State of the University State of the University
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
2023-2024 Annual Report
Dr. Brian Noland A letter from
The 2023-24 academic year at East Tennessee State University was one for the record books. We began the 2023 fall semester by welcoming the largest incoming class in the university’s history and reaching a historic high in graduate student enrollment. Over the course of the year, our marching band grew to one of the largest in the nation and prepared to perform on the world stage at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our pharmacy students ranked second nationally for their scores on the NAPLEX licensing exam, and students and faculty in the College of Public Health claimed one of the nation’s top awards for innovation in public service. Our Men’s Golf team competed for a national title, ultimately ranking 12th in the country. Meanwhile, ETSU grad Craig Charles was named Tennessee’s Small Business Person of the Year, and alum Missy Testerman was proclaimed National Teacher of the Year on “CBS Mornings.”
I could go on about our past successes. However, I am pleased to say that over the past 12 months, we also have taken significant steps to ensure we continue achieving everhigher levels of excellence. We invested in our people and provided the largest salary enhancements in the institution’s modern history. We redesigned our general education curriculum to ensure continued alignment with the needs of our community and the shifting demands of society and the workforce. We restructured our academic units to facilitate more meaningful collaboration across disciplines and build upon our strengths. Additionally, we made impressive strides toward an update of our budget model and a complete
redesign of our business operations to make the best use of available resources and ensure that ETSU and its mission are sustained in the decades to come.
We also launched three new degree programs. The first, a B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering, was designed to meet the economic and workforce demands of our region and prepare students for interdisciplinary careers in high-demand fields. The second, the M.S. in Orthotics and Prosthetics, was developed in partnership with national industry leaders. It represents the first of its kind in Tennessee and is one of only 14 such programs nationwide. We also expanded our Music program, adding a Master of Music degree with four concentrations.
Working hand-in-hand with our community, we have developed a world-class institution in the heart of Appalachia — and we have done so without sacrificing our mission and remaining accessible to all. Nearly 40 percent of our May 2024 graduates were the first in their families to graduate from college.
ETSU is a place where anyone — regardless of their income, background, or where they came from — can grow, succeed, and compete with the best. I am incredibly proud of that fact, and I hope each of you is as well.
Godspeed and go Bucs!
Brian Noland President
Record Enrollment
ETSU continues to grow, marking recordsetting achievements along the way. The Class of 2027 was welcomed to campus at the start of the fall 2023 semester. The class, made up of over 2,141 students, is now the largest first-year class in the history of the institution and represents a 4.1% increase over fall 2022 enrollment.
Another all-time high for the university was marked at the start of the semester, as the ETSU Graduate School saw record-breaking enrollment at 2,478 students.
Every member of ETSU’s largest incoming class will have the opportunity to Go Beyond the Classroom and engage in hands-on learning projects designed to make a realworld impact on this region and beyond.
Welcoming a sizeable number of students to campus each fall offers the institution a chance to propel forward and establish ETSU as a leading university, and the Flagship of Appalachia, for the next century.
Graduate without student debt
Over 110,000 alumni living in 50 states and 84 countries 110,000
KNOWLEDGE & Exploration
Prestigious Award
Senior political science major Trent White earned the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. This highly competitive honor provides leadership development and networking opportunities, including the Truman Scholars Leadership Week that he attended this year and next summer’s institute in Washington, D.C., before he enters graduate school.
“You’re part of a wide network that lasts long beyond graduate school,” White said, “so I hope to stay involved and take advantage of all they offer, even mid-career.”
Festival of Ideas
Bestselling authors Mitch Albom and Piper Kerman were the headline speakers at ETSU’s 2024 Festival of Ideas.
Albom, who wrote the No. 1 bestselling memoir of all time, Tuesdays with Morrie, drew a record crowd to the festival, with 680 people in attendance.
Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, was the featured speaker on the second night of the festival.
Mitch Albom (front, center) visits with students while on campus.
ETSU Elevates the Region
Nine student teams. Three judges. A $25,000 investment in community projects.
