August 30, 2023

Hello, and welcome!  

Earlier this week, we welcomed the largest class of first-year students ever at East Tennessee State University. As we celebrate this historic occasion, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be part of the ETSU family and what it means to be a Buccaneer.  

ETSU was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in this region and beyond. This is a university community that lives by the principles that people come first, education should be hands-on, and all of us should work toward a purpose greater than ourselves.

This is a place where anyone, regardless of where they came from, can grow, succeed, and compete with the best. Some of our students come from challenging backgrounds. All of us believe in working hard for what we get.

At ETSU, we are invigorated by new ideas, but we're not content to rest on theory. We roll up our sleeves, get out into our communities, and put those ideas to work. We earn prestigious awards and play at an elite level — but elitism doesn't enter our vocabulary.

Bucs work hard. 
Bucs give back. 
And Bucs go beyond. 

Here at ETSU, our job is not to teach students what to think. It is to teach them how to think. How to listen. How to question. And how to identify and follow their own unique internal compasses that will guide them throughout life.

Education is a journey often marked by challenges and discoveries. Over the course of the next year, each of us — faculty, staff, and students alike — will undoubtedly experience moments of uncertainty or introspection. However, at ETSU, we are adept at turning obstacles into opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. 

Our campus is a rich tapestry of diversity, with students hailing from every U.S. state and nearly 60 countries worldwide. We have first-generation students. Students from underprivileged backgrounds. Students who are veterans of wars. Parents who are pursuing a degree while raising their children. And some of the best and brightest scholars from around the world.

I encourage each of you to engage actively in our academic community. Anyone can learn anything on the internet. But there is something magical that happens on a college campus. Knowledge and skills are made exponentially more powerful through experiences, relationships, and open dialogue. 

Good luck this semester, and remember, we have the chance to be part of something big here. Make the most of it!

Godspeed, and go Bucs!

Brian Noland

President

Remembering Governor Don Sundquist

Earlier this week, Tennessee lost a dedicated public servant with the passing of former Governor and Congressman Don Sundquist. Governor Sundquist helped to establish East Tennessee State University’s Center of Excellence in Paleontology, which is named in his honor. He also led the development of the Families First program, which you can learn more about by reading the story below. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. 

Real-World Impact

Giving Local Families a Hand Up

ETSU's Center for Community Outreach has been pivotal in providing workforce development, counseling, and other essential services in Tennessee. Founded in 1997, the center recently received a nearly $3 million annual grant to further its efforts. Working closely with Tennessee's Families First program, the center aims to enable self-sufficiency through resources like cash assistance, job training, and transportation.

With real-life success stories like a single mother who transitioned into a stable career, the center epitomizes ETSU's commitment to enhancing regional quality of life.

ETSU Student Spotlight

Renee Williams Proves It’s Never Too Late

Renee Williams, abandoned with her siblings at an orphanage in the late 1970s, faced numerous obstacles but remained committed to higher education. Her search for her biological mom led her to ETSU as a first-generation college student. Although she left ETSU in 1999 without a degree, Williams returned more than two decades later in 2021, determined to complete her education.

Bucs Go Beyond

Student Veteran Wins National Leadership Award

Jake Berens, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and health sciences major at ETSU, has won the prestigious 2023 Student Veteran Leadership Award from Military Friendly®. One of only 32 recipients nationally, Berens was honored for his impact on his school and community.

“I’m humbled to be recognized among these servant leaders,” said Berens. “While it is a personal award, I received it for community achievements. We’ve been working hard to strengthen our community and help military-affiliated students in any way we can. To be recognized for those efforts at a national level shows us we’re gaining ground.” 

Hands-On Learning

Preparing Elite Supply Chain Professionals

ETSU’s cutting-edge bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management is equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills. The program incorporates advanced technology and case studies from partner companies to simulate actual work environments.

“By the time our students leave the program, they not only have book knowledge of supply chain management, but they also gain practical experience, which is very important to employers,” said Dr. Matthew Jenkins, a faculty member for the program who previously managed supply chain analytics for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

People Come First

Give a Buc for ETSU Athletes 

ETSU Athletics recently launched the “I Give a Buc” campaign to raise funds to enhance the experience of ETSU student-athletes. Donors are encouraged to give $30 a month or $365 a year. Every dollar raised will support 10 pillars essential for student-athletes, ranging from nutrition to career help to mental health.

Photo of the Week

 More than 850 students participated in the 2023 Service Plunge, a one-day community service event to get new students out into the community. On average, ETSU students complete more than 65,000 hours of community service each year. 

In Case You Missed It

• Improving Child and Maternal Health Outcomes in North Carolina

• Martin Center Announces Its Second Season of Broadway

• ETSU Presents Distinguished Faculty Awards

• ETSU Thanks Hicks, Northeast TN Delegation

The Summer Edition of ETSU Today Is Out Now! 

Read the latest edition.

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.