ETSU students, faculty, and staff are increasingly being considered for — and claiming — world-renowned scholarships. This academic year also marked the second in a row that ETSU had a finalist in the running for the elite Rhodes Scholarship program. Last month, ETSU junior Alaina Majkrzak won the highly competitive U.S. Department of State's Gilman International Scholarship. And five ETSU faculty, staff, and students are currently at the semifinalist stage for the internationally acclaimed Fulbright Scholarship program.
It is rare for a regional public institution to claim even one finalist or winner for awards such as these. The rosters of the Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright, and other coveted award programs usually comprise representatives from Ivy League institutions and expensive private schools with the resources to provide massive support teams to assist scholars in navigating the lengthy and complex application processes.
However, competing at this level is becoming a regular recurrence at ETSU. Our students, faculty, and staff, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, are increasingly claiming top spots in national and international scholarship competitions. Why? Because of the heart, grit, and determination of our people.
ETSU does not have the resources to fund large, full-time staffs dedicated to helping our scholars with their applications. But we do have an entire university community that cares deeply and is willing to go above and beyond to uplift one another.
These efforts have been led by a small group of team members in the Office of Prestigious Awards, many of whom also carry other responsibilities at the university. Their efforts are magnified, however, because they are supported by numerous ETSU staff and faculty members who volunteer time during their nights and weekends to help applicants work on their résumés, review essays, submit applications, and practice for interviews. As a result, our university community is proving that an education at ETSU, which costs only a fraction of programs at most universities, can help propel our students to the highest levels of success.
Approximately half of all students who graduate from ETSU leave the university with no debt at all. The average debt for those who do borrow funds to pay for their education is less than $20,000 total, or roughly $5,000 per year. Meanwhile, the opportunities a degree from this institution provides yield exponential returns on investment.
I am so incredibly proud to be part of a university community where anyone, regardless of where they came from, can grow, succeed, and compete with the best of the best. Thank you — all of you — for cultivating such a supportive and enriching environment at ETSU.
Godspeed, and go, Bucs!
P.S. On behalf of the entire university community, I would like to share our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this year's Festival of Ideas such a tremendous success!
Festival of Ideas speaker LeVar Burton
Festival of Ideas speaker Anthony Doerr
Federal and State Compliance Efforts
In previous editions of this newsletter, I have made note of the rapid rate of change occurring across the nation's higher education landscape. Change can create anxiety and uncertainty, but amid these shifts, I want to reaffirm that East Tennessee State University remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a fair, welcoming, and respectful environment for our students, faculty, and staff. This is — and must always be — a place where every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect.
As a public university, ETSU must comply with state and federal regulations. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education directed institutions across the country to review their programs and services to ensure equal access for all individuals, regardless of race or personal identity. ETSU is not an exclusionary institution. Nearly all of our programming and resources are open to anyone wishing to participate. However, we recognize that some terminology may have been construed as exclusive by members of our campus community. To ensure full compliance with recent federal directives, the Office of University Counsel is reviewing university communications, including web pages. In the meantime, new landing pages have been created for the Multicultural Center, the Pride Center, and the Women and Gender Resource Center, with details of events offered by these centers available on the university calendar.
While processes and language may evolve, our values remain unchanged. We will continue to cultivate a campus where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. We will uphold free expression, thoughtful discourse, and our unwavering commitment to respect and civility.
Celebrate Women's History Month
ETSU hosts numerous events throughout the year to celebrate and recognize women's accomplishments and experiences. In recognition of Women's History Month, check out this list of upcoming events focused on the unique perspectives of women. Please note that everyone is welcome to attend these events.
New NPR Podcast: ‘Bare Bones Approach to Better Health’
ETSU's WETS-FM and the College of Public Health have collaborated to launch a new podcast on the NPR podcast network. "Bare Bones Approach To Better Health" is hosted by Dean Dr. Randy Wykoff and features succinct public health updates on current issues in health care. Episodes are available in the NPR app as well as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and numerous other podcasting services. You can also hear the segments live on WETS 89.5 FM on Fridays at 8:42 a.m.
Don't Miss ‘Fortune and Fate’
"Fortune and Fate," a special collaboration between the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra and ETSU’s Choir and Orchestra programs, will take place this Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. This concert promises a powerful musical experience, blending the talents of regional musicians in a dynamic performance. Tickets are available now.
SoCon Basketball Tournament
At 3:30 p.m. today, the #3-seed ETSU women's basketball team will take on #6 Furman in the SoCon Basketball Championships opening round in Asheville, North Carolina. The #3-seed ETSU men's team will begin play on Saturday at 6 p.m. against #6 Wofford. All games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
And don't forget, Bucky is in the running for Best Mascot in the SoCon! Though he's currently holding a comfortable lead, we want to avoid any last-minute upsets. Keep voting to get him across the finish line! Go Bucs!
ETSU Theatre and Dance Presents ‘The Wolves’
ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance's production of “The Wolves,” a Pulitzer Prize-finalist play, opens tonight and continues through this weekend, March 6-9, at the Martin Center’s Bert C. Bach Theatre. The production follows a high school girls' soccer team as they train, compete, and navigate the challenges of adolescence. Tickets are available now.
Spring Break
As a reminder, ETSU will observe Spring Break from March 17-23. Classes will not be held during this time; however, the university will remain open.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Noland family invites ETSU faculty, staff, and their families to the annual ETSU Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13, from 2–4 p.m. Get more information and register here.
ETSU Introduces New Student Foundation Ambassadors
The ETSU Foundation recently launched the Student Foundation Ambassadors program, a student-volunteer initiative to promote philanthropy and alumni engagement. Ambassadors will participate in major university events and fundraising efforts, fostering a culture of giving among current students and alumni. These students will be instrumental in helping launch the new Forever ETSU campaign, a week of giving and celebration, which will take place April 21-27.
Blue Highway Live Album Recording
Join the multi-award-winning bluegrass band Blue Highway as they record their next album live in concert at the ETSU Martin Center. Be part of this 30th-anniversary performance in the intimate Powell Recital Hall and witness a historic live recording on both nights, March 27 and 28, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now.
ETSU Addresses Mental Health in Disaster Recovery
A group of researchers and health care providers at ETSU is examining how disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, affect mental health and the role of community support in recovery. The effort aims to improve training for health care providers and first responders to better address post-disaster trauma.
Photo of the Week
ETSU was honored to host author and former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson to campus earlier this week for the "In Conversation" series with Drs. Jesse Graves and Thomas Alan Holmes.
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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.
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