This was the 2023 ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition, which kicked off ETSU’s inaugural Founders Week festivities in October 2023.
The pitch competition featured nine projects that paired students with nine different community partners to address a societal issue of their choice. The students presented their pitches in front of a live audience and three judges at the ETSU Martin Center.
“In many respects, ETSU Elevates brings the mission of the university to life in a way in which our students have the opportunity to learn the importance of giving back, the importance of community connection, and the importance of mission,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland.
ETSU invested seed money into each of the nine projects, and the winners received additional funding to develop their projects. Three judges selected first-, second-, and third-prize winners, and the audience voted on its favorite project for the People’s Choice Award.
Sarah Mohammed, a sophomore majoring in clinical psychology, earned first place from the judges and the Audience Choice Award for her project focusing on Black mental health care access.
Abby Simpson, a rehabilitative health sciences major, was the second-place winner for her project aiming to prepare high school students for life after graduation.
Leah Loveday, a sophomore community health major, along with Rebecca Pearson and Lillian Hollenbeck, earned third place for their project to educate girls and their families about women’s health and reduce the stigma frequently associated with menstruation.
Learn more
Pharmacists rank no. 2 in nation for key pass rate
ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy ranked among the top accredited pharmacy schools in the nation for its Class of 2023 pass rate on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam, which graduating pharmacists must pass to receive their license to practice.
The Class of 2023 achieved an incredible 95.4% first-attempt pass rate, placing the college second in the nation among accredited pharmacy schools. Nationally, the Class of 2023 averaged a 78.6% pass rate.
ETSU ranked No. 1 in Tennessee and was the top-performing school in the Southeast. ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy’s pass rate was also higher than each of the 27 schools named in U.S. News and World Report’s pharmacy school rankings.
ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy has made significant changes to its curriculum and to the support services it offers students, including a revamped NAPLEX exam preparation process, faculty mentorship, new student success coordinators, and a director of student success.
Grant fuels innovation
ETSU professors secured a $1.25 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to train professionals serving students with significant disabilities. The Clemmer College of Education and Human Development will lead the project, training about 30 graduate students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speechlanguage pathology.
“We aim to provide scholars with interdisciplinary training through coursework and a collaborative team-based approach,” said Dr. John Wheeler, a professor and the project’s principal investigator.
Dr. Pamela Mims, Professor, Associate Dean, and co-investigator, added: “All those who participate in the training will be prepared to meet the identified needs and challenges of serving students with significant disabilities.”
The initiative will train six scholars per year, offering targeted coursework, seminars, and field experience. The effort includes collaboration across multiple university departments, including Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.
ETSU is widely recognized for its commitment to disability support, including its Access ETSU program, which recently earned a $400,000 grant to assist young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Distinguished in Teaching
For 45 years, Dr. Tom Kwasigroch, recipient of ETSU’s 2024 Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching, has guided medical students through the intricacies of medical human gross anatomy at Quillen College of Medicine.
As technology has evolved from chalkboards to 3D imaging, Kwasigroch’s teaching philosophy has remained consistent.
“Hands-on learning is critical,” said Kwasigroch, professor in the Department of Medical Education. “We all look different on the outside and we all look different on the inside. That is why in the process of training, being able to be hands-on and the ability to do actual dissection on donors rather than only using a virtual reality product is so important.”
Kwasigroch directed that process from Quillen’s first anatomy lab located in the former Campus Center Building on ETSU’s main campus to the current lab, which he helped design in Quillen’s Stanton-Gerber Hall, located on ETSU’s VA campus.
He also spearheaded the creation of Quillen’s Center for Surgical Innovation and Training, where students, medical residents, and area surgeons/clinicians can learn and practice surgical procedures in a state-ofthe-art operating room on anatomical donors.
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An Academic Transformation
In July 2024, the institution fully implemented the first comprehensive update to its academic structure in decades. This extensive work was spearheaded by a task force comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, students, and co-chairs Dr. Virginia Foley and Dr. Nick Hagemeier. They conducted a comprehensive study and met and consulted with more than 1,000 stakeholders to develop recommendations to ensure seamless alignment between the university’s structure and its strategic goals. With input from the campus community, their insights and recommendations guided the development of the new academic structure.
