With spring in full bloom, I find myself in awe, yet again, of the beauty of our campus. The lush greenery and colorful blossoms on display not only make for breathtaking scenery but also provide an apt metaphor for the vibrancy of the East Tennessee State University community.
I have often described ETSU as fertile soil – a place where strong roots and loving care enable both people and ideas to grow and thrive. Like any garden, this environment must be tended. It is this ongoing act of cultivation that, I believe, represents the true beauty of living, studying, and working on a college campus.
Through the sharing of perspectives and the development of new ideas, we plant seeds for the future. Through acts of service and collaboration, we nurture one another and our community. Through creation, innovation, and artistic expression, we generate new life.
It is fitting that this Saturday, in the height of spring, our campus community will honor an individual who embodied these ideals. Dr. Chris Dula was a distinguished and beloved faculty member who died in a tragic but courageous battle with brain cancer. He lived joyously, exuding his love for learning and for others. As a musician, author, scholar, and teacher, he brought a creative flair to everything he touched. Dr. Dula sought always to give back, striving to uplift and support the people and community surrounding him.
I encourage each of you to share in celebrating his memory and join us for this Saturday’s “Dula Day” activities. More importantly, I urge all members of our campus community to continue and expand upon his work through the pursuit of our shared mission to improve the quality of life for people in this region and beyond. Because as Voltaire said (and Dr. Dula showed us), “We must cultivate our garden.”
Get Involved
Pulitzer Prize-Winning poet Rita Dove on campus today
This evening, Pulitzer Prize-winner and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove will headline this year’s Spring Literary Festival. She will read from her work at 7 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre. She will also offer a conversational session with ETSU’s Dr. Jesse Graves and Valencia Robin Grice at 3 p.m. in the Reece Museum. This free public festival is sponsored by the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative.
Slide into summer: Registration open for summer session classes at ETSU
Students wishing to stay on track with their academic journey or even get ahead can achieve their goals by taking summer classes at ETSU. Summer also gives students an excellent opportunity to concentrate on one course at a time or retake a challenging course, and visiting students from other institutions are welcome to earn credit hours at ETSU.
Registration for summer classes is now open, providing students with over 1,200 courses to choose from. These classes are available in a variety of formats, including general education courses, online, study abroad and more.
Students can complete up to 18 credit hours over six sessions from May 13-Aug. 9. Registration is open for each session until the day before the class is set to begin. Current ETSU students may register through GoldLink, and visiting students may apply at etsu.edu/admissions/apply/visiting.
Go Beyond the Classroom
ETSU part of major music initiative
In a landmark collaboration, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNDECD) and the ETSU Research Corporation have joined forces to announce a new, community-led music initiative designed to bring musicians, venues, music industry professionals and music nonprofits in Northeast Tennessee together to gain a better understanding of the needs of the music ecosystem in the region. TNDECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter calls this collaboration “a unique opportunity to grow and strengthen the music ecosystem across the Tri-Cities and replicate these efforts statewide to spur additional economic growth and tourism.”
Know Before You Go
Preparing for Commencement
We are quickly approaching Commencement, the culmination of the academic calendar and one of my favorite days of the year. ETSU will celebrate the graduates of Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine on Friday, May 3, at the Martin Center for the Arts. We will host two Commencement ceremonies in the Ballad Health Athletic Center on Saturday, May 4, for all other graduates. I am excited to welcome Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and producer who attended ETSU, as this year’s keynote speaker on May 4. We will also recognize the newest members of the ETSU 1911 Society and the Golden Fifties alumni from the Class of 1974. Learn more about the ceremonies.
Bucs Go Beyond
Dr. Natasha Gouge recognized for efforts to improve region’s healthcare
ETSU’s Dr. Natasha Gouge recently received a prestigious recognition for innovations to reduce wait times and improve quality of care within the ETSU Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic. The Association of Psychology Training Clinics Innovation Award pays tribute to individuals who have improved the overall experience for students, faculty, and patients. Nominations are solicited from hundreds of psychology training clinics across several countries.
Get Involved
Be part of this year’s official ETSU Football poster
Join Coach Tre Lamb and the ETSU football team this Friday at 4:00 p.m. on the football field for a group photo for this year’s official Fall 2024 Football Season poster. The poster will be designed to highlight the team’s motto, “Together we win.” Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans are encouraged to be part of the field photo and to wear their favorite ETSU gear or their work uniform (police uniform, scrubs, etc.). The photo will be taken before the start of the Spring Football game, which will also feature a live concert. Students who attend can receive a limited-edition Buc Badge. Buc Badge supplies are limited, so arrive early!
Bucs Go Beyond
Trent White named a Truman Scholar
Trent White, a junior majoring in political science, a Roan Scholar, and ETSU’s Student Government Association President, has earned the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, one of the most competitive and prestigious awards in the United States.
Vote Now!
Top Adventure College
ETSU is once again vying for the recognition of “Top Adventure College.” This week, we face off against Lees McRae College in the “final four” of the bracket-style tournament. Vote weekly to help us claim the title for the second year running!
This video was created by ETSU student Katelyn Maxwell.
People Come First
Campus Pride Month
April is Campus Pride Month, a time to celebrate and show support for LGBTQ+ members of our campus community. ETSU offers several resources to help promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, including
Earlier this month, students hosted the annual TEDxETSU event featuring an array of talks and performances around the theme of “Possibility.” Watch the video to see the intriguing TEDx Talks featured!
People Come First
Counseling resources
As we work toward a strong finish to the spring semester, remember to take time to care for yourself. Students who are experiencing distress or need mental health resources can contact the Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The BucsPress2 hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (423) 439-4841.
The University Health Center provides behavioral health support and can be reached at (423) 439-4225. Additional crisis resources are available here.
Faculty and staff who need mental health support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program, which includes a 24/7 hotline at 855-Here4TN (855) 437-3486.
Annual Staff Celebration
This year’s Staff Senate Celebration will be held Tuesday, May 7, from noon-2:30 p.m. at the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-dome). This year’s theme is “These Bucs are Wild” and will feature Safari-themed contests and a chance to win prizes. Lunch from The Firehouse Restaurant will be provided. Our partners at Marsh Regional Blood Center will be on site from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To reserve an appointment time, click here.
A highlight of this annual event is the presentation of the Distinguished Staff Awards and the Career Award. University offices will be closed from noon-2:30 p.m. to allow all staff who wish to attend the opportunity to do so. Formal remarks and the awards presentation will occur at 1 p.m. I look forward to joining members of our staff as we celebrate the close of the 2023-24 academic year. Thank you for all you do for ETSU.
Photo of the Week
Earlier this week, ETSU Esports students, faculty and staff hosted a stream-a-thon in celebration of the 2024 Day of Giving. We would like to offer a special thanks to the Esports crew for their support of this initiative!
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#BucsGoBeyond
From My Notepads is a twice-monthly newsletter published by the office of ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. The newsletter's title is a reference to the legal notepads Dr. Noland constantly carries to jot down thoughts, ideas, and notes.
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