear, and agitation.
Pictured left to right are: Dr. Virginia Foley, Dr. Kevin Graham, Dr. Jennifer Green, Dr. Amy Horton, John English, Dr. Ginger Christian, Mike Riddell, Regina Harrell, Dr. Megan Quinn, and Dr. Christine Lewis Pugh.
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Joe Smith is Senior Director for Strategic Communications in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications. | Photo by Ron Campbell
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An ETSU women’s basketball All-American was selected to the Southern Conference Hall of Fame as the league office announced its 2022 class. DeShawne Blocker, who played women’s basketball at ETSU from 1991-95, was the first member named to the 2022 class on May 16.
SOCON HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE DESHAWNE BLOCKER STILL MAKING HISTORY
Student-athletes who competed for a minimum of two seasons in the Southern Conference were eligible for consideration, along with coaches and administrators who spent at least five years in the league. A pool of more than 200 candidates from the conference’s current and former member institutions were nominated for consideration. The pool of former studentathletes, coaches, and administrators was cut down to 40 individuals who comprised the final ballot. A voting panel of 20 media members and league administrators made the selection of the induction class. “I’m excited about being awarded such an honor,” Blocker said. “To be listed among some of the best in the conference, it speaks volumes, and I would not have been able to receive such an award without some amazing teammates and coaches and family backing. I’m just so thankful.”
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The Augusta, Georgia, native finished her career with 2,086 points, which is third in ETSU program history and tied for seventh in SoCon history, and a career average of 19.5 points per game, which ranks fifth in league annals. Blocker totaled 1,361 rebounds (third in SoCon history), with her career average of 12.7 boards per game ranking eighth in NCAA Division I history at the end of her career and 12th today. That mark remains second in SoCon history nearly three decades later, while her career 59.8 field-goal percentage is third in SoCon history.
The 1991-92 SoCon Freshman of the Year, the 1992-93 and 1994-95 SoCon Player of the Year, and the league’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1994-95, Blocker is one of just five women’s basketball players in league history to earn first-team All-SoCon honors four times. She was the SoCon tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1995, despite the regular-season champion Bucs falling to Furman in the title game, 88-85. Blocker’s 1994-95 squad went on to play in the postseason in the National Women’s Invitational Tournament, marking the Bucs’ first ever postseason appearance. Following her collegiate career, she played professionally for three years in Spain, Greece, Austria, and Finland. She would later return to ETSU as an assistant coach from 2006-13, helping lead the Bucs to postseason play four times in that span.
PhotosCommunications | byLarrySmith
Blocker, who earned All-America honorable mention after her junior and senior seasons, led the NCAA in total rebounds with a SoCon single-season record 450 in 1993-94, while her average of 17.3 per contest not only led the NCAA but still ranks fourth in a season in NCAA history and second in a season in SoCon history, 28 years later. She had the NCAA single-game high for rebounds in 1992-93 with 25 against Marshall and in 1993-94 with 28 against Covenant, which remains a SoCon single-game record.
Blocker was named to the SoCon’s 25th Anniversary Team celebrating a quarter century of women’s athletics in 2007-08 and earned a spot on the 100th Anniversary Team as the league celebrated its centennial in 2021. She was inducted into ETSU’s Hall of Fame in 2005. Blocker becomes the fifth women’s basketball player to be enshrined in the SoCon Hall of Fame and the first from ETSU. Phil Perry, Southern Conference, and Lauren Templin, ETSU Athletic
Dr. Jacquelyn Crawford is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate of Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Crawford has held several positions with the ETSU chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association during her four years at the college of pharmacy. Crawford has participated in 12 clinical placements in a variety of roles, from community practice, to emergency medicine, to ambulatory care. On top of her clinical placements, internships, and regular employment, Crawford found the time to complete two different research projects regarding pharmacist-provided contraception. Crawford intends to use her breadth of experience in a position as a clinical pharmacist on an interprofessional care team. She hopes that her efforts may help combat the health disparities in the region.
Azayzel DeRegis was a foreign language major with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in art.
David Crabtree was a political science and international affairs double major. He served with several leadership and civic engagement organizations, including the Student Government Association, Model United Nations, and the Tennessee Intercollegiate Supreme Court. Crabtree has two research publications under review at present, both addressing a shift in public perception of social welfare as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crabtree also presented the same research at the 2022 Southern Political Science Association Conference. He plans to pursue an M.A. at the University of Chicago.
Ethan Galloway majored in chemistry and double minored in anthropology and culture and health. He has served in several leadership roles, including as president of the ETSU chapter of the American Chemical Society and as the student member of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Pamela Avendaño-Rubi majored in biology with a biochemistry concentration and a minor in physics. She grew up in Puebla, Mexico, and is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. She used her bilingual ability to provide interpretation services at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic and at the Quillen College of Medicine. Since 2019, Avendaño-Rubi has conducted cardiovascular research under the direction of Dr. Cerrone Foster in the biological sciences department. Avendaño-Rubi has presented her research at ETSU’s Boland Symposium, the Honors Collegiate Conference, the American Physiological Society, and the Tennessee Capitol to state senators and state representatives. Avendaño-Rubi hopes that with her unique cultural influences and biomedical skills she can identify and address the needs of East Tennessee communities.
Galloway also volunteered with local charitable organizations, with one of the most notable being his position as a court appointed special advocate for children in the foster care system. After completing medical school, Galloway hopes to serve the region as a physician.
DeRegis has also completed all of the requirements of a pre-medical degree. While not at his internship at the Quillen College of Medicine, DeRegis volunteered with a number of local medical and outreach programs, including at the Johnson City Medical Center, the Johnson City Community Health Center, and the Washington County Rescue Squad. He also volunteered with the Language and Culture Resource Center as a medical interpreter. DeRegis also helps provide CPR training to the ETSU community through the campus emergency medicine club. DeRegis aims to become a multilingual trauma surgeon and serve anywhere that medical interpretation and cross-cultural relationships are needed.
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Named in commemoration of the year when ETSU was founded, the 1911 Society recognizes the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The selection committee evaluates applicants on academic achievement; sustained service; honors, awards, recognitions, publications, and presentations; demonstrated leadership; work experience, such as study abroad, internships, externships, and clinicals; and personal narratives. The 1911 Society was established in 2020. Honorees receive special recognition and tartan stoles to wear during Commencement. Their contributions and accomplishments will be showcased on the 1911 Society wall located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.
THE 1911 SOCIETY WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Dr. Abbi Laszacs is a Doctor of Medicine graduate of the Quillen College of Medicine. She served on several student committees and volunteered with local lowincome medical services, such as the RAM clinic and the Church Hill Free Clinic. Laszacs completed all of her volunteer work in addition to her ordinary workload of internships and research positions as a doctoral student. Through such research positions, Laszacs is already credited on one scientific publication: a study of pediatric-powered mobility published in the Journal of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Laszacs hopes to build a career out of addressing substance use disorder within the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Jared Nesbitt is Communications and Multimedia Assistant in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications.
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Shivam Patel majored in health sciences and was involved in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Sean Fox since his freshman year. Patel volunteered his spare time with student organizations on campus and outreach programs in the community. On campus, Patel has served with the ETSU chapter of the American Society of Microbiology, the Student Government Association, and the Preview and Orientation Leaders Organization. In the wider community, Patel gave his time to the RAM clinic, the United Way, and campaigns for candidates for local public office. A graduate of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program, Patel hopes to pay forward the support he received during his time at ETSU by pursuing a service year with AmeriCorps while he applies to medical school.
Cory Whitfield is a Master of Social Work graduate. In 2020, he served as the student representative to the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Whitfield’s tenure marked the first time an ETSU student held the position.
Whitfield is also the president and a founding member of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Black Social Workers. As a graduate assistant, Whitfield was instrumental to research on a $50,000 grant received by the Department of Social Work. He hopes that a successful career in social work will later translate into an impactful role as a policymaker.