The new structure facilitates greater collaboration across academic programs and aligns with community and workforce needs. It also builds on the university’s strengths in the health sciences by moving programs to the newly named College of Health Sciences and provides opportunities to showcase the numerous degree offerings in the arts, digital media, marketing, and other programs.
In addition, the plan introduced the formation of seven schools, which organize academic units to help strengthen ties throughout the university, align units toward strategic goals, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The new schools include Clinical Sciences; Human Performance and Sport Science; Marketing and Media; Arts; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering and Math; and Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies.
Charting our Course
ETSU introduced an innovative new general education curriculum: Compass Core Curriculum.
The new curriculum, approved unanimously by the ETSU Board of Trustees at its February 2024 meeting, is designed to emphasize the real-world skills that students need to succeed in their careers and as citizens.
It also offers students flexibility and choice to tailor their educational journey to their interests, while developing essential skills for professional success and responsible citizenship.
Pharmacy professor earns rare honor
Dr. David Cluck, an Associate Professor at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, was honored as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2024. Since 2018, only approximately 4% of fellows have been pharmacists.
What’s in Your Blood?
ETSU’s Center for Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have partnered to investigate the impact genes have on a person’s overall health. Dubbed the Biorepository and Integrative Genomics (BIG) Initiative, this unique effort seeks to discover associations between a person’s genes and diseases by sequencing their genome and linking it to their known disease states.
Balio named Rural Health Fellow
Dr. Casey Balio, an Assistant Research Professor with the Center for Rural Health and Research, was named a 2024 Rural Health Fellow by the National Rural Health Association. The program aims to develop leaders with a clear and compelling vision for rural America who will step up in leadership positions with an eye toward health equity.
$3.4 Million for Biomanufacturing
Pathways
ETSU launched a $3.4 million project through BioMADE to create a comprehensive career pathway to equip both high school students and others with the skills necessary to thrive in the biomanufacturing industry. The project builds on the work of the BioBuilder Foundation, the ETSU Research Corporation, and the Niswonger Foundation.
New at ETSU
Dr. Jennifer Osborne
Assistant Vice President for Student Success
A Paleontologist for Belize
While growing up in a coastal town in Belize, Alson Ovando knew he wanted to become a paleontologist by age 4, when he saw Jurassic Park. Today, in spite of many challenges, he is on his way to doing that as a graduate student in Geosciences. And as far as he knows, Ovando is the only Belizean to ever pursue paleontology as a career path and the only one to work in the field of vertebrate paleontology.
While numerous outside scientists have looked at both invertebrate and vertebrate fossils on a small scale, Ovando said Belize is largely untouched – and he plans to become the scientist who lays the groundwork for paleontological study for years to come.
Global Year: Scotland
ETSU has selected Scotland for its 2024-25 Global Year Program, highlighting deep connections between Appalachia and Scotland. This initiative allows faculty and students to explore crosscultural competencies through research and academic projects. Faculty-led efforts include studies on addiction treatment, cultural heritage, and education policy, fostering international collaboration, and positive change.
The 1911 Society Inductees
Named in commemoration of the year ETSU was founded, the 1911 Society honors some of the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
ETSU’s Interprofessional Education program, which trains students from the university’s health sciences colleges to collaborate in health care teams, continues to grow – with a record total of almost 900 combined students (and 100 faculty and community partners) participating in its asynchronous and synchronous programs in 2024.
The ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy’s Class of 2024 had a 92% Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) match rate, a stellar mark that ranked sixth in the nation and first in the Southeast.
The ETSU College of Nursing has seen an incredible rise in pass rates for its licensure exams, with more than 95% of students passing on their first attempt in 2024 – the college’s highest mark in five years.
ETSU alumnus Shivam Patel was a finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious in the world. He was one of just 16 students who represented Tennessee and several other states.
