Last week, we received the final numbers for this fall’s enrollment. I am thrilled to share that this year’s incoming undergraduate class of 2,138 students was the second largest in the university’s history — and just three students shy of last year’s all-time record for new student enrollment. Additionally, nearly 3,300 students are residing in university housing this year, representing the largest number of students ever living on campus.
To have back-to-back historic levels of enrollment is extraordinary. The increasing number of students choosing ETSU affirms what we already know: that ETSU is becoming an institution of choice not only in Tennessee but throughout the Southeast region.
Sustaining incoming classes of 2,100 students is a foundational element within ETSU’s Strategic Plan. Other strategic initiatives include increasing student support to improve retention and graduation rates, updating and enhancing campus facilities, adding new academic programs aligned to workforce and community needs, and growing research activity to drive innovation and improve community outcomes, particularly related to health care.
During the most recent meeting of ETSU’s Board of Trustees, I reported that we are on track or ahead of schedule in meeting all of the targets outlined in the Strategic Plan adopted by the board. While many higher education institutions across the country are struggling, ETSU is excelling at all levels. Why? Because of our people. Because of each of you.
Our students are driven to achieve excellence and make a difference. For more than a century, community members throughout our region have worked hand-in-hand with the campus community to advance our mission. And our faculty and staff are some of the most creative, compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable people you will find anywhere, at any level.
Thank you for all you do to make this university a success. I am proud to be a Buccaneer, and I hope each of you is as well.
Godspeed, and go Bucs!
Real-World Impact
Free Community Health Fair
The ETSU Health Johnson City Community Health Center (JCCHC) will host its annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can receive free health screenings, meet with providers, and schedule appointments. Flu shots will also be available. The fair will be held at the Johnson City Community Health Center at 2151 Century Lane.
Bucs Go Beyond
Akintayo Akintobi Is Blazing New Trails in the Art World
ETSU’s award-winning choirs will open the 2024-25 season with “Choral Collage,” a concert featuring a mix of musical styles and genres. The performance will take place on Friday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts and feature 150 singers from the ETSU Chorale, BucsWorth Tenor Bass Choir, East Tennessee Belles Soprano Alto Choir, and Ascension.
A Leader in Rural Health
ETSU Earns Highly Competitive HRSA Rural Health Research Center Grant
Awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the four-year award totals $2.8 million and will provide funding for the RHERC to continue conducting robust research on rural health.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and ETSU students are working to make a difference on this critical issue. As part of ETSU’s Global Year Initiative, Honors College students have organized the Scotland Charity 5K, which benefits the Jason Foundation for youth suicide prevention. The race will begin at the CPA at 10 a.m. on October 26. Register for the run here.
Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact Dr. Karla Leybold, Assistant Dean for Global Engagement.
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/
I am pleased to share that Dr. Dena Evans will join ETSU as the dean of the College of Nursing in January. Dr. Evans currently serves as vice dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida College of Nursing. Dr. Debbie Byrd will continue serving as Interim Dean for the duration of the semester.
Why Apply
This Friday, September 20, is “Why Apply Day,” a day to share your ETSU pride and the life-changing opportunities earning a college degree provides. The “Why Apply” campaign is part of Tennessee’s College Application and Exploration Month. It aims to encourage students — particularly those who would be the first in their families to attend college — to pursue higher education. You can join in by sharing your reasons for attending college on social media using the hashtag #WhyApply. A template is available for download here. In-state students can apply to ETSU for free during September using the code TNFreeApp25.
Homecoming 2024
Bucs Take Flight
The ETSU community will celebrate Homecoming from September 30 through October 6. This year’s theme is “Top Gun: Bucs Take Flight.” Highlights include the annual Blood Drive, Pep Rally and Roll Call, Cornhole Tournament, Step and Comedy Show, Skit Night, and Gospel Choir Concert. This year’s lineup will also feature a Top Gun Battleship in the CPA Pool, a Big Pink Top Gun Volleyball Tournament, and an outdoor movie night featuring (you guessed it) Top Gun. A full schedule of activities is available at etsu.edu/homecoming.