Hannah Smith majored in theater and minored in communicative disorders. She is a multitalented artist, known by many for her performance in the 2021 production of Men on Boats which earned her a nomination for a Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Award. In addition, her creative writing was accepted for publication in the ETSU arts journal The Mockingbird. Smith has also volunteered her time to better her fellow Buccaneers, serving with both the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization and the Buccaneer Involvement Guides program, as well as the Committee for 125 Chapter II academic task force. Smith hopes to use her talents and her passions in a career as a speech therapist.
McKenzie Templeton is a media and communications graduate and the founder of ETSU’s ABLE organization, a disability awareness group that now partners with ETSU’s Department of Disability Services. Despite her full course load as a student, Templeton has a head start on her career as a marketing strategist through part-time jobs and internships with organizations such as Meta (Formerly Facebook) and STREAMWORKS, among others. Templeton hopes to remain in the Appalachian Highlands and use her skills to promote the region and serve its people. She is currently the Director of Young Professional Development with the Johnson City-Jonesborough-Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Brianna Martinson majored in computer science and is well-regarded for her skills in research. She was the concluding speaker of the 2020 ETSU Ronald McNair Summer Research Program. She has presented her research at the Appalachian Student Research Forum, the Tennessee State Capitol, the Boland Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the Baylor University Virtual Research Conference. Martinson also participated in an undergraduate research symposium at Michigan State University. Her passion is for virtual reality technology and its potential therapeutic applications. She hopes to make a career out of that interest after completing graduate school at the University of North Texas where she will study learning technologies with a concentration in project management in workforce performance.
Timothy W. Davis, Class of 1991, won 2nd place for Best Feature Photography from the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters. He is a photojournalist for WCYB in Bristol. His degree is in Mass Communication.
Thomas E. Gilbert, Jr. Class of 1992, has been spotlighted by the Kingsport CLASS NOTES
1960s James E. Rogers, Classes of 1964 and 1966, was honored by the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors with its Legends Hall of Fame Award. Rogers is a co-founder of Flagship Capital Partners (Flagship Healthcare Properties). Rogers has been honored by the ETSU National Alumni Association with the Outstanding Alumnus award and Award of Honor, as well as earning a place in ETSU’s Hall of Fame for the College of Business and Technology. His degrees are in Management and Business Administration. 1970s Curtis L. Mawk, Class of 1970, was honored posthumously at Volunteer High School in Church Hill by school representatives who have renamed the school’s baseball stadium the Curtis Mawk Stadium. He was Volunteer’s first baseball coach. He passed away on February 23, 2009, at the age of 61. His degree was in Physical Education.
Anthony “Tony” Treadway, Class of 1977, was given the ETSU National Alumni Association’s Award of Honor. He is the founder of Creative Energy, a full-service advertising agency. His degree is in Political Science.
During our recent ETSU Foundation Board meeting, Rick Storey was appointed our new chairman. Mr. Storey is a decorated leader and longtime friend and supporter of ETSU. We are fortunate to have him in this role. I look forward to working with him in the months ahead. A special thank you to our outgoing chairman, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ron Hite for his many years of service to the Foundation. His knowledge and friendship have been invaluable, and I will be forever grateful for his support. To all our donors and friends, thank you for being part of our story; and thank you for the many new chapters in our story that have been made possible through your support.
Dr. Michael E. Lynch, Class of 1984, has received the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of History Graduate Alumni Achievement Award for 2022. His degree is in English. Dr. Robert M. Plummer, Classes of 1984, 1987, and 2014, was given the 2021 ETSU National Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus in Higher Education award. He recently retired from his position as Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Economic Development for ETSU. His degrees are in Political Science, Educational Administration, and Educational Leadership.
Patti M. Greene, Class of 1990, received the Teacher Spotlight Award from the Kingsport Times News. Her degree is in Elementary Education.
Renee Bays Lockhart, Classes of 1987 and 1989, was given the 2021 ETSU National Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumna award. She is President and Chief Financial Officer of Heritage Partners. Her degrees are in Accountancy.
Pam Ritter Vice President for University Advancement and President/CEO, ETSU Foundation Make an online gift today by scanning the QR Code. Or go to give.etsu.edu
H. Mitchel “Micky” Sullivan, Class of 1971, was inducted into the 2022 Fork Union Military Academy Sports Hall of Fame on June 3. Sullivan came to Fork Union Military Academy as a cadet, graduating in 1967 and returning to the Academy as a teacher and coach in 1975. He served as the head prep football coach and was named the VISFA Coach of the Year nine times. He has served as Fork Union’s Director of Athletics since 1995. His degree is in History.
R. Lynn Shipley, Jr., Class of 1972, received the 2021 Kingsport Chamber Lifetime Member award. His degree is in Business Education.
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Paul Johnson, Jr., Class of 1979, won 2nd place for Best News Anchor from the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters. He anchors the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for WCYB TV in Bristol. His degree is in Journalism.
The Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, Class of 1973, was given the ETSU National Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus in Public Service award. President George W. Bush appointed him to the district court judgeship for the Eastern District of Tennessee in 2003. Greer assumed senior status as district judge in 2018 and continues to serve in that role. His degree is in Political Science. Major General Gary L. Harrell, U.S. Army (Retired), Class of 1973, was given the 2021 ETSU National Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumnus award. He currently serves as founder/chairman of Global Security Specialists. His degree is in Industrial Technology. Dr. William David Epps, Class of 1975, is the recent recipient of the Promise 360 Award at Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Georgia. Epps serves as an on-call P.R.N. Chaplain in the Spiritual Care Department. His degree is in Social Work. Ronald D. Street, Class of 1975, announced his retirement from the Jonesborough Police Department after serving over five years as chief. He previously served as Johnson City’s Chief of Police and as Chief Deputy at the Carter County Sheriff’s department, retiring from both positions. His degree is in Criminal Justice.
Michael A. Hopson, Class of 1981, has retired after a 39-year career as a locomotive engineer with CSX Transportation, formerly Clinchfield Railroad. His degree is in Elementary Education.
John W. Blevins, Classes of 1986 and 1988, accepted a position with the Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism in Virginia as Assistant Director of Recreation. Prior to that, he worked for Arlington Parks & Recreation and Fairfax County. His degrees are in Physical Education.
Cheryl Ottinger Lang, Classes of 1986 and 2004, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Administration for Tindall Corporation. Her degrees are in Accounting and Business Administration.
Christopher M. Dortch, Class of 1978, has been inducted into the Tennessee Sports Writers Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Dortch is an accomplished sports reporter and the editor/publisher for the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. His degree is in Journalism.
Tamra Pree Phillips, Class of 1979, has authored Faith Walks and Talks: The 150-Year History of Grace Baptist—the Church that Founded Temple University. Her degree is in General Psychology.
1990s Rebecca F. Campbell, Class of 1990, started a new position as Public Information Officer for the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
J. Scott Henson, Class of 1984, has retired from the Medical College of Georgia as Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement. He served in the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement for 25 years. His degree is in Mass Communication.
1980s Nancy Greene Hopson, Classes of 1980 and 1989, has retired from the Johnson City School System as a teacher assistant, after a 35-year career in education. She previously worked in the Knoxville, Tennessee City School System and the Washington County, Tennessee School System as a teacher. Her degrees are in Elementary Education and Educational Administration.
Joyce A. Wright, Classes of 1990, 2000, and 2003, has joined Summit Family Medicine in Greeneville as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her degrees are in Elementary Education and Nursing.
The stories throughout ETSU Today highlight just some of the ways the dreams of our students and our employees are being achieved. They are able to realize these dreams, and pursue even greater ones, thanks to you and the many friends who continually show their support for this institution. This support transforms lives every day. The Campaign for ETSU, our comprehensive campaign, is drawing to a close. Soon, I will provide an update to our alumni and friends on the outpouring of support we have received since the campaign was launched in 2019. These gifts will allow ETSU to create additional opportunities for our students and faculty, support program development, build new facilities, and enhance our campus.