Dozens of faculty, alumni, and students represented ETSU at the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Dr. Keith Johnson received national recognition for his contributions to the field of engineering education with the James H. McGraw Award from the American Society for Engineering Education.
Kaci Rae Bartley Elayna Chavis Sally Chikomb
Levi Jones Ahauve Orusa
Brooke Patterson Janika Raynes Cooper Reaves
Bryce Sutton Alexis Vance Caleb Vaughn
An Exceptional Outcome
ETSU received the official reaffirmation of its accreditation – with no findings or recommendations – at the annual meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in December 2023.
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is an integral component of the reaffirmation of accreditation process. ETSU chose to focus on community-engaged learning for its QEP, naming it Go Beyond the Classroom.
The Go Beyond the Classroom initiative provides opportunities for students to complete innovative, hands-on coursework, where they gain valuable real-life experiences
while making a difference for others. Students link their coursework to the community, reflect about how their community work will influence their future, and are able to articulate how such community-based experiences prepare them for a diverse society.
“The reaffirmation of our accreditation is the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work and planning, and I am extremely grateful to all of the individuals who contributed to the process and to our Go Beyond the Classroom communityengaged learning quality enhancement plan,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The Go Beyond the Classroom initiative is transformative and is poised to enhance educational outcomes and the overall student experience at ETSU.”
Programs that Received Reaffirmation of Accreditation in AY 2023-24
Music: BA and BM
Counseling: MA
Physical Therapy: DPT
Pharmacy: PharmD
All programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD):
• Art: BA and BFA
• Graphic Design: BFA
• Studio Art: MFA
• Digital Media: BS and MFA
• Interior Architecture: BS [This program was also reaccredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).]
All programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH):
• Environmental Health: BSEH
• Public Health: BS, MPH, and DrPH
• Health Administration: BS and MHA
• Health Sciences: BS
• Microbiology: BS
All programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE):
• Nursing: BSN and MSN
• TN Joint Doctor of Nursing Practice: DNP
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: DNP
• Post-Graduate APRN Certificates (C4): Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
RANKINGS & New Programs
New
Undergraduate Academic
Programs
offered in 2023-24:
• Esports Minor
• Synthetic Biology Minor
• Natural Resource Ecology Concentration
• Forensic Science Minor
• Hospitality and Tourism Concentration
• Child Advocacy Studies Certificate
• Child Life Concentration
New Graduate Academic Programs offered
in 2023-24:
• Public Health Leadership and Policy Concentration
• Child Advocacy Studies Training Certificate
• Educator Job Embedded Certificate
• Health Care Spanish Certificate
• Interprofessional Pediatric Feeding Certificate
• Digital Construction and Data Analytics Concentration
• Robotics, Automation, and Instrumentation Systems Concentrations
• Student Affairs Certificate
Top Adventure College
#1
#8
ETSU has the No. 1 RN-to-BSN program in Tennessee (nursingprocess.org).
ETSU’s Radiologic Science program was ranked 8th in the nation for “Best Online Radiology Tech Programs” in 2024. (edumed.org)
#5
U.S. News & World Report ranked Quillen College of Medicine fifth among medical schools with the most graduates practicing in health shortage areas.
Military Friendly® School
For the 14th consecutive year, ETSU secured the prestigious Military Friendly® School designation.
Top 15
Intelligent.com named several of ETSU’s online programs among the top 15 in the nation, including Respiratory Therapy (No. 3), Digital Marketing (No. 7), Educational Administration (No. 8), Educational Leadership (No. 11), and Human Services (No. 12).
ETSU secured the title of Top Adventure College for the second year in a row by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine and the community. This recognition was earned through a bracket-style tournament that pitted ETSU against colleges and universities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
ETSU’s strategic location plays a crucial role in its outdoor opportunities. The main campus is surrounded by local, state, and national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. With access to abundant lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, students have unparalleled opportunities for exploration right at their doorstep.
On-campus recreation includes the five-mile University Woods and Trail System, a nine-hole disc golf course, the Basler Team Challenge and Aerial Adventure Course, and the indoor rock-climbing wall in the Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity.
