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September 13, 2023

President Brian Noland signs a proclamation declaring September “Suicide Awareness Prevention Month” at ETSU.

The ETSU community is encouraged to spread awareness about mental health resources and services in recognition of “Suicide Awareness Prevention Month.”

Good afternoon, Buccaneers,

Fall is a magical time on campus. The start of the academic year brings with it a plethora of opportunities, experiences, and possibilities. However, amidst the buzz of our vibrant campus life, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, juggling academic pursuits with personal responsibilities and the many extracurricular experiences ETSU has to offer.

Nationally, campuses are witnessing a mental health crisis. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, earlier this month, I signed a proclamation designating September as "Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" at ETSU. The recognition is not just an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the issue but a call to action for each one of us.

Your mental and emotional wellness is paramount. Never underestimate the positive impacts of physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Engage in our Forest Walks, attend a yoga class, or burn off stress through a workout at the CPA, all of which can help you find that much-needed harmony.

As part of "WELLcome Week" at ETSU, we have planned special events centered around mental health and wellbeing:

Thursday, September 14: Center yourself by participating in "You Belong Here: Yoga and Meditation" at the CPA Courtyard from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Friday, September 15: Join us in uniting for awareness and hope at the "Walk for Hope: Suicide Awareness Vigil and Walk" at the CPA Courtyard at 7 p.m.

For those in need of support, please make use of the resources included in this newsletter.

In the spirit of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the ETSU Counseling Center has introduced the "Be There Certificate," an online module crafted to foster student-to-student support. While it is primarily designed for students, the content can also aid faculty/staff seeking to assist students in distress.

At ETSU, we talk a great deal about “going beyond.” I encourage each of you to go above and beyond to be a source of support for one another. Even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s day.

Godspeed, and go Bucs.

Brian Noland

People Come First

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider utilizing the following resources:

Emergency Support: Call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org. A trained crisis counselor is available for you or someone you are concerned about.
ETSU Counseling Center: You can find the Center in the D.P. Culp Student Center, 3rd Floor. Reach out at 423-439-3333 or visit etsu.edu/students/counseling. For immediate help, dial the 24-hour helpline, Bucs Press 2 at 423-439-4841, then Press Option 2.
Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic: Make an appointment for the clinic, which is located in Lucille Clement Hall. Contact them at 423-439-7777 or check etsu.edu/cas/psychology/bhwc/.
University Health Services: Health Services is located at 160 Roy S. Nicks Hall. Contact 423-439-4225 or visit etsu.edu/nursing/universityhealth/
Community Counseling Clinic: Find them at 327 Warf Pickel Hall or view more info at etsu.edu/coe/chs/counseling/clinic.

WHEREAS, suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience, with more than 1,100 lives lost in Tennessee each year and an estimated 25 attempted suicides for each suicide death; and WHEREAS, suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in Tennessee, the third leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 10 to 24 as well as the second leading cause of death for adults ages 35-44 and the sixth leading cause of death for adults ages 45-54; and WHEREAS, more than three lives a day are lost to suicide in Tennessee, which means we lose 21 Tennesseans each week and 97 people per month; and WHEREAS, Tennessee veterans, active-duty military, and National Guardsmen face a disproportionate risk as compared to the general population, with more dying from suicide than combat; and WHEREAS, public awareness of this tragic problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life; and the risk for human self-destruction can be reduced through awareness, education, and treatment as the highest risk for suicide is among the survivors of those who died by suicide or those who have attempted suicide; and WHEREAS, suicide prevention has been declared a state priority by the Governor; and the Tennessee Legislature has declared teen suicide prevention as a state priority in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to implement the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and WHEREAS, Tennessee is a national leader in the effort to prevent suicide, being one of the first states to develop a suicide prevention and evaluation plan covering the lifespan; and WHEREAS, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States; and WHEREAS, the Governor of Tennessee has appointed a Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council to coordinate the implementation of the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and WHEREAS, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is a grassroots collaboration of Tennesseans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state; and WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life’s struggles we all need occasional reminders that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and WHEREAS, we encourage all Tennesseans to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their family, friends, and to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or hug can go a long way toward helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Noland, President of East Tennessee State University, do hereby proclaim September 2023, as SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH at East Tennessee State University, and do urge all citizens to work to prevent suicide and to raise awareness and tolerance around all people affected by this tragedy. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September 2023

