Each November, we celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month, offering us an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of service demonstrated by our military personnel and their families. But, at East Tennessee State University, we strive to honor and give back to our veterans and military service members year-round. ETSU has a long and proud tradition of military service and excellence. Our university has produced 17 generals and flag officers — an astounding number for a non-military institution of this size. Nearly 1,000 military-affiliated students are currently enrolled, and our campus is home to the number one ROTC program in Tennessee and one of the premier battalions in the country.
For more than a decade, ETSU has annually received the prestigious "Military Friendly" designation, a badge of honor that signifies our continued efforts to provide the best possible education and resources to our military-affiliated students and their families. We also were recently recognized as a "Best for Vets" institution, an honor fewer than 10 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. receive.
Through our Military and Veteran Services Center, we provide numerous resources to support active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, veterans, and their families. These include assistance navigating VA benefits, priority registration, scholarships and financial aid, academic coaching and mentoring, career services, and more. This summer, we launched the Green Zone Training program, an initiative to equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for student veterans and military-affiliated individuals.
ETSU's support for our military community extends beyond the campus grounds. Our Veterans Upward Bound program can help veterans prepare for and pursue various types of postsecondary education. The College of Business and Technology's STRIVE program offers free entrepreneurship training to help veterans, reservists, and National Guard members transition their skills into successful business ventures. The university also recently announced a new AmeriCorps program funded by a $75,000 grant from Volunteer Tennessee to support the veteran population in the surrounding seven-county area.
Through ETSU's close-knit partnership with the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, students, faculty, and staff work together to ensure we provide veterans with the highest quality health care. The Martin Center for the Arts, too, provides benefits for veterans. Since its opening day, the Martin Center has regularly donated tickets to Vet Tix, ensuring that veterans have the opportunity to partake in the enriching experiences of the performing arts.
In recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of veterans throughout our region, we will hold our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 15, at 3:45 p.m. Additionally, on that day, we invite all veterans to join us in the Dining Hall for a free dinner to express our immense gratitude. This invitation extends to all veterans, not just those enrolled at ETSU.
These efforts are undoubtedly insufficient to repay the debt we owe our military service members and their families. We offer them, however, out of heartfelt gratitude for those who have given so much to our country. I encourage each member of our campus community to reflect on ways you can give back to a cause greater than yourself. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our community but also uphold the values for which our veterans have served.
Thank you to our veterans and military families. Your courage, commitment, and sacrifice represent the very best of our nation.
Holiday Lighting Celebration and Festivities
ETSU's annual Holiday Lights Celebration returns this year, featuring a new 16-foot walk-through ornament display and an array of festive activities. The community is invited to the lighting ceremony on Monday, November 18, at 5:45 p.m. at the ETSU Foundation Carillon and Alumni Plaza. In addition to the lighting ceremony, the evening will include several other festivities:
As part of the ETSU Alumni Arctic Adventures winter series, the ETSU National Alumni Association will host a cookie-decorating party before the lighting ceremony. This event will be held from 4:15-5:15 p.m. at the Alumni House, located on campus at 908 West Maple Street. Alumni and families are encouraged to RSVP online at etsualumni.org/arcticadventures.
In partnership with Brightspeed, this evening marks this year's grand opening of the synthetic ice-skating rink, a popular addition to ETSU's University Commons. After the holiday lights are turned on, skating will be free to all community members during this special event. Find the regular rink hours and rates online here.
Returning for a second year are the free screenings of holiday children's classics at ETSU's Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall. "Mickey's Christmas Carol" will be shown at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.
The holidays are a magical time at East Tennessee State University, and the community is invited to join our celebrations. From light displays throughout campus to skating and arts events, discover all the ways ETSU can add joy to the season by visiting our holiday hub at etsu.edu/holidays.
Limited-Edition Holiday Ornament Unveiled
Two years ago, ETSU began the tradition of chronicling the history of ETSU through artistic holiday ornaments. The legacy continues this year with a limited-edition, hand-painted ornament that features the beloved Charles C. Sherrod Library. The ornament will be available by November 15 at Bowman Jewelers, located at 401 W. Oakland Ave, and Monkee's of Johnson City, located at 2515 N. Roan St. Penny Lee Livingston, an Elizabethton-based artist and muralist who has painted glass ornaments for more than three decades, designed and painted the ornaments.