A Best College in the South
The Princeton Review named ETSU a Best College in the South, a prestigious honor recognizing the university’s academic quality and affordable education. This honor came at the start of the Fall 2024 semester – just as ETSU welcomed students back to campus with a new curriculum designed to emphasize real-world skills.
“ETSU is a place where anyone can grow, succeed, and reach new heights,” said President Dr. Brian Noland. “We look forward to helping our students become career-ready.”
ETSU’s enrollment has grown nearly 30% since 2020, marking last year as the largest first-year class in the university’s history.
Students praised the campus as “beautiful” with “gorgeous” facilities and highlighted ETSU’s focus on preparing graduates for the workforce. Noland added, “This recognition reflects our commitment to student success and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.”
Introducing the Master of Music Degree
The new Master of Music degree launched in fall 2024, offering potential graduate students four concentrations to choose from: performance, conducting, composition, and music education (non-licensure). The Department of Music, a tremendous source of creative energy in the region, is comprised of award-winning faculty and thriving students who perform locally and abroad.
Mechatronics program created to meet workforce needs
ETSU launched its new mechatronics engineering program in Fall 2024, becoming the third university in Tennessee to offer the degree. After two years of development and a $1.5 million investment, the program addresses the region’s need for skilled professionals in manufacturing and technology.
“Our students can graduate, stay here, and work here,” said Dr. Keith Johnson, Chair of ETSU’s Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Surveying.
Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to create intelligent systems.
Students will gain expertise in robotics, automation, control systems, and more.
The program has drawn significant interest from students and local industries like Y-12 and Siemens. Dr. Paul Sims, a professor in the department, noted the overwhelming student desire to stay in the region.
“This program reflects ETSU’s commitment to innovation and regional impact,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
ETSU celebrates launch of Orthotics and Prosthetics Program
The ETSU College of Health Sciences celebrated the launch of a new orthotics and prosthetics program this summer – the first of its kind in Tennessee and one of just 14 such programs nationwide.
The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics is a two-year advanced degree that will offer a unique and comprehensive curriculum to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to excel in the field, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and teamwork to enhance patient outcomes.
“What began as a dream to expand our portfolio to meet the rising national demand for orthotics and prosthetics practitioners has materialized into a program that is the first of its kind in Tennessee,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Working with our community partners, we provide the region with well-trained professionals for our health care systems and health care education. This new program helps us continue and strengthen that tradition.”
ETSU Professor Dr. Aruna Kilaru, a leading figure in plant biology, was recently named one of 25 inspiring women in her field by the American Society of Plant Biologists. Recognized for her innovative research and public policy work, she has secured over $3 million in grants and influenced scientists worldwide.
ETSU’s BlueSky Tennessee Institute, in partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, captured a $200,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation’s Profiles in Collective Leadership. This initiative recognizes local collaborations that enhance youth education and workforce development, supporting socioeconomic mobility and civic engagement.
COMMUNITY & Belonging
Athletics Shine
Five ETSU athletics teams won conference championships. Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s Soccer all topped the SoCon. Men’s Golf also competed for a national title, ultimately placing 12th in the nation. It was ETSU’s fourth straight appearance in the NCAA Men’s Golf Tournament, and ETSU’s is one of just nine programs in the country to accomplish that feat.
Marching Bucs to Macy’s
The Marching Bucs are preparing for a historic trip to the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where they will become the first collegiate band from Tennessee in more than 60 years to march in the parade. In addition, the ETSU Color Guard and Majorettes were invited to perform at Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® presented by QVC on November 27, 2024 –the day before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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ETSU’s Bud Frank Cinema, the only art cinema in the region outside of Asheville, offers engaging entertainment and is a space for cultural enrichment, community collaboration, and diverse artistic experiences for the campus and beyond.
In 2024, the Quillen College of Medicine celebrated the 50th anniversary of the passage of the legislation to create the college. Described as a true “David and Goliath story,” the fight to create a medical school at ETSU resulted in one of the most significant and contentious political battles in state history. The school has now graduated more than 2,400 physicians.