Robin Nahajlo Lincoln, Class of 1984, has been promoted to Chief Contracting Officer for Capstone Health Alliance. Her degree is in Computer and Information Science.
Gregory T. Randolph, Class of 1987, is Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Otter Soccer, a USL Two franchise. His degree is in Business Management.
Dr. Ramona Milhorn Williams, Classes of 1983, 1985, and 1996, retired as Vice President of Annual Enrollment and Financial Aid from Tusculum University. She dedicated over 38 years of service to higher education. Her degrees are in Political Science, Counseling, and Educational Leadership.
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Nicole Oaks Martin, Classes of 2003 and 2006, is now working for Blue Rock Search as a higher education executive search consultant. Her degrees are in Professional Communication and Mass Communication.
Ashley A. Ward, Class of 1994, is the Director of the Medicare Advantage provider network innovation. Her degree is in Marketing. Dr. Christopher M. Hampton, Classes of 1995, 1997, and 2007, has been named one of two Tennessee Principals of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education. He currently serves as principal of DobynsBennett High School in Kingsport. His degrees are in Special Education, Counseling, and Educational Leadership.
Dr. K. Scott Malone, Class of 1992, has been selected as a 2022 Georgia Titan 100, one of Georgia’s Top CEOs & C-Level Executives. The Titan 100 embodies the diversity of Georgia’s business landscape, which represents technology, manufacturing, education, healthcare, construction/real estate, staffing, professional services, hospitality, transportation, and non-profit organizations. His degree is in Medicine.
January N. Tankersley, Class of 2004, has been named Senior Director of Development for the Greater Kingsport YMCA. Her degree is in Art.
details will be provided soon at etsualumni.org
Thomas P. Intardonato, Class of 2005, has accepted a position as test engineer at Siemens. His degree is in Mathematics.
Tracy A. Davis, Class of 2006, is a Library Media Specialist for the Charles County Public School system. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Dr. Angela Wilcox Watts, Class of 2001, has accepted a position as director of the Student Success Center at the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
Times News for his outstanding teaching abilities. He has also been named 2022 Teacher of the Year at West Ridge High School in Blountville. He teaches American Government. His degree is in Social Science.
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Christopher C. York, Classes of 1992 and 1995, is the new Market Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Health in Arkansas. In this role, York will lead the growth and development of Northwest Health, working with leaders across the system to advance strategic initiatives and expand health care services, quality, and patient experience. His degrees are in Management and Business Administration.
Honey Comer Cantrell, Classes of 2004 and 2006, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Agency Operations of Likeable. Her degrees are in Mass Communication, Political Science, and Professional Communication. Gwen Fields Quillen, Class 2004, is Manager for Corporate Audit Services at Eastman. Her degree is in Accountancy.
Karen A. Clossey, Class of 1999, is a Senior Scientist/Medical Writer with Cardinal Health. She has a Master of Environmental Health degree.
Robert M. Chikos, Class of 1996, has published 26 short stories in literary journals. He is a 2019-20 fellow with Teach Plus Illinois, a member of Equality Illinois’ Community Advisory Board, and guest lecturer at Northeastern Illinois University. His degree is in History. Dr. P. Scott Counts, Classes of 1996, 2008, and 2018, has joined Quillen College of Medicine’s leadership team as Director of ETSU Health Sports Medicine. In this position, he will aid in the development of enhanced sports medicine offerings and the expansion of services for the Buc Sports Athletic Medicine Center. Prior to joining the Quillen/ETSU Health leadership team, Counts served as Projects Director for Health Affairs in ETSU’s Office of the Provost. His degrees are in Physical Education, Public Health, and Educational Leadership. Angela Garber Shrewsbury, Class of 1997, has accepted a position as gross process steward at Eastman. Her degree is in Marketing. Jamie Rhudy Henson, Class of 1998, has been named an Organizational Development Manager at Crown Laboratories. Her degrees are in English and Political Science. Stacy Frisbee Smith, Class of 1998, is the new Director of Business Development and Events at Morristown Landing / The Sports Facilities Companies. Her degree is in Mass Communication. Amanda C. Adams, Class of 1999, has been named Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Goodwill Industries of Tenneva. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
R. Sean Reed, Class of 1999, has been promoted to Senior Construction Manager at Food City. His degree is in Engineering Technology. 2000s Mackenzie Blair Frazier, Classes of 2000 and 2003, is working as a go-to-market principal for consumer and retail marketing at FedEx Services. Her degrees are in English and Professional Communication.
Stephanie G. Walker, Class of 2001, is the new grant coordinator for the Johnson City Housing Authority. Her degree is in Marketing.
2022
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Rory E. Stallard, Class of 1995, was presented the Nicholas J. Carimi, Jr. Distinguished Criminal Justice Professional Award. Stallard is Senior Manager – AP Investigations at Home Depot. His degree is in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Sarah Strong Rollins, Class of 2004, is working as a talent development manager at Pepper Palace, Inc. Her degree is in Finance.
Elizabeth Wilson Minor, Class of 2005, was recently promoted to Director of Credit Services/Senior Vice President of SouthEast Bank. Her degree is in Finance.
Jon Ros Grayson, Classes of 1995 and 2002, has been promoted to Vice President of Government Relations for HCA Healthcare. His degrees are in Political Science and City Management.
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Candice M. Neeley, Class of 2003, has been promoted to Associate Director at Model N. Her degree is in Public Health.
T. Patrick Savage, Class of 2003, is Manager of Digital Marketing & Advertising at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Virginia. His degree is in Mass Communication.
Dr. R. Michael Browder, Class of 1993, has retired as Chief Executive Officer for Bristol Tennessee Essential Services. He was a recipient of the Alumni Association’s Award of Honor and served as an ETSU Foundation board member and the Alumni Association’s board president.
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Jeremy D. Bosken, Class of 2006, has been named the inaugural head football coach at Tri-Cities Christian Academy in Blountville. Bosken was previously the head football coach at Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga. His degree is in Sport and Leisure Management.
Lori Newberry Arnold, Class of 2001, has joined the Greater Kingsport YMCA as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. She has held numerous finance and director roles with Ballad Health, HMG, and Dent K. Burk & Associates. Most recently, she was Finance Director for GSM Filtration. Her degree is in Accountancy.
Kenneth N. Raff, Class of 2001, will serve as Executive Vice President and Tennessee Region Chief Executive Officer of Eclipse Bank in Johnson City. Raff is also a member of the ETSU Economics and Finance Advisory Board. His degree is in General Studies.
Ashley Perry Grindstaff, Class of 2006, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as General Manager of The Mall at Johnson City. Her degree is in Management.
William S. Rambo, Class of 2006, has accepted a position as Front-End Web Developer at Northeast State Community College. His degree is in Digital Media.
George R. Scott, Class of 2001, has joined Cornerstone Wealth Management in Greeneville as a wealth advisor. His degree is in Accountancy.
Darin M. Cox, Class of 1993, has accepted a job of writer/editor/producer for Antenna TV and Rewind TV. He worked at WLWT in Cincinnati for over 15 years as Commercial Production Manager, where he was recognized with several honors including three Emmys. In addition, Cox is the co-host of Irritable Dad Syndrome, a weekly comedy podcast he produces with Mike Odle. Cox’s degree is in Mass Communication.
Paul Bashea Williams, Classes of 2003 and 2006, received the Distinguished Alumnus award from the ETSU College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. He is owner and operator of his private practice, Hearts In Mind Counseling, as well as a member of the Rewrite 365 team. His degrees are in Social Work.
Thomas L. Tull, Class of 1995, has been named one of the top 42 healthcare chief experiences officers to know in 2022. Tull has served at Ballad Health for more than 30 years. He also serves as President-Elect of the ETSU National Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. He has a Master of Business Administration degree.
Kathy Martin-Stricker, Class of 1995, has started a new position in adult ministry/ pastoral care at Grace Point Fellowship in Kingsport. Her degree is in General Studies.
Dr. Stephanie R. Barham, Classes of 2004 and 2013, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for Northeast State Community College’s president. Her degrees are in Interdisciplinary Studies and Educational Leadership.