Celebrating Founders Week
ETSU’s annual Founders Week celebration commemorates the university’s founding in October of 1911. The week’s events underscore our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of the people of this region. Unless otherwise noted, events are free and open to the public.
ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition
Monday, October 7
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; competition begins at 5:30 p.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
ETSU Elevates features collaborative community engagement projects between ETSU students and regional community partners that address economic, social, or environmental issues. The students will present their pitches in front of a live audience and three judges.
ETSU Remembers
Tuesday, October 8
10 a.m. (Bells of remembrance ring at 10:11 a.m.)
ETSU Carillon
ETSU Remembers is an annual ceremony to honor faculty, staff, and students who have passed away during the prior academic year. This special ceremony includes a ringing of the Carillon bells in remembrance of those the university has lost. This year’s ceremony will remember those who passed away between July 2023 – June 2024.
Presidential Lecture: The Life and Times of Burgin E. Dossett
Tuesday, October 8
6:30-7:30 p.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
Mr. Fred Sauceman will present a presidential lecture titled “The Life and Times of Burgin E. Dossett.” A former coal miner and candidate for Governor of Tennessee, Burgin E. Dossett became East Tennessee State College’s third president in 1949. During his 19-year tenure, ETSC became ETSU, the campaign for a medical school began, enrollment increased significantly, the institution’s first master’s degrees were awarded, and the campus was peacefully integrated, among other transformational accomplishments. Mr. Sauceman, who knew President Dossett personally, will describe this remarkable era in ETSU’s history and the man who defined it.
ETSU Celebration of Service Awards
Wednesday, October 9
11:30-1 p.m.
This event is by invitation only.
ETSU will hold the annual ETSU Celebration of Service, recognizing faculty and staff celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service to the State of Tennessee.
Farmers Market at ETSU
Thursday, October 10
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Borchuck Plaza
The Farmers Market at ETSU features fresh, local food, regional arts and crafts, vintage and handmade clothing, plants, live music, food trucks, and more!
Johnson City’s Acoustic Autumn Series (sponsored by ETSU)
Thursday, October 10
6-7:30 p.m.
Founders Park Amphitheatre
ETSU will sponsor Acoustic Autumn at Founders Park in the Amphitheater. The event will feature local musician performances. The event is free and open to the public.
State of the University Address
Friday, October 11
10 a.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland will deliver his annual State of the University address. The event will also be livestreamed at www.etsu.edu/president/speeches.php.
ETSU Football vs. Samford
Saturday, October 12
3:30 p.m.
Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
Previous 1911 Society recipients will receive special recognition during the game. Tickets are available here.
Stuff the Bus
As part of Founders Week, ETSU is coordinating a “Bucs Stuff the Bus” school supply drive. The initiative will provide essential supplies to students in Hawkins, Carter, and Sevier counties. The public is invited to bring school supplies to ‘stuff the bus’ during the ETSU vs. Samford football game on Saturday, October 12. Departments and student organizations at ETSU are also encouraged to participate. Additionally, donations can be made through Amazon wish lists available online. For more information on how to register your office or organization for the drive or to view a list of needed supplies, visit etsu.edu/stuff-the-bus.
ETSU Votes
Two of our most beloved Buccaneers are going head-to-head in an effort to encourage voter registration and engagement. It’s Bucky vs. Pepper in a battle for the title of “Best Buc.” Bucky and Pepper will make appearances and give away limited-edition campaign swag at various events throughout the semester, including
September 26: Democracy Field Day at 6 p.m. in University Commons
October 8: Conversation with the Commissioner Candidates from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room
November 5: Election Results Watch Party at 7 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room
Photo of the Week
Staff and community partners cut the ribbon on the new radio tower for WETS-FM located on Holston Mountain. WETS is celebrating 50 years on air this year!
Follow @ETSUPrez
#BucsGoBeyond
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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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