ETSU’s Reece Museum earned an Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Association of Museums for the 2023 exhibition “An Exuberant Spirit: The Sammie L. Nicely Collection.” The exhibition showcased 85 works, advancing cultural awareness and promoting Black artistry in East Tennessee.
ETSU students presented research on health disparities in Black communities at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative. Their findings, in partnership with the Langston Centre, aim to foster health equity and economic sustainability within underserved Appalachian communities.
Community and Belonging
Community Stewardship
provides a road map for achieving the university’s vision and mission. The key performance indicators and stories in this annual report reflect the goals outlined in the strategic plan. They include: access and success, teaching excellence, research and innovation, fiscal sustainability and operational excellence**, community and belonging, empowered employees, and community stewardship.
on page 45
STEWARDSHIP of Place
Climate Resilience Project
Tennessee’s official climate office at ETSU has been selected as one of only nine sites nationwide for a pilot funding proposal aimed at helping communities address long-term extreme weather vulnerabilities.
This prestigious project, backed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, focuses on building a Community Resilience Academy to tackle flooding and extreme temperatures.
“Extreme weather impacts human health in our region,” said Dr. Andrew Joyner, Tennessee’s official climatologist and an ETSU professor. “Our goal is to create active learning approaches to resilience education.”
The first year of the project, funded at $112,000, will focus on developing the academy in Johnson City/Washington County, with a potential second year of funding at $125,000.
“Dr. Joyner and his staff have worked incredibly hard for this honor,” said Dr. Joe Bidwell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our role as one of the pilot sites underscores ETSU’s leadership in climate science. By working with NOAA and other key agencies, we are dedicated to creating actionable strategies that enhance the resilience and safety of our communities.”
Nurse Narratives Initiative
The Nurse Narratives Initiative spotlights profound stories of resilience and strength in the face of adversity – both personal and professional – from nurses in our region.
Born out of a partnership among the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, Ballad Health, StoryCollab, the ETSU Research Corporation, and East Tennessee State University, this unique initiative is telling the stories of nursing, from nurses.
more
ETSU leading effort to improve health, economy in Appalachia
ETSU’s Center for Rural Health and Research is leading an effort to address health care workforce challenges, foster economic development, and promote regional prosperity in Central Appalachia.
Dubbed the Regional Public Colleges and Universities (RPCU) Central Appalachia Health Consortium, ETSU and six other Appalachian institutions will explore various strategies for working together and impacting health and economic outcomes. These include articulation agreements, local pipeline development, crossinstitution internships, in-state tuition arrangements, elective options, streamlined applications and preferred admissions.
Transformative Service
Alternative Breaks at ETSU offer students a transformative experience through direct service and education on critical social issues. These student-led trips take participants in and outside of the region, tackling critical concerns like poverty, youth development, and environmental sustainability. Rooted in hands-on service and social justice, these initiatives provide opportunities for students to go beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in purposeful experiences aimed at fostering personal growth and community connection.
This spring, four student groups addressed diverse issues: preserving Rocky Fork State Park in Flag Pond, Tennessee;
advocating for voting rights and health equity in Nashville, Tennessee; and supporting youth development with the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Upon returning to ETSU, participants are equipped with heightened awareness and a renewed commitment to addressing parallel concerns within their community, embodying the university’s mission to improve the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.
Scan to watch
Making an Impact
Regardless of the discipline, researchers and providers with ETSU and ETSU Health are committing to improving access to care and health care outcomes in the region and beyond.
In the region’s level-one trauma center, ETSU Health trauma surgeons are saving more lives while caring for more patients with severe injuries at Johnson City Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center, with a study in American Surgeon highlighting a decrease in mortality rates for critically injured patients following a regional realignment of trauma services.
In a different focus, Dr. Marty Olsen, a Professor in the Quillen College of Medicine, and medical student Summer Shore have uncovered a troubling link between rising buprenorphine prescriptions and increased neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rates. Their research, published in the Southern Medical Journal, calls for a reassessment of treatment standards to mitigate risks for newborns exposed to opioids.