Dr. Eric L. Kerley, Class of 2001, opened a new family health care clinic in Summerton, South Carolina, named K&M Clinic. His degree is in Medicine. Alison Greenwell Johnson, Classes of 2001 and 2004, has been named Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for Johnson City Medical Center. Her degrees are in Management and Nursing.
L. Scott Ledford, Class of 1994, has been named Director of Human Resources at Christian Medical & Dental Association. He previously worked almost 24 years with General Shale. His degree is in Business Management. Dr. Jeffery E. Phillips, Classes of 1994 and 2020, has retired from the U.S. Army, having served for 27 years. His degrees are in Marketing and Educational Leadership.
Jesse R. Foltz, Classes of 2003 and 2005, is starting a new position as a Senior Software Engineer at Adobe. His degrees are in Digital Media and Engineering Technology.
Dr. Lucy Adkins Shell, Class of 2014, has been named Executive Director of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. Previously, she worked for the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. Her degree is in Pharmacy. Dr. Sean E. Smithgall, Class of 2014, has earned a promotion to Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. His degree is in Pharmacy. Blakely Bays Ball, Class of 2015, is working as a neuroscience sales specialist at Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. Her degree is in Communication Studies.
Brandon F. Roberts, Class of 2011, and William Cate, Classes of 2013 and 2020, are first-time entrepreneurs. They assumed ownership of Anna Marie’s Florist in Johnson City. Roberts’ degree is in Management.
Dr. McKenzie Calhoun Highsmith, Class of 2011, has been named Board Chair of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at ETSU’s Gatton College of Pharmacy. Her degree is in Pharmacy.
Akiah Highsmith, Class of 2010, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He is an associate attorney at the law office of Herndon, Coleman, Brading and McKee, LLP. His degree is in Engineering Technology.
Anna Marie Ricciardi Murphy, Class of 2007, has been named Marketing Manager at Locus Fermentation Solutions. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
A. Nils Bresinsky, Classes of 2014 and 2017, has started a new position as Manager of Partner Strategy and Operations with Salesforce. His degrees are in History.
Start a New Tradition etsu.edu/holidays
46 x ETSU TODAY
Cameron Butler-Davis, Class of 2015, is a mental health counselor at Andrews Counseling and Consulting. His degree is in Psychology. Chelsie M. Dubay, Class of 2015, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as Director of Instructional Design at ETSU. Her degree is in Liberal Studies. Wesley S. Fletcher, Class of 2015, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He is Vice President at First Bank and Trust. His degree is in Economics. David Lilly, Class of 2015, is men’s soccer coach at ETSU. He has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Kinesiology & Sport Studies. Benjamin Page, Class of 2015, is Assistant Athletic Director at Florida International University. His degree is in General Studies.
2010s Holly Blair Booker, Class of 2010, is working as Director of Development for ETSU’s College of Public Health. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
Jordan P. Barnette, Class of 2012, has joined the firm of Roberts & Stevens in Asheville as an associate attorney. Barnette’s legal practice is concentrated in medical malpractice and healthcare liability. His degree is in International Affairs.
Maegan Harrell Beale, Classes of 2012 and 2014, and Samuel T. Beale, Class of 2014, welcomed their son, Theodore Silas Beale, on February 13, 2022. Her degrees are in History. He has a Master of Arts degree in History. Ashley E. Davies, Class of 2012, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as the Healthy Development Coordinator for the Northeast Regional Health Department. Her degree is in Public Health. Dr. Amanda R. Lingerfelt, Class of 2012, has joined the State of Franklin Healthcare Associates team at Primary Care of Elizabethton. Previously, she had served as Chief Resident at ETSU Family Physicians of Kingsport. Her degrees are in Psychology, and she completed her Medical Residency at ETSU in 2020.
Dr. Nicole M. Holt, Classes of 2007, 2010, and 2017, is Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of the Master of Public Health program at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her degrees are in Health Sciences and Public Health.
Bryan A. Houston, Class of 2011, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He is co-owner and a financial advisor of Klem, Houston & Associates. His degree is in Management.
Tonya Staton Sanzari, Class of 2011, has started a new position as Salesforce Certified Administrator for AdminToArchitect.com. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
Tara Byrne Findlay, Classes of 2009 and 2011, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as Vice President and Financial Advisor at First Horizon Advisors. Her degrees are in Marketing and Business Administration. Steven D. Hunt, Class of 2009 and 2021, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He currently serves as a certified flight nurse (one of only 4,500 in the nation) with Air Evac Flight Team. His degrees are in Nursing.
Whitney D. Oliver, Class of 2010, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently coordinates the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program and is a Lecturer at ETSU. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies. Séamus E. Power, Class of 2010, tied for third behind Masters’ champion Hideki Matsuyama in the Sony Open in Hawaii. Following that tournament, Power jumped from 63rd to 49th best golfer in the world. His degree is in Accountancy. Derek W. Sower, Class of 2007, released a new book entitled Just Friends. His degree is in History. Dr. Brandon M. Williams, Classes of 2010 and 2016, was named the 2021 State Pioneer Career & Technical Education Director of the Year by the Tennessee Directors of Career & Technical Education. His degrees are in History and Educational Leadership.
Dr. Paige Gilbert-Green, Class of 2013, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She started Highlands Family Medicine and serves as a primary care physician. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Quillen College of Medicine.
Tiphaine Gury, Classes of 2007 and 2011, has accepted a position as market manager Citroën chez Stellantis. Her degrees are in Marketing and Business Administration.
Corey L. Feagins, Class of 2011, is working as a business analyst at the University of Tennessee. His degree is in Speech.
Regan Throp Pierce, Class of 2007, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. She currently serves as Senior Director of the Kingsport YMCA. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies. Lisa E. Carter, Class of 2008, has been promoted to President of Ballad Health’s Southern Market. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Niswonger Children’s Hospital and the Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network. She has a master’s degree in Nursing. Sara Cumpston Hughes, Class of 2008, is working as principal faculty at South College’s School of Physician Assistant Studies. Her degree is in General Psychology.
Jeremy L. Wright, Classes of 2013 and 14, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class He leads the managed accounting services department at Blackburn, Childers and Steagall CPAs. His degrees are in Accountancy.
Caroline Lowe Miklosovic, Classes of 2010 and 2012, has accepted the position of National Talent Acquisition Specialist at Pivotal Placement Services. Her degrees are in Political Science and Teacher Education.
J. Alexander Carmichael, Class of 2007, has been selected to be the town manager for Laurel Park, North Carolina. His degree is in Political Science.
Cate’s degrees are in Theatre and Business Administration. T. Caleb Tull, Classes of 2010 and 2013, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Membership and Outreach for the ETSU National Alumni Association. His degrees are in Mass Communication and Business.
David Shane Carey, Classes of 2015 and 2016, started a new position as tax senior –professional practices group at Elliott Davis. He is also pursuing a law degree at the University of Tennessee College of Law. His degrees are in Psychology and Accountancy.
Carshonda Harris Martin, Classes of 2007 and 2012, has accepted the position of Assistant Provost of Student Success and Flourishing at Belmont University. Most recently, she served as ETSU’s Director of the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center. Her degrees are in Physical Education and Professional Studies.
Steven Sawyers Mott, Classes of 2014 and 2019, has been promoted to Transportation Planning Manager for the City of Bristol, Tennessee. Previously, he served as a city planner. His degrees are in Political Science and Public Administration.
Starting this year, ETSU will launch a new, limited-edition holiday ornament hand-painted by a local artist. Each year’s ornament will feature the year and a different scene from campus.
Logan W. Hibbitts, Class of 2013, is working as a design and data visualization specialist at Cytel. His degree is in Digital Media. Dr. Derriell M. Springfield, Class of 2013, is Strategic Partnerships Manager at Western Governors University. His degree is in Educational Leadership. Christine Waxstein Smith, Class of 2013, is Project Director for Learning at Noodle. She is also a Google certified project manager. She has a master of Professional Communication degree.
