I have written before about the value of higher education to both individuals as well as our communities. Now, I am proud to share that East Tennessee State University has joined forces with nine other public universities in Tennessee to help share that message across the state. Through a new campaign called “Four the Future,” we are working to increase awareness of the strong return on investment our universities provide for all Tennesseans.
At an individual level, a university education remains the surest path to economic mobility. Median earnings for bachelor’s degree-holders are 84 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma, and those with a bachelor’s degree are expected to earn $1.4 million more than a high school graduate over the course of their careers. Workforce demand for educated and highly skilled employees remains high, with more than 70 percent of Tennessee business leaders agreeing that there is an insufficient supply of appropriately trained workers. Both before and after the pandemic, employment growth in Tennessee has been faster for jobs requiring a college diploma, and individuals with a college degree have been less likely to be laid off during recessions (Carruthers et al., 2023)
Public college graduates not only enjoy better-paying and more secure jobs, but also are exposed to fewer safety hazards and less likely to report heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Attending college is closely correlated with overall health and life expectancy, with one recent study finding that the life expectancy for college-educated individuals is 8.5 years longer than for those without a bachelor’s degree (Case & Deaton, 2023). Additionally, more than any other postsecondary path, college delivers connections to both career opportunities and to meaningful engagement in our communities. College graduates are, on average, more active citizens with higher rates of voting and volunteerism than non-graduates (Ma & Pender, 2023).
At ETSU, we have trained generations of educators and health care providers, fueled cutting-edge research, provided startup assistance for small businesses, supported the arts, and cared for veterans through our partnership with the VA hospital – all while working hand in hand with our communities. We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of all Tennesseans, even those who never set foot on our campus. This new campaign offers an excellent opportunity to amplify our ongoing mission and share our impact toward improving the quality of life for people in this region and beyond.
Campus Conversations
ETSU's Army ROTC Program
In this episode of Campus Conversations, President Noland speaks with LTC Jared Powell about the legacy of success of ETSU's Army ROTC program and the accomplishments of cadets, past and present.
You can now listen to episodes of Campus Conversations on the ETSU Podcast Network or through Apple, Google, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
With national headlines about children with special needs being left behind, special education instructors are needed now, perhaps more than ever. East Tennessee State University is preparing graduates well for such a career.
“I was lucky to participate in many campus-related service organizations like POP Arts and Access ETSU that serve students with exceptionalities,” said Cameron Phillips, a special education teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School. “This real-world experience of working with these individuals is unmatched.”
As a college student, he found the university’s special education program notable for its hands-on approach.
“ETSU’s program was helpful in many ways,” he said. “The professors in the special education department are phenomenal.” Read more >
Real-World Impact
Hands-On Lessons in Cancer Research
A top natural products research scientist from Colombia visited East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy recently to meet with student pharmacists and help demonstrate the drug discovery process. Dr. Ruben Torrenegra has spent years collecting plant material from the Andean region of Colombia, which he takes to a botanical garden in the nation’s capital of Bogota to be identified. Through this work, he has partnered with ETSU’s Dr. Victoria Palau to test the impact of plant-derived compounds on different types of cancer.
Torrenegra helps show the students how to use chromatographic techniques to separate and purify the different novel compounds. After the material is purified and identified, Palau and her student researchers study changes in cell signaling, or communication, pathways in the cancer cells to explain the mechanism of action of these compounds. Torrenegra also showed the students how to turn that plant material into potential new drugs for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Read more >
Student Spotlight
Andrew Lawson
With an impressive body of work already under his belt, Andrew Lawson is well on his way toward achieving his dream of a career in film animation. Lawson is a graduate student from Knoxville pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in digital media at ETSU. His interest in digital media springs from his childhood, when he was captivated by Disney cartoons and Tim Burton’s claymation films, especially “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Because his family moved often, he needed something to entertain himself, and so he turned to art.
“I started out getting into illustrating and drawing,” he said, “and I used to make comic book pages for myself. I spent a lot of my youth trying to be where I am today, essentially just very focused on the craft.” Lawson learned of ETSU’s renowned Digital Media Program – ranked No. 1 in Tennessee for both animation and game design – through a friend with similar interests who had enrolled. Read more about Andrew’s journey >
Primary Sources
George Nichols
George Nichols has made an indelible mark on ETSU. He was one of four African American undergraduate students who integrated East Tennessee State College, now ETSU, in the fall of 1958, and he was the first Black ROTC cadet commissioned at ETSU.
Hear more about his story and the history he lived in this special episode of "Primary Sources" hosted by Dr. Daryl A. Carter, associate dean and professor of history in the ETSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Quarterly Board of Trustees Meeting
East Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees will hold its quarterly meeting and several committee meetings on Friday, November 17. All meetings will be conducted in person in the D.P. Culp Student Center, East Tennessee Room. Meeting materials, a full schedule, and a link to the live stream are available at etsu.edu/trustees.
Serving Those Who Served
Celebrating National Veteran and Military Families Month
As we continue to celebrate National Veteran and Military Families Month, I encourage our campus community to learn more about the services available to veterans and military-affiliated students. Home to nearly 1,000 veterans and military-affiliated students, including military spouses, ETSU takes considerable steps to aid those who have served in uniform. They receive priority registration for classes each semester, get exclusive access to social and study space at ETSU’s Military-Affiliated Student Resource Center, receive membership in the ETSU chapter of the Student Veterans of America, and get consistent, personalized support from Military and Veteran Services. Work-study positions for those using GI Bill® benefits, scholarships, and out-of-state tuition waivers are also an option.
Voyager Launch Extension
Over the past 18 months, staff in the divisions of Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Finance have worked diligently to redefine and enhance our business processes in anticipation of the implementation of the new Voyager Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform on January 1, 2024. After consultation with our deployment partner (Highstreet) and much reflection, we have decided to reschedule the system's launch to July 1, 2024. The transition to bi-weekly pay for employees also will take place on July 1, 2024.
Thanksgiving Holiday
Please note that ETSU will be closed Wednesday through Friday, November 22 –24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Please enjoy some rest as well as time with friends and loved ones.
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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