Additionally, the ETSU Addiction Science Center played a critical role in securing $7.4 million in grants to enhance addiction recovery resources in Northeast Tennessee. This funding will support 14 projects, emphasizing ETSU’s integral role in improving trauma care, addiction recovery, and overall community health.
Driving Regional Economic Insight
ETSU’s Department of Economics and Finance produces a critical quarterly economic report, a vital resource offering a detailed analysis of the region’s economy. This report serves local governments, businesses, and residents by providing critical data to guide planning and economic strategy.
“The mission of ETSU is to improve the quality of life for our region, and this report helps achieve that,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, Dean of the College of Business and Technology. “We provide essential analysis on the regional and state economy.”
The report, covering employment, housing, and economic growth, empowers leaders to make informed decisions tailored to local needs.
Dr. Taylor P. Stevenson, Department Chair, emphasized the report’s impact: “This analysis can help local governments, as well as businesses, in terms of planning and developing economic strategies tailored to the region’s specific needs and potentials,” he said. “In addition, such a report informs and empowers our residents about economic conditions.”
Building on ETSU’s Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum, which gathers hundreds of regional stakeholders, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to economic development and community engagement. Stuart C. McWhorter, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, was the headline speaker.
Dr. Adam Green, ETSU’s Chief of Staff, is serving as board chair for the statewide Tennessee College Access and Success Network. His leadership will help guide efforts to increase access to higher education across the state.
The ETSU College of Public Health won the impressive 2024 Harrison C. Spencer Award for Outstanding Community Service. This award highlights the college’s impactful efforts in improving health outcomes within underserved Appalachian communities.
ETSU alumna Missy Testerman is the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. She was recognized for her exceptional commitment to student success and innovative teaching methods in rural schools.
A New Tradition
ETSU celebrated the inaugural Founders Week, October 9-13, 2023, commemorating ETSU’s founding in October of 1911.
The week included a variety of events that underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to improve the lives of the people of this region.
“Since it was founded as East Tennessee Normal School in 1911, this institution has served the region as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and service,” said President Dr. Brian Noland. “Founders Week is a recognition of the longstanding community support that has allowed this university to thrive, and it is also an opportunity to showcase how ETSU continues to make meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of the people it serves.”
Special events included the ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition, ETSU Remembers, the ETSU Heroes Award Ceremony, a ribbon-cutting at the newly renovated Gilbreath Hall (pictured at left), and the President’s State of the University Address.
Advancing Research and Scholarship
Michael Meit and the Center for Rural Health and Research received a $2.8 million, 4-year grant to conduct rural health research for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The Department of Human Services awarded Amy Edwards and the Center for Community Outreach a new two-year grant totaling $2 million.
Eric Jorgensen and the ETSU Research Corporation received a Department of Defense-Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program for $912,000.
ETSU’s traditional Dula Day allowed the campus and community to give back to the region through hands-on service and celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Chris Dula.
ETSU Health’s Dr. Evelyn Artz developed an interactive, after-school program to teach youth at Elizabethton’s Boys and Girls Club important skills in selecting and preparing healthy foods.
Dr. Michele Moser earned the 2024 Jim Pryor Child Advocacy Award from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth for founding the Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee.
ETSU Health’s Gary E. Shealy Memorial ALS Clinic received a $75,000 grant from the ALS Association to support an expansion of services benefiting patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Opal Frye-Clark, a Public Health doctoral student, and Dr. Natalie Smith, Associate Professor, Sport and Recreation Management, received Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Awards from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
The ETSU Research Corporation is playing a leading role in a community-led music initiative to gain a better understanding of the music ecosystem in Northeast Tennessee.
Dr. Natasha Gouge received the Association of Psychology Training Clinics’ Innovation Award for slashing wait times and making other improvements to benefit patients at ETSU’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic.