Start your collection this holiday!
Dylan C. Chambers, Class of 2014, is a Marketing Manager for Goldstein Group Communications. While attending ETSU, Chambers spent a semester abroad in Dubai, to immerse himself in global marketing and strategic communication. His degree is in Mass Communication. Dr. Courtney N. Haun, Classes of 2014 and 2016, has been awarded the 2022 Diversity and Inclusion award from the Birmingham Business Journal. She is currently an Assistant Professor & Director of the Healthcare Administration undergraduate program at Samford University. Her degrees are in Public Health.
Edwin L. Treadway, Jr.; St. Augustine, Florida August 18, 2021; BS ’52 History
Molly K. McCormick, Class of 2017, is Talent Acquisition Specialist at Clinch River Home Healthcare. Her degree is in Mass Communication. Ruth C. Nwauche, Class of 2017, is a legal intern for the Office of General Counsel at the University of Rhode Island. Her degree is in International Affairs.
Jazmine F. Stair, Classes of 2019 and 2020, is an executive recruiter for the ICX Group. Both of her degrees are in Accountancy. Abigail B. Wolfenbarger, Class of 2019, married Adam Killian, Class of 2019, on December 31, 2021. Her degree is in Media and Communication. His degree is in Engineering Technology. 2020s Jordan D. McAvoy, Class of 2020, has accepted an outside sales position with General Shale in Huntsville, Alabama. His degree is in Marketing. Bailey A. DeVore, Class of 2020, has accepted a position with Walt Disney World
Jack Tolley; Hampton April 1, 2022; BS ’55 Elementary Education
Keyana J. Miller, Class of 2019, has accepted a project assistant position with Resources for Life, an educational consulting company that offers services in assessment, creative services, evaluation, mentoring/induction programs, professional development, and school leadership support. Her degrees are in English and Political Science.
1940s Anita G. Licht; Johnson City January 13, 2022; BS ’43 Secondary Education
Casey E. Mosley, Class of 2018, graduated with honors in May 2022 from the University of Tennessee’s College of Law. Mosley is working as an Assistant Public Defender with the Augusta Judicial Circuit in Georgia. Her degree is in Political Science.
Mohammed Al dhaen, Class of 2017, has been promoted to Service Sales Manager at Siemens. His degree is in Engineering Technology.
Frederick “Fritz” Phillip Ackermann, III; Wilmington, North Carolina December 4, 2021; BS ’56 Industrial Arts and Education
Dr. Scott J. Wiseman, Class of 2018, graduated in May 2022 from North Carolina State University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. His degree is in Biology.
Margaret R. Bragg; Kingsport January 22, 2022; BA ’56 Chemistry Joe H. Campbell; Titusville, Florida December 29, 2021; BS ’56 Industrial Arts and Technical Education
Hannah M. Wallace, Class of 2020, has accepted a position as Office Production Assistant at RIVR Media in Knoxville. Her degree is in Media and Communication.
John S. Cole, Class of 2021, has accepted a position with South Made Marketing as a content creator. His degree is in Media and Communication.
Mahrissa R. Arrington, Class of 2018, is Marketing Coordinator for Magnum Venus Products. Her degree is in Media and Communications.
Anthony D. Johnson, Classes of 2018 and 2020, is Director of Safe Scouting Programs for the Boy Scouts of America Sequoyah Council. He will lead the programmatic operations and processes of the council. His degrees are in Management and Educational Leadership.
Judith A. Epley; Tullahoma, Tennessee December 25, 2021; BS ’52 Chemistry
Daniel C. Parks, Class of 2021, is a relationship banker at First Horizon. His degree is in Biology. Britney D. Rochette, Class of 2020, started a new position as Director of Project Management at Cumberland Marketing. Her degree is in Media and Communication.
Katelynn N. Roberts, Class of 2022, is Marketing and Communications Coordinator for General Shale, one of America’s largest brick, stone, and concrete block manufacturers. She has a Master of Business Administration degree.
Tatum M. Gouge, Class of 2021, has started a position as Social Media Manager for Ali B’s Boutique. Her degree is in Marketing.
SUMMER 2022 x 47
Dustin B. Gilmer, Class of 2018, is a member of the Oak Ridge Innovation Institute. He researches 3D printing. His research findings have led him to discover a way to make sand stronger than concrete. His degree is in Physics.
Taylor A. Dollar, Class of 2019, is a supply manager for Eastman in Kingsport. His degree is in Management. Dr. Cameron G. Lanier, Class of 2019, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He currently serves as a Clinical Pharmacist at Johnson City Medical Center. He completed his PGY2 residency at the Gatton College of Pharmacy and serves as a Clinical Instructor and Preceptor for the college.
Elizabeth H. Thomas; Piney Flats January 18, 2022; BS ’44 Biology and Business June M. Blackburn; Johnson City February 2, 2022; BS ’45 Elementary Education
Ben L. Greene; Maryville February 6, 2022; BS ’47 General Science
Vance W. Cheek, Sr.; Johnson City January 5, 2022; BS ’51 History Taft Hill; Johnson City August 15, 2021; BS ’51 Social Science; MA ’58 Education Hubert A. Shelton, Jr.; Kingsport March 6, 2022; BS ’51 Business Education
Calvin M. Claggett, Classes of 2017 and 2020, has accepted a position with Yale University as Director of Marketing and Fan Experience. His degrees are in Sociology and Educational Leadership.
Cody J. Cornelius, Class of 2018, has been inducted into the 2021 Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA 40 Under Forty class. He currently serves as a Video Production Specialist at Bristol Tennessee Essential Services. His degree is in Digital Media. Dr. Brittney E. Ezell, Class of 2018, is Executive Vice President of E3 and Chief Executive Officer/Team leader for Keller Williams of Johnson City and Kingsport. Her degree is in Global Sport Leadership.
Emily Hartman Salter, Class of 2018, has been named Business Development Manager with Maxim Healthcare Group where she will focus on all allied healthcare needs in East Tennessee. Her degree is in Public Health.
Marion M. Perez; Bristol, Tennessee March 27, 2022; BS ’47 Education, MA ’62 Education Venida J. Whitaker; Brentwood, Tennessee December 25, 2021; BS ’49 Home Economics
Jeanne E. Jones; Johnson City January 6, 2022; BS ’54 Elementary Education
1950s Roscoe C. Bayless; Johnson City February 21, 2022; BS ’50 Industrial Arts and Technical Education
Aaron P. Scott, Class of 2019, is Director of Development and Business Operations for the Salvation Army in Johnson City. He has a Master of Public Administration degree.
Helen H. Mack; Mims, Florida April 18, 2022; BS ’54 Geography Billy B. Banks; Johnson City February 7, 2022; BS ’55 Industrial Arts and Technical Education
OBITUARIES
Charles K. Caraway; Mountain City April 10, 2022; BS ’56 English, MA ’65 Veda Rose Hensley Dossett; Kingsport November 27, 2021; BS ’56 Business Weeks D. Eggers; Knoxville April 13, 2021; BS ’56 Industrial Arts Education Tresa Lynn Underwood Miller; Nashville November 25, 2021; BS ’56 English as a Corporate Alliances Marketing Account Manager. Her degree is in Media and Communication. Kirsten N. Litz, Class of 2020, is working as a marketing specialist for Emerald. Her degree is in Media and Communication.
Logan A. Fleenor, Class of 2018, is a Subcontract Administrator for BAE Systems. His degree is in Finance.
Kayla D. Yates, Class of 2017, has been promoted to Circulation Manager and Library Webmaster at Tusculum University. Her degree is in Media and Communication.
Dakota C. Love, Class of 2017, is a Client Services Representative for Fidelity Investments. His degree is in Finance. A.J. Merriweather, Jr., Class of 2017, was inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame for his impressive basketball career with South Side High School, ETSU, and the Harlem Globetrotters. He was a four-year starter for the Bucs, scoring more than 1,000 points. He owns A.J. Merriweather Construction in Jackson. His degree is in Engineering Technology.
