Hello, and welcome back to what undoubtedly will be an engaging and memorable semester at East Tennessee State University!
In my lengthy career in higher education, I have never felt more excited about the start of an academic year. The energy on campus is palpable as we welcome not only one of the largest incoming first-year classes in the university's history but also the largest group of students ever to live on campus.
ETSU is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the most beautiful and meaningful places to live and learn — not just in our region but throughout the South. Our incoming class of students has grown by more than 30 percent over the past three years, outpacing nearly every university in Tennessee.
These impressive accolades offer powerful reasons for students to make ETSU their home. But I would argue there is a better and far more important factor: our people. When our students, faculty, and staff join the ETSU family, they become part of something vast and inspiring. This is a place where people live with a purpose: to improve the quality of life for people in Appalachia and beyond. It is a place where relationships matter and kindness is valued. It is a place where YOU matter.
At ETSU, anyone, regardless of where they came from, can grow, succeed, and compete with the best.
You will hear me say this many times:
Bucs work hard.
Bucs give back.
And Bucs go beyond.
Education is a journey often marked by challenges and discoveries. Over the next year, each of us will undoubtedly experience moments of uncertainty or introspection. We may feel uncomfortable. But these experiences are integral to personal, academic, and professional growth. When those moments of doubt, struggle, or frustration occur, I encourage you to take a deep breath, give yourself and others grace, and, most importantly, reach out to your community. If there is one thing I know in my heart, it is that the people at this university care and want to help.
Students — I encourage you to engage actively in our academic community. With over 250 student groups and organizations, there are ample opportunities for involvement, learning, and leadership.
Faculty and staff — there are just as many opportunities for you to get involved. Our students are eager to get to know and learn from you, and your contributions improve our entire university community.
Good luck this semester, and make the most of it.
Godspeed, and go Bucs.
Real-World Impact
ETSU leading innovative research to address pollinator decline
Early in her career, graduate student Skylar Mathieson had a deep interest in medicinal plants, particularly in the hills and mountains of central and southern Appalachia.
"These plants have developed their medicinal purposes for a reason that wasn't for humans," she said. "What was the reason?"
ETSU will host its second annual Founders Week celebration from October 7 through 13. Founders Week commemorates ETSU's founding in October of 1911 and includes a variety of events that underscore the university's ongoing commitment to improving the lives of the people of the region. A full schedule and details are available here.
From Enrolled to Employed
ETSU x Eastman
At ETSU, we help students launch careers and gain opportunities that extend far beyond graduation. In this video, ETSU alums share their journey from enrollment at ETSU to employment at Eastman, a global company headquartered in Kingsport with locations in 12 countries.
Go Beyond the Classroom
Engage a 'Fantastical World of Nature and Beauty' at ETSU
For anyone interested in the wonders of nature, it's a sterling opportunity. The art of Paul Lancaster is on display at ETSU's Reece Museum through Sept. 20. Exhibition coordinator Spenser Brenner called Lancaster one of Tennessee's "most amazing self-taught artists" and described the exhibit as a "fantastical world of nature and beauty."
The Reece is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit etsu.edu/reece for details.
Bucs Go Beyond
ETSU Recognized in National Content Marketing Awards
ETSU was recognized as a finalist in two categories in the 2024 Content Marketing Awards (CMA), presented by the Content Marketing Institute this summer. ETSU was part of a competitive field and recognized alongside national brands, including JP Morgan Chase, Adobe, Google, Nationwide, and AARP.
Real-World Impact
New ETSU Program Supports Area Veterans
ETSU's Office of Military and Veterans Services will lead the development of a new program to help support the veteran population at ETSU and in the surrounding seven-county area. Funded through a nearly $75,000 grant from Volunteer Tennessee, the program will support veteran and military-affiliated students, develop transition assistance programs for recently discharged veterans, and assist in improving connectivity between veterans service organizations and the veteran community.
A Great Place to Work
ETSU Recognized by Forbes as a Great Place to Work
ETSU received two impressive accolades from Forbes this summer. In July, the university made the list of the nation's Best Employers for Women. In August, ETSU was once again recognized as one of the Top Employers in Tennessee. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our entire university community for making this a wonderful place to live and work.
Go Beyond the Classroom
Roan Scholars Help Establish JC Youth Council
Six members of ETSU's Roan Scholars Leadership Program are helping to establish a new Johnson City Youth Council called JC2. The council will allow area high school students to have a voice in city leadership and learn about municipal governance. Roan Scholars helped develop the model for the council and are serving as mentors for the first group of council members.
ETSU's Martin Center Announces 2025 Broadway Lineup
The 2025 Spring Broadway Season at ETSU’s Martin Center for the Arts will feature “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” “Hadestown,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Come From Away.” For more information about tickets and shows, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org.
Support Our 'Bucs on Parade'
The countdown is on for the East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs, who this November will be the first collegiate marching band from Tennessee to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in more than 60 years. To help raise funds for the journey to the Big Apple, ETSU will host a concert fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Center for the Arts. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds from the event will directly support the Marching Bucs. To reserve tickets for the concert fundraiser, visit etsumartincenter.org. To make a donation to the Marching Bucs parade performance, visit etsu.edu/bucsonparade.
ETSU Today Summer 2024 Edition
The latest edition of ETSU Today is arriving in mailboxes! Check out the online edition, which includes bonus content.
Campus Read
All the Light We Cannot See
This year's campus read is "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. A winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the book explores the resilience of the human spirit, the nature of evil and the struggles of war, and the light of imagination and learning, among other themes. I encourage all members of our campus community to join us in reading and discussing the book, which has also inspired a successful Netflix series. Events related to the campus read will be announced throughout the fall.
Celebrate College Colors Day
Friday, August 30, is "College Colors Day," a day to celebrate pride in your university by wearing your college colors or favorite gear. I hope to see you sporting your blue and gold on Friday! For those who are a bit nostalgic, check out this recent blog post on where to find vintage ETSU apparel.
Bucs Go Beyond
Celebrating Distinguished Faculty
At the annual Faculty Convocation ceremony last week, three ETSU faculty members were presented with the Distinguished Faculty Award in the areas of research, teaching, and service. This award is the highest honor given to an ETSU professor. Dr. Cuihong Jia, an associate professor in the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, earned the Distinguished Faculty Award in Research. Dr. Andrew Joyner, associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and Tennessee's state climatologist, received the Distinguished Faculty Award in Service. Dr. Tom Kwasigroch, who has guided medical students through the intricacies of medical gross anatomy for 45 years at ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine, was presented with the Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching. Congratulations to all three award winners on these prestigious and much-deserved honors.
Photo of the Week
Hundreds of students volunteered at nonprofit community organizations across the region last week as part of The Plunge, a community service activity focused on ETSU's mission of improving the quality of life for people in Appalachia and beyond.
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#BucsGoBeyond
Stay Informed with 'BucBeat'
"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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