Get Involved

Lamb Hall Grand Re-Opening

The $26 million renovation of East Tennessee State University’s Lamb Hall is complete, and the university will celebrate the building’s grand re-opening tomorrow with a ribbon -cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Named for Dr. John P. Lamb Jr., the building serves as a hub for the university’s health-related programs, including those in the College of Public Health and the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. I encourage members throughout the university community to join us for this momentous occasion.

A photo of the entrance to the newly renovated Lamb Hall.

Hands-On Learning

Go Beyond the Classroom Mini-Grants

Creating simulations that train nurses to perform medical procedures, teaching gardening and nutrition to local elementary school students, and preparing tax returns for community members are just a few examples of opportunities that are available for East Tennessee State University students to get hands-on experience while making a positive impact on the region.

These experiences are among five initiatives that will receive ETSU’s inaugural “Go Beyond the Classroom” mini-grants, designed to enhance and expand community-engaged learning in courses, programs, and co-curricular experiences. Learn more.

Real-World Impact

Thank An Educator

ETSU was founded as a Normal School in 1911 with a focus on training teachers. Over the past 112 years, our university has produced thousands of outstanding educators who have inspired and guided generations of students. During Saturday’s football home opener (which the Bucs won!), we recognized their contributions and the critical role education professionals play in improving the quality of life for people in this region. I encourage you to watch this short video, highlighting how educators go beyond.

A screenshot of a video about the important role of educators.

Save the Date

Founders Week

ETSU will celebrate Founders Week, October 9 through 13, with a series of exciting events. Please save these dates and plan to join us.

Monday, October 9

ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition

Martin Center Grand Hall

5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 10

ETSU Remembers

ETSU Carillon

10:11 a.m.

Wednesday, October 11

ETSU Heroes Award Ceremony

D.P. Culp Student Center Ballroom

4:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 12

Gilbreath Hall Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Gilbreath Hall

4:00 p.m.

Friday, October 13

State of the University Address

Martin Center, Powell Recital Hall

10:00 a.m.

WETS-FM Fall Fund Drive

WETS-FM, ETSU’s NPR-affiliated community radio station, is conducting its fall fund drive this week. Those wishing to support the station may donate online at wets.org.

Quarterly Board of Trustees Meeting

ETSU’s Board of Trustees will host their regular quarterly meeting this Friday. A complete agenda and materials, as well as a live-streaming link, is available at etsu.edu/trustees.

Spread the Word

Tennessee College Application Month

September is Tennessee College Application Month, a statewide event to encourage students, particularly those from low-income and first-generation families, to apply to college. ETSU is waiving our application fee for in-state students for the entire month. Share the code ETSUFreeApp24.

Get Involved

ETSU Campus Read

After submitting book recommendations and voting on a final top 10 list, the campus community helped select the 2023-24 ETSU Campus Read: The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World by Jamil Zaki. Stay tuned for announcements about campus book discussions and book club gatherings.

Photo of the Week

An ETSU majorette smiling with surprise after she received news that the majorettes and flag core have been selected to perform at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

This weekend, the Marching Bucs received another surprise announcement from New York City: the ETSU Majorettes and Color Guard have been invited to perform in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular on Nov. 27, 2024, the day before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This announcement comes just months after the marching band learned that it was only one of 10 bands in the country invited to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It also will be the first collegiate band from Tennessee in more than 50 years to perform in the parade. Learn more.

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.