Garrett V. Tumlin, Classes of 2017 and 2019, has joined the ONE DAYTONA at NASCAR team as Marketing & Business Development Manager. His degrees are in Media & Communication and Brand & Media Strategy.
Dorothy W. Leonard; Greeneville January 31, 2022; BS ’55 Elementary Education
J. Tanner Ball, Class of 2016, has accepted a position with Purdue University as Assistant Director of Athletic Initiatives. His degree is in Business Administration.
Zoe H. Hill, Classes of 2018 and 2020, serves as a property manager for D&K Management. Her degrees are in Media and Communications and Brand and Media Strategy.
Caroline J. Parris, Class of 2022, has accepted a position with Kappa Delta sorority as a Leadership Development Consultant. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
Katie M. Parks, Class of 2016, has been promoted to Assistant Manager for Consumer Engagement at Crown Laboratories. Her degree is in Mass Communication. David Adzrago, Class of 2017, is Data Analyst/ Research Collaborator at the National Institutes of Health. His degree is in Social Work.
Dr. Robin R. Street, Class of 2021, has been named 2022-23 Principal of the Year by the Washington County, Tennessee Department of Education. She is Principal at West View Elementary School. Her degree is in Educational Leadership.
Allison Galloway Matthews, Classes of 2018 and 2020, is working for MediaSource as a public relations specialist. Her degrees are in Media & Communication and Brand & Media Strategy.
Abir Rahman, Class of 2018, is the new Director of Epidemiology at the CabellHuntington Health Department in West Virginia. He has a master’s degree in Public Health.
Skylar Darrain Hutchinson, Class of 2021, married Dylan K. Colby, Class of 2021, at Tybee Island, Georgia, on November 14, 2021. The couple met in an ETSU Digital Media class. Both of their degrees are in Digital Media.
Kayla M. Hernandez, Class of 2017, has been named Catering Sales Manager for the Knoxville Zoo/Lancer. Her degree is in General Studies.
Barbara A. Collier; Medford, Oregon April 14, 2022; BS ’53 English Charlotte A. Hall; Johnson City April 10, 2022; BS ’53 English Wilma D. Grindstaff; Columbia, South Carolina February 4, 2022; BS ’54 Business Education
William J. Cathey, Jr.; Rosman, North FebruaryCarolina 14, 2022; BS ’55 History
Chayton B. Williams, Class of 2020, is returning to Landair to work as a Transportation Account Manager. He formerly worked at Pilot Company. His degree is in Management.
Nosa Galahard Woghiren, Class of 2021, started a new position as Account Executive at Cloud Trucks. He has a Master’s in Brand and Media Strategy. Frankie L. Cradic, Class of 2021, works for the Marriott Voyage Program and has begun management training for room operations. Her degree is in Communication Studies.
Brennen C. Wilde, Class of 2021, has accepted a position at LKQ Corporation as a Digital Marketing Specialist. His degree is in Digital Media.
John H. Frazier; Knoxville December 22, 2019; BS ’65 History Marsha J. Harper; Johnson City January 9, 2022; BS ’65 English Norman D. O’Dell; Unicoi February 26, 2022; BS ’65 Industrial Arts Education
Paul N. Frauenhofer; Grand Island, New York October 20, 2021; BS ’68 Physical Education
Edward R. Claudio; Sacramento, California January 5, 2022; BS ’71 Speech Pathology James M. Massey; Bluff City December 13, 2021; BS ’71 Industrial Technology
Harry J. Ausmus; Cheshire, Connecticut January 27, 2022; BS ’59 History, MA ’63 Carl E. Bell; Knoxville March 18, 2022; BS ’59 Mathematics, MS ’68 Mathematics
Roger M. Owens; Lebanon, Virginia March 2, 2022; BS ’75 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Sara G. Wright; Glade Spring, Virginia January 20, 2022; BS ’67 Elementary Education
James R. Rankin; Jonesborough March 5, 2022; BS ’59 Mathematics 1960s Kenneth W. Cole; Jupiter, Florida January 7, 2022; BS ’60 Chemistry Randall L. Trent; Jonesborough March 6, 2022; BS ’60 Business James Willard Yoder, Jr.; Johnson City December 4, 2021; BS ’60 Social Science, MA ’62 Guidance and Counseling
Kay H. Peters; Clover, South Carolina March 4, 2022; BS ’64 Elementary Education
David H. Sims; Kingsport February 25, 2022; BS ’68 Philosophy Bryant A. Arrington; Saint Simons Island, AprilGeorgia1,2022; BS ’69 Industrial Arts Education
Jackie D. Henderson; Knoxville April 21, 2022; BS ’63 English
Harold J. Price April 4, 2022; BS ’56 History Harrison McCourry, Jr.; Bakersville, North MarchCarolina13, 2022; BS ’57 Mary Lou Carter Smith; Bristol, Virginia November 25, 2021; BS ’57 Elementary Education, MA ’62 Education Joe B. Franklin; Winston-Salem, North NovemberCarolina 9, 2015; BS ’58 Sociology
Alcy Jane Mackintosh; The Woodlands, AprilTexas9, 2022; BS ’61 Business Administration William J. Wood; Lexington, South Carolina January 16, 2022; BS ’61 Industrial Arts Education Wilma H. Blanton; Gaffney, South Carolina February 19, 2022; BS ’62 Physical Education
Carolyn G. White; King, North Carolina December 25, 2021; BM ’71 Music Andrew M. Yuhas; Salem, Virginia April 14, 2022; BS ’71 History, MA ’75 Instructional Communication
Carl E. Hamilton; Johnson City April 20, 2022, BS ’73 Real Estate, MA ’79 Instructional Communication
Clay I. Hutson; Kingsport January 11, 2022; BS ’70 Mathematics Joe B. Mannis; Kingsport December 21, 2019; BS ’70 Real Estate
Sharon B. Cox; Johnson City January 2, 2022; BS ’66 Physical Education
Charles F. Corum; San Francisco, California January 31, 2022; BS ’67 Music Robert L. Jones; Washington, D.C. February 9, 2022; BS ’67 Political Science
James D. Broyles; Atlanta April 13, 2022; BS ’68 Accountancy Graham L. Fisher; Killeen, Texas April 11, 2022; BS ’68 Physical Education, MA ’72 Physical Education
Linda G. Weems; Greeneville January 21, 2022; BS ’74 Elementary Education
Judith L. Sanders; Mooresville, North SeptemberCarolina 19, 2014; BS ’70 Sociology Mary Norris Sturgill; Wise, Virginia August 25, 2020; BS ’70 History Mary A. Brown; Cedar Bluff, Virginia January 15, 2021; BS ’71 General Psychology, MA ’74 Psychology Mack V. Bowman; Watkinsville, Georgia February 10, 2022; MS ’71 Mathematics
Michael R. Brown; Ellenwood, Georgia December 28, 2021; BS ’72 Marketing
Jerry E. Houser; Mandeville, Louisiana April 16, 2022; BS ’70 Management
Regina Loveday Street; Erwin November 28, 2021; BSW ’73 Social Work
Billy J. Lewis; Johnson City April 4, 2022; BS ’62 Chemistry Phillip R. Rust; Bristol, Tennessee April 16, 2022; BS ’62 Economics Glennis Ann Maltsberger Bassi; McMinnville, Tennessee November 24, 2021; BS ’63 Elementary Education
Patricia A. Bolton; Jonesborough November 28, 2021; BS ’75 Health Education
Elizabeth Ann Moore Hampton; Nashville November 27, 2021; BS ’64 Home Economics, MA ’71 Elementary Education