Fiscal and Operational Excellence
Streamlining Systems
ETSU is midway through a massive project to overhaul the university’s business systems and operations. Over the course of the past year, staff members from the offices of Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology Services have worked to streamline processes in preparation for the launch of a new enterprise resources planning (ERP) system called “Voyager.” Voyager will help integrate business operations, promote real-time communication, increase data entry efficiencies, enhance security, automate workflows, and offer the flexibility to respond to evolving technologies and business needs.
Voyager is powered by Oracle’s industry-leading Fusion Cloud web platform, a modern suite of cloud-based applications encompassing human resources, finance, and payroll functions. The system will offer robust reporting and forecasting capabilities and help ensure business continuity and efficiency. Rollout of the new ERP system is part of the university’s strategic focus on operational excellence and sustainability. The project is funded by a $19 million investment from the State of Tennessee. More information, including a complete timeline, is available at etsu.edu/voyager.
A Top In-State Employer
ETSU was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers of 2024. The university is one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 2,400 regular employees.
Among Nation’s Best Employers for Women
ETSU was recognized as one of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024 by Forbes Magazine. The results come from an independent survey of over 150,000 women from all industry sectors.
Historic Pay Raises for Employees
In November 2023, ETSU provided the largest pay increase for employees in the university’s modern history. This included raising the university’s starting hourly wage for fulltime, benefits-eligible employees to at least $13.65, a 19.3 percent increase over the previous starting rate of $11.44. The starting wages for employees of ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine and Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy were set at a minimum of $15 per hour. Additionally, full-time, benefits-eligible employees received a 4.5 percent increase, capped at $7,500 per person. The $7,500 max did not apply to employees of the Quillen or Gatton colleges.
Board of Trustees Approves 5-Year Contract for President Noland
During the November 2023 ETSU Board of Trustees meeting, the board approved a new five-year contract for President Dr. Brian Noland. ETSU welcomed Dr. Noland, his wife, First Lady Donna Noland, and their son, Jackson, to the university in January 2012, when Dr. Noland became the ninth president of ETSU. During his tenure, ETSU has welcomed its largest ever incoming class of students; achieved its highest graduation, retention, and employee satisfaction rates in history; and secured record-breaking levels of research funding. President Noland has secured resources for and overseen some of the institution’s largest and most transformative capital projects, including the complete renovations of the D.P. Culp Student Center, Brown Hall, and Lamb Hall, as well as the construction of Greene Stadium, the state-of-theart Martin Center for the Arts, the Interprofessional Education and Research Center, a new academic building, and a new integrated health services center.
Fiscal Responsibility & ETSU Foundation
$17,202,660 in new gifts and pledges for 2023-24
929 FIRST-TIME DONORS in 2023-24
OVER $3.8 MILLION distributed in foundation-funded SCHOLARSHIPS
$462,205 RAISED DURING DAY OF GIVING 2024 , which was an increase of more than $100,000 from the previous year.
The ETSU Foundation enjoyed a 15.54% return on investment for 2023-24, UP FROM 12.97% FROM LAST YEAR.
President
Brian Noland
Editors/Writers
Ember Brummitt, O.J. Early, Yasmeen Elayan, Jennifer Hill, Rachel Howard, Melissa Nipper, Jonathan Roberts, Jessica Vodden
Photography
Ron Campbell, Matthew Carroll, Larry Smith, Charlie Warden, Southern Conference
Design
Jeanette Jewell and Cody Ryans
Published by
Office of the President Office of University Marketing and Communications
Office of the President officeofthepresident@etsu.edu (423) 439-4211 etsu.edu/president
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
ETSU is an equal opportunity employer. ETSU-250444-A-25
The ETSU Martin Center enjoyed a tremendously successful 2024 Spring Broadway performance – even adding an encore show. Now, the Martin Center has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Spring Broadway Season, featuring four captivating shows. Kicking off the season is Pretty Woman: The Musical on January 27-28, followed by the Tony Award®-winning Hadestown on March 10-12. Dear Evan Hansen, a groundbreaking musical about social media and modern life, will take the stage April 15-17, and the season will conclude with Come From Away on April 28-29.
For more information and tickets, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org.
