February 6, 2025

Good afternoon,

Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed a significant volume of change occurring across the nation and the world. As with any period of substantial transition, some degree of uneasiness and turbulence is to be expected. I anticipate that many across our campus may be experiencing anxiety over what the future may hold. 

Despite this change and uncertainty, one central aspect of our campus community remains constant — our unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. The students, faculty, and staff of East Tennessee State University have remained steadfast in their pursuit of this mission since the institution's founding in 1911. 

In the coming months, there will undoubtedly be changes that impact our university. However, I am confident that if we remain focused on the important work at hand, our community will continue to be a model for caring, compassion, and civility. The work of educating students, driving economic opportunity, providing access to crucial services such as health care, and cultivating community and cultural connections is not just important; it is essential. 

Our budgets are balanced, and we have solid institutional reserves. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are increasingly being recognized for their outstanding achievements and elite qualifications. From faculty members claiming the highest honors in their fields to students leading state organizations, the ETSU community continues to excel. 

There is a great deal of noise in the world today — much of it caused by social media misinformation campaigns structured to sow seeds of divisiveness. But there is a simple way to resist these forces. Do not become distracted or reactive. Stay focused on our mission and values. Keep doing the critical work of the university. Most importantly, treat each other with kindness and take care of yourselves and one another. 

Godspeed, and Go Bucs!

Brian Noland

Little Hatch Act

As a reminder, Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-206, referred to as the Little Hatch Act, prohibits state employees from most displays of political campaign materials on state property. The Act does not apply to students and visitors.

The Act prohibits ETSU faculty and staff from displaying campaign materials while they are on campus. Campaign materials include campaign literature, banners, placards, streamers, stickers, signs, or other campaign or political advertising items, including lapel buttons or stickers, hats, T-shirts, or other items advocating for or against a particular candidate, party, committee, or agency. The Act does not prohibit ETSU employees from displaying campaign decals or bumper stickers on their personal vehicles while parked on campus.

The prohibition of displaying campaign materials extends to all state property, including our main campus and satellite campuses and the land, parking lots, walkways, buildings, facilities, equipment, and state vehicles.

The Act also prohibits ETSU employees from using ETSU's email system or any ETSU-affiliated social media account to display campaign materials or to send messages in support of or against any particular candidate, party, or policy.

To learn more about what is and is not permitted under the Little Hatch Act and to view a copy of the Act, follow this link.

The Flagship of Appalachia

The Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services at ETSU will mark its 40th anniversary with a celebration at the Reece Museum on Tuesday, February 11, at 6 p.m. The event includes a reception and panel discussion highlighting the center's history and impact. For four decades, the center has served as a cornerstone for Appalachian research, cultural preservation, and community engagement. From launching the nation's first four-year degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies to publishing the Encyclopedia of Appalachia, the center has consistently championed Appalachia's unique heritage while fostering innovative education and groundbreaking research.

Community Engagement Awards 

The deadline to apply or nominate for the ETSU Outstanding Community Service Award (Faculty, Staff, or Students) or the Community-Engaged Learning Teaching Excellence Award (Faculty Only) has been extended to Sunday, February 16. Learn more and apply.

Gatton College of Pharmacy Career Showcase

The Gatton College of Pharmacy Career Showcase will take place on Saturday, February 22, offering attendees hands-on experiences, interactions with student pharmacists and faculty, personalized admissions information, and campus tours. The event begins at 9 a.m. in Building 7 on the Mountain Home VA Campus.

Get Your Tickets for 'Festival of Ideas'

Tickets are going fast for this year's Festival of Ideas events. A few tickets remain for the lecture featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr, which will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 7 p.m. Tickets to see LeVar Burton on February 27 have all been claimed. However, rush seating will be available for this event. If you would like to try to get a ticket through the rush seating process, you can line up at the Martin Center entrance on the evening of the event. At 7:10 p.m., any unclaimed seats will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call for Abstracts: Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Submissions are now open for Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day, scheduled for April 16 at ETSU. The event will showcase student and faculty research through poster sessions, oral presentations, creative displays, and a community-engaged learning showcase. The application deadline is February 21.

Bucs Go Beyond

ETSU Esports Achieves Success in Major Competitions

ETSU's esports program has established itself as a powerhouse in collegiate gaming this past season, showcasing remarkable success across prominent competitions and ending with a fall record of 45-20. 

ETSU Celebrates Black History Month 

As part of the university's Black History Month celebrations, it was announced that a new bronze statue honoring ETSU's first Black students will be constructed at Borchuck Plaza. The statue, expected to be completed by August, will commemorate the five students who desegregated ETSU. Other events throughout the month will feature speakers, performances, and film screenings.

Hands-On Experience

ETSU Students Earn Top Honors at State Legislature Event

ETSU students Kyah Powers, Milind Chaturvedi, and Macy Miller earned leadership roles at the 2024 Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), with Powers named governor, Chaturvedi as treasurer, and Miller as communications director. ETSU students also received multiple awards recognizing their contributions to the mock government event.

Photo of the Week

The recent Student Showcase hosted by the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts was a tremendous success, highlighting the talents and artistic innovations of ETSU students for the community.

Follow @ETSUPrez

#BucsGoBeyond

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"BucBeat" is a weekly news roundup published on Fridays covering highlights from the week in roughly five minutes. Listen anywhere you find your podcasts.

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.