Robert R. Parks; Johnson City January 6, 2022; BS ’63 Chemistry, MBA ’74 Business Administration Martha L. Robinson-Sisk; Fredericksburg, AprilVirginia5,2020; BS ’63 Geography, MA ’75 Special Education Vernon S. Sharrett; Bristol, Virginia March 9, 2022; BS ’63 Industrial Arts Education
Euell David Goodman; Piney Flats December 4, 2021; BS ’64 Mathematics
Henry R. Pollard, III; Sweetwater, Tennessee December 30, 2021; BS ’75 Political Science
Jimmy F. Fletcher; Bristol, Tennessee January 7, 2022; BS ’59 Business Administration John M. Harrison; Philadelphia, Tennessee January 24, 2022; BA ’59 Chemistry
Brenda Kyte Lynn; Johnson City December 4, 2021; ASN ’74 Nursing
Elizabeth Dawson Lyle; Johnson City December 5, 2021; BS ’59 Mathematics, MA ’62 Mathematics Betty H. Morgan; Westerly, Rhode Island March 20, 2022; BS ’59 History
Darcilla Jean Cobb Jackson; Middlesboro, DecemberKentucky 5, 2021; BS ’74 Journalism
Cheryl J. Clark; Plant City, Florida June 20, 2021; BSN ’72 Nursing Mary E. Orsburg; Valdosta, Georgia April 11, 2014; BS ’72 English Mary F. Dalton; Kingsport April 11, 2022, BS ’73 Speech and Hearing
Linda R. Starnes; Knoxville December 16, 2021; ASN ’74 Nursing
James A. Oliver, Jr.; Johnson City April 22, 2022; BS ’73 Political Science
Harold E. Quillin; Lawrenceville, Georgia October 10, 2021; BS ’59 Sociology
Colonel Chester Carroll Smith; Morristown December 15, 2021; BS ’64 Biology
George D. Whitt; North Tazewell, Virginia April 5, 2022; BS ’73 Biology
John Richard Brown; Bristol, Tennessee November 29, 2021; BS ’68 Business Administration
Carolyn Jane Ledford; Kingsport November 24, 2021; BA ’67 Chemistry James D. Livingston; Fredericksburg, NovemberVirginia 28, 2019; BS ’67 English, MA ’70 Library Science James H. Ludolf; Asheboro, North Carolina January 23, 2022; BS ’67 Management Danny J. Keesecker; Erwin January 19, 2022; BS ’67 Business Education, MA ’71 Educational Administration and Supervision
Joyce E. Wiles March 19, 2022; BS ’66 Art Norman S. Clinard; Knoxville January 20, 2022; BS ’67 Industrial Technology
Joe R. O’Dell; Greeneville March 18, 2022; BS ’64 Physical Education
Charles B. Kinch; Johnson City January 27, 2022; BS ’68 Real Estate Glen I. Korobov; Indianapolis, Indiana March 8, 2022; BS ’68 Speech Pathology
Buddy L. Dixon; Nickelsville, Virginia February 18, 2020; BS ’59 Physical Education Lela N. Dowlatshahi; Johnson City January 29, 2022; BS ’59 English, MA ’76
William E. Long; Powell, Tennessee March 4, 2022; BS ’69 Accountancy Margie C. Presley; Orange City, Florida February 2, 2022; MA ’69 English Dr. Frank W. Quillen; Kingsport December 26, 2021; MA ’69 English 1970s Richard Deadrick Cartwright; Blountville November 28, 2021; BS ’70 Management
Tracey Ellen Pirkey; Roanoke, Virginia December 7, 2021; BS ’73 Political Science
Judith W. Robertson; Jonesborough March 22, 2022; BS ’67 Music
Linda R. Williams; Sanford, Florida February 28, 2022; BS ’71 General Psychology
Steve William Lytton; Myrtle Beach, South NovemberCarolina 25, 2021; BS ’68 Health Education, MA ’69 Physical Education
George C. Shelton; Coker, Alabama December 29, 2021; BSW ’65 Social Work Charles W. Weatherby; Spokane, DecemberWashington15, 2021; BS ’65 Sociology
Harold Horn; Salem, Virginia February 10, 2022; BS ’66 Industrial Arts Education
Larry Dean Hinkle; Suffolk, Virginia December 13, 2021; AS ’73 Criminal Justice and Criminology, BS ’75 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Tony L. Hughes; Abingdon, Virginia August 26, 2020; BS ’64 Mathematics David George Lecoultre; Knoxville December 4, 2021; BS ’64 Industrial Technology Donald James MacGregor, Jr.; Glen Arm, DecemberMaryland 7, 2021; BS ’64 History
Donella W. Lowery; Tunnel Hill, Georgia February 24, 2022; MA ’68 Reading
Chung-Yin B. Lin; Palo Alto, California July 8, 2014; MS ’75 Chemistry
Howard W. Roddy; Chattanooga April 3, 2022; MEH ’74 Environmental Health
Frederic W. Julian; Linville, North Carolina December 30, 2021; BS ’75 Management
Jeffery L. Johns; Abingdon, Maryland March 6, 2022; BS ’76 Biology Lowell A. Sluss; Gray December 22, 2021; BS ’76 History, MA ’81 Educational Administration 48 x ETSU TODAY
Shirley Jean Fulkerson Lewis; Bristol, NovemberTennessee 20, 2021; BS ’58 Business Administration
Thomas R. Casteel; Penhook, Virginia December 2, 2021; BS ’64 Industrial Arts Education
James M. Lane; Kingsport January 29, 2022; BS ’66 Art, MA ’80 Economics
Alice Brady Davidson; Johnson City December 1, 2021; BS ’76 Elementary Education
Wesley D. Charles; Maylene, Alabama February 7, 2022; BSW ’74 Social Work
David A. Fain; Pennington Gap, Virginia January 4, 2022; BS ’65 Biology
Timothy H. Sowders; Tazewell, Tennessee January 5, 2022; BS ’63 Physical Education Cora M. Benedict; Dacula, Georgia January 1, 2018; BS ’64 English Franklin D. Bridwell; Lake Oswego, Oregon April 5, 2022; BS ’64 Management
James E. Wise; Knoxville February 26, 2022; BA ’58 Chemistry
Robert E. Dykes; Monteagle, Tennessee March 26, 2022; BSN ’80 Nursing Beverly J. Gray-McMillan; Marion, Virginia December 18, 2021; BSW ’80 Social Work Mary B. Bateman; Kingsport March 31, 2022; BS ’81 Elementary Education
Michael K. Williams; Elizabethton March 13, 2022; BFA ’91 Art Annell Mabe Janeway; Tazewell, Tennessee December 7, 2021; MEd ’92 Educational Administration and Supervision Linda K. Hopkins; Jonesborough March 4, 2022; BS ’93 Applied Human Sciences
William F. Meacham, III; High Point, North JanuaryCarolina 8, 2022; BS ’89 Political Science Angel Yvette West; Johnson City November 18, 2021; BA ’89 English Teresa1990sD. Kelly; Johnson City January 20, 2022; ASN ’90 Nursing Sharon K. Brooks; Kingsport March 17, 2019, BS ’91 Political Science Dr. Peter G. Frizzell; Johnson City, Tennessee March 16, 2022; MD ’91 Medicine, RES ’95 Psychiatry Dr. John A. Stewart; Port Orange, Florida January 7, 2022; MD ’91 Medicine
Russell J. Lindgren; Matthews, North Carolina March 27, 2022; BS ’01 Mass Communication
Kerry M. Littreal; Knoxville November 24, 2021; BS ’96 Speech
Dr. William H. Buntin, Jr.; Albany, Georgia February 25, 2022; MA ’07 Reading Mareesha C. Banks; Ooltewah, Tennessee March 9, 2022; BS ’08 Interdisciplinary Studies
Brenda C. Goodman; Johnson City January 25, 2022; BME ’86 Music Dr. Wayne Payton Pruett, Jr.; Louisville, MarchTennessee3,2022; BS ’86 Microbiology Danny Blevins; Roan Mountain March 8, 2022; BS ’88 History, EDS ’09 Educational Leadership
Dr. Michael C. Reed; White Pine, Tennessee April 28, 2021; MD ’85 Medicine
Frankye B. Poole; Kingston, Washington January 11, 2022
Christopher D. Wright; Bluff City March 13, 2022; BS ’94 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Sonia Michelle Music; Church Hill, Tennessee November 26, 2021; BSEd ’97 Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Nancy H. Acuff; Johnson City April 7, 2022
