The legendary artist Pablo Picasso once remarked, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” At East Tennessee State University, we are fortunate to be part of a vibrant art scene that contributes directly to the university’s mission to improve the quality of life in our communities. From the spirited Marching Bucs, one of the largest and most prestigious marching bands in the nation, to the masterful performances of our theatre and dance students, which often include aerial feats, ETSU students and faculty bring to life the complexities, beauty, and joy of life in our region.
Unfortunately, at times, the arts can be overlooked and underappreciated. Given the emphasis society places on technology, research, and innovation, conversations around both community growth and career development often center solely on the STEM fields. But to build communities that are truly thriving, we must embrace the STEAM model, which reflects the critical role the arts play in fueling creativity, ideas, and human development. As Karen Brewster, the Chair of ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, has said, “The arts help us make sense of what is happening in the world.” They also help us connect with our purpose, build empathy, explore new concepts, and find renewal through inspiration.
At ETSU, we are proud to offer a platform for celebrating artistry and building connections to the arts to enhance other disciplines. One example is the Wayne G. Basler Chair of Excellence for the Integration of the Arts, Rhetoric, and Science, which supports scholarship exploring how the arts can support scientific pursuits. This year’s Basler Chair, Dr. Caro Novella, is exploring ways art and science may intersect to improve health outcomes.
Similarly, ETSU’s highly-ranked digital media and animation programs showcase the integration between technology and art while preparing students for successful careers in the ever-evolving digital landscape. These creative students are making a meaningful impact in our communities, as illustrated by their lifesaving work in partnership with the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
The arts events and programs supported by the university offer our community access to world-class performances and exhibits. From Broadway shows and concerts by world-famous recording artists to breathtaking performances from our own music, theatre, and dance students, there is always something exciting happening at the Martin Center for the Arts. And veterans can even request free tickets to some Martin Center events.
ETSU’s Slocumb and Tipton Galleries and the Reece Museum showcase fascinating exhibitions highlighting a diverse range of work from historical artifacts to contemporary art. Exhibits feature works by ETSU students as well as regional and internationally acclaimed artists.
These examples represent just a few of the opportunities on our campus. A full calendar of events can be found by visiting the ETSU homepage at etsu.edu. A great many activities are open to the public, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the benefits being on a college campus offers.
Real-World Impact
Regional Economic Forum
Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, will serve as the keynote presenter during the 2024 Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum to be held this Friday from 8 a.m. to noon in the Martin Center for the Arts. Hosted by ETSU’s College of Business and Technology, the forum offers an opportunity to explore regional trends ranging from economic conditions and forecasts to the housing market, interest rates, and local real estate markets. Tickets are free but registration is required.
Auntie Ruth's Grand Opening
Auntie Ruth’s Donuts and Pretzels will host its grand opening at King’s Corner on campus on Tuesday, March 26. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for free food and more.
Best Mascot in the SoCon
Congratulations to Bucky, who was recently awarded the title "Best Mascot in the SoCon!" Thank you to everyone who voted and helped him claim the prize.
Register for Summer Classes
Registration for Summer Sessions is now open. Whether you want to delve into a subject you did not have time to explore during regular semesters, catch up on credits, or get ahead in your progress toward graduation, summer study is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all your academic options at ETSU. More details are available at etsu.edu/summer.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Noland family invites ETSU faculty, staff, and their families to the annual ETSU Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 23, from 1-3 p.m. in the University Commons. Find more information and register here.
Bucs Go Beyond
Dr. Adam S. Green Named Chair of TCASN Board
Dr. Adam S. Green, ETSU’s chief of staff since 2019, will serve as board chair for the statewide Tennessee College Access and Success Network. The nonprofit organization, founded in 2010, advances efforts to improve college success for Tennesseans. Green has nearly 20 years of college access and success experience focused on increasing college attainment rates of low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students. A scholar and skilled grant writer, Green has secured more than $47 million in external funding to support college access and success initiatives. Read more.
Vote ETSU as the Top Adventure College!
ETSU is once again in the running for the title of Top Adventure College in the Southeast! But we need your votes to claim it. This is a great opportunity to highlight our amazing outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful scenery. Vote weekly in the bracket-style tournament. This week’s opponent is William and Mary.
Real-World Impact
ETSU Health's Trauma Team is Saving Lives
A new study has found that after the regional alignment of trauma care, ETSU Health’s trauma surgeons are saving more lives while caring for more patients with severe injuries. Read more about their tremendous impact.
Go Beyond the Classroom
Gatton College of Pharmacy Ranks 6th Nationally for Match Rate
Gatton College of Pharmacy’s Class of 2024 ranked sixth in the nation and No. 1 in Tennessee and the Southeast among pharmacy schools for their Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) match rate of 92% The national average is 74%. The college’s PGY1 pass rate follows recent national news this year when the Class of 2023 achieved a 95.4% first-attempt pass rate on their North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) exam scores, placing the college at No. 2 in the country among accredited pharmacy schools.
Meet Chris Wilson, a Faculty Member in ETSU's Digital Media Program
This video was created by ETSU graduate student Ben Carroll-Garrett.
Chris Wilson is a faculty member teaching lighting and rendering, effects simulation, and compositing in ETSU's highly acclaimed Digital Media program. Prior to joining ETSU, Chris worked for 12 years as a visual effects artist in the film and television industry, contributing to projects such as Toy Story 3, Brave, Spectre, Deepwater Horizon, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ford v Ferrari and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Learn more about Chris’s expertise and journey.
People Come First
Meet Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood, a first-year student at ETSU, is already making a major, positive difference in her hometown. Natalie recently was recognized nationally by the Girl Scouts of America for her work addressing food insecurity in the Knoxville area. Learn more about her work.
ETSU Football and Basketball Season Tickets On Sale Now
Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale now for Football and both Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
Save the Date
Spring Football Game
This year’s Spring Football game will be held on Friday, April 19. This can’t-miss event will include a live concert along with a preview of the Bucs and Coach Lamb in action. Save the date! More details will be announced soon.
Photo of the Week
Students, faculty, and staff spent Spring Break volunteering at locations in northeast Tennessee, Nashville, and New Orleans as part of ETSU’s Alt Break experience. The group pictured spent a day helping clean up trails at Rocky Fork State Park.
Follow @ETSUPrez
#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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