Mary A. Beverly; Columbia, South Carolina December 25, 2021; BS ’78 Speech Pathology
Kayla Marie Crow-Potter; Elizabethton December 4, 2021; BS ’18 Psychology
Lewis Edwin Gass; Elizabethton December 21, 2021; BS ’77 Industrial Arts/ Technical Education
Linda S. Smith; Newport January 19, 2022; BS ’76 Elementary Education
Rhnee M. Range; Elizabethton October 25, 2010; BSN ’97 Nursing Dr. Garland L. Martin; Waycross, Georgia December 18, 2021; RES ’99 Internal Medicine
Sheri A. Lakins; Johnson City March 3, 2022; BSW ’95 Social Work Carol Jane Breuel; Jonesborough December 6, 2021; BS ’96 Early Childhood Development
Mary V. Houser; Blountville March 5, 2022; MA ’79 English Martha D. Keene; Clintwood, Virginia December 24, 2021; BS ’79 Industrial Technology
Sherman T. Shifflett; Mineral, Virginia February 14, 2022; BS ’66 Management Bill W. Solmon; LaFayette, Georgia February 4, 2005; BS ’40 Education
John L. Tindell; Johnson City September 9, 2021; BS ’11 Psychology, MA ’13 Counseling, EdS ’18 Educational Leadership
Bobby J. Leverett; Knoxville January 14, 2022; BS ’78 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Tommy L. Holland; Blountville February 23, 2022; BEH ’89 Environmental Health
Gary L. Stewart; Bristol, Virginia March 26, 2022; MBA ’82 Business Administration
Terry R. Story; Telford, Tennessee February 12, 2022; BS ’09 Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. David C. Tabor; Johnson City February 10, 2020; RES ’83 Internal Medicine
Jenny2000sP.Turner; Johnson City January 20, 2022; MAT ’02 Elementary Education Kendall James Barnes; Littleton, Colorado December 2, 2021; BS ’06 Digital Media
Deborah J. Moyer; Johnson City January 5, 2022; BSW ’77 Social Work
Daniel T. Davis; Knoxville February 9, 2022; BS ’77 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Jane H. Perry; Johnson City February 7, 2022; BS ’51 Social Science, MA ’57 Education David C. Pierce; Mountain City February 7, 2022; BBA ’89 Management
Zina B. Worley; Bristol, Virginia February 9, 2022; BBA ’06 Management, MSW ’14 Social Work Kirby B. Wright; The Villages, Florida February 10, 2022; BS ’65 Economics
Juli Rebecca Martin-Wymer; Marion, Virginia December 1, 2021; MEd ’08 Early Childhood Education
Anna2020sGrace Pearson; Afton, Tennessee December 4, 2021; BS ’21 Tennessee Tennessee City, TN 37614, ETSU-PRZ-470-22
Frank T. Richmond; Bluff City January 9, 2022; BS ’79 Industrial Technology
Catheryn Minga Bacon; Johnson City December 15, 2021 Jerrell V. Byrd; Johnson City January 2, 2022 Mickey D. Campbell; Jonesborough April 25, 2022
George W. Anderson; Troy, Montana January 4, 2022; BS ’78 Biology
Melody2010sD. Giovannetti; Bridgeton, New Jersey March 7, 2022; BS ’13 Early Childhood Development Kelly Smith Memeo; Vista, California November 26, 2021; BSN ’13 Nursing Angela T. Johnston; Knoxville March 16, 2022; BSN ’15 Nursing Dr. Jerry A. Sayers; Johnson City August 29, 2021; EdD ’15 Educational Leadership
Charles E. Whitehead; Pensacola, Florida January 16, 2022; BEH ’83 Environmental Health Harlan L. Breedlove; Riceville, Tennessee March 10, 2022; BS ’85 Engineering Technology
Teddy W. McKeehan; Elizabethton January 20, 2022; BS ’81 Physical Education
Henry A. Rust; Greeneville December 31, 2021; BS ’90 Computer and Information Science
William D. Greene; Old Hickory, Tennessee March 4, 2022; BM ’77 Music
Sharon R. Slagle; Erwin January 5, 2022; BS ’93 Elementary Education, MEd ’97 Early Childhood Education
Carolyn “Gigi” Barnett Vines; Greeneville November 19, 2021; Certificate ’93 Respiratory Therapy Technician Dr. Michael J. Fowler; Nashville February 20, 2022; BA ’94 Foreign Language, MD ’98 Medicine, RES Internal Medicine
John F. Whitmire, Sr.; Zirconia, North Carolina January 15, 2022; BS ’64 Social Science
State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by ETSU. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Compliance Coordinator, PO Box 70271, Johnson
James R. Rau; Fischer, Texas January 23, 2022; BS ’52 English Lewis F. Ray; Greenville, South Carolina February 9, 2022; BS ’65 Management Linda S. Rumbaugh; Clermont, Florida February 13, 2022; BS ’64 Home Economics
William C. Weaver; Kingsport February 18, 2022; BS ’72 Chemistry
Aaron A, Broyles; Jonesborough January 1, 2022; BS ’16 Surveying and Mapping Science
John J. Walters; Accokeek, Maryland February 5, 2022; BGS ’99 General Studies
Media and Communication FACULTY, STAFF, AND RETIREES OBITUARIES East
State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500, or http://www.sacscoc.org, for questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University. East
Robert B. Fink; Johnson City January 28, 2022 Robert L. Love, Jr.; Erwin December 22, 2020; BS ’70 Management, MBA ’77 Business Administration
Jesica Ellen Cureton; Afton, Tennessee December 4, 2021; BSW ’16 Social Work
423-439-8544. ETSU’s policy on non-discrimination can be found at: etsu.edu/universitycounsel/compliance. ETSU is an AA/EEO employer.
James1980sC. Davenport; Jonesborough March 14, 2022; BS ’80 Industrial Arts Education, MS ’86 Technology
Larry A. Shahan; Oak Ridge, Tennessee May 17, 2001; BA ’61 Mathematics
Doris M. Dean; Johnson City December 11, 2021 Kenneth W. Emmert; Johnson City December 11, 2021
Georgia M. Greer; Johnson City March 27, 2022; BS ’68 Business Louise S. Murphy; Maryville, Tennessee January 20, 2022; BSN ’74 Nursing George M. Nickles; Greenville, South JulyCarolina29,2013; BSN ’74 Nursing Albert L. Parr; Virginia Beach, Virginia January 15, 2022; BS ’67 Management Gary A. Patty; Driggs, Idaho August 13, 2016; BS ’69 Marketing Linda Payne; Crestview, Florida January 30, 2022; BS ’69 Accountancy
Jordan Renee Taylor; Johnson City November 28, 2021; BS ’17 Psychology
John G. Goah; Johnson City February 13, 2022; MA ’95 Sociology
Maurice “Mo” Slagle; Telford, Tennessee December 5, 2021; BS ’93 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Kathleen H. Workman; Jonesborough January 17, 2022; BS ’88 History Thomas Glen Hackney; Hampton, Virginia November 29, 2021; BS ’89 Criminal Justice and Criminology
Cynthia J. Showman; Jonesborough September 6, 2020; ASN ’78 Nursing Anne W. Tallman; Johnson City December 15, 2021; BS ’78 Biology
Ricky D. Feezell; Sevierville July 20, 2020; AS ’81 Criminal Justice and Criminology, BS ’81 Dr. William T. Neumann; Augusta, Georgia January 27, 2022; MD ’82 Medicine
Grover Shannon Hickman, Sr.; Johnson City November 24, 2021; BS ’77 History
ETSU TODAY P.O. Box Johnson70709City,TN 37614-1710 NONPROFIT ORG October 17-23, 2022 etsu.edu/homecoming Homecoming 2022Homecoming 2022Save the date