Save the Date
Holiday Concert
The Department of Music's annual Holiday Concert is a beloved tradition and a stunningly beautiful event that I encourage everyone to experience. This year's concert, titled "For Auld Lang Syne," will feature more than 250 performers, including ETSU Chorale, BucsWorth Tenor Bass Choir, East Tennessee Belles Soprano Alto Choir, Greyscale Jazz Choir, ETSU Orchestra, ETSU Percussion Ensemble, Faculty Brass Quintet, and special guests Matthew Fisher on organ and Joanna Seiber on harp. Two performances are set for Saturday, December 7, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
Theatre and Dance Presents Cabaret
ETSU's production of "Cabaret: The Musical" will take place in the Bach Theatre at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, November 20-23. A 2 p.m. matinee is also scheduled for Sunday, November 24.
"I would put our crew up against any professional group," said Melissa Shafer, who is directing the show. "They have worked so hard, and I believe that will be clear to the community when they come out to see the performance."
Please note that this story is set in Berlin during the rise of the Third Reich and explores disturbing themes suitable only for a mature audience.
Retirement Celebration for Ms. Pam Ritter
On behalf of the entire university community, I would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude and sincere congratulations to Ms. Pam Ritter, who will retire at the end of this month. In her role as Vice President for University Advancement and President and CEO of the ETSU Foundation, Ms. Ritter has served as a steadfast champion for ETSU and the community it serves since 2015. She has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Martin Center for the Arts and in raising funds for other major building and renovation projects, including the D.P. Culp Student Center, Lamb Hall, Brown Hall, Burleson Hall, Gilbreath Hall, the Academic Building, and the Integrated Health Services Building. Under her leadership, ETSU set new records through the annual Day of Giving campaign and conducted the largest and most successful capital campaign in university history through the "Campaign for ETSU."
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 19, as we will hold a retirement celebration for her at the Martin Center for the Arts from 4:30-6 p.m.
Marching Bucs Send-Off Party
In just three weeks, the ETSU Marching Bucs will become the first collegiate marching band from Tennessee to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in more than 60 years! The community is invited to join us on Sunday, November 24, at 10:45 p.m. in front of University School on Martha Culp Avenue as we prepare to send them off in style when their buses depart for New York City.
The Office of University Marketing and Communications has put together some resources to help spread the word about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Send-off Celebration:
Please feel free to use and share these resources widely to promote this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Marching Bucs – and please join us as we cheer them on their way the night of Sunday, Nov. 24.
Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
The annual Employee Charitable Giving Campaign is underway. This year, I know many in our community are choosing to give to organizations working to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Several charities on the list are active in this work, and you can choose where to direct your donation. Donations will continue to be accepted through November 30. Employees are encouraged to view materials on the campaign website and return their Giving Forms to the Office of Human Resources in person at room 307 of Burgin Dossett Hall or by email to hr@etsu.edu.
Student Success Working Group
During the annual State of the University Address, I shared plans to affirm our commitment to student success and dedicate new resources to support our students. While we have made significant progress in improving graduation rates, there remains a critical need for advancements in persistence, retention, and overall graduation outcomes.
A major priority of this effort is addressing achievement gaps among historically underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation students. To implement this effort, university leadership has convened a working group, which has begun meeting with various campus stakeholders to gather insights on current practices. If you are interested in sharing your experiences, knowledge, or ideas, please reach out to one of the working group members listed below.
Working Group Members
Michelle Byrd, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Joy Fulkerson, Director of Leadership and Civic Engagement
Keith Johnson, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
Jenny Osborne, Assistant Vice President for Student Success
Joe Sherlin, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Board of Trustees to Hold Quarterly Meeting
ETSU's Board of Trustees will hold its quarterly meeting and several committee meetings on Friday, November 15. All meetings will be conducted in person at the D.P. Culp Student Center, East Tennessee Room. A complete schedule and details are available online.
Student Spotlight
Mary Oakley, Founder of MoakleyCustoms
When Mary Oakley Robertson first came to ETSU, she focused on athletics. She ran with the Buccaneer track and field team, but when a hip injury forced her to give that up, she turned to another passion – one that has led to a growing business, with her work visible on the world stage. Channeling her creativity and love of painting, Mary founded MoakleyCustoms, a company that transforms basic white sneakers into custom works of art. This summer, the Knoxville native received a commission to paint custom sneakers for the entire USA Gymnastics team. Hear her story.
ETSU Playing Key Role in National Crime-Solving
ETSU recently became the only university in the United States to house a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) station. Through this station, the university will provide elite law enforcement training and top-notch ballistic science research. The NIBIN is a nationwide system that allows law enforcement agencies to track and link evidence from crime scenes, helping to identify firearms used in multiple incidents.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
ETSU's Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center (MCC) is collaborating with departments across campus to offer special storytelling, lectures, and programs in honor of National Native American Heritage Month this November. Former president George H.W. Bush designated November as the first National Native American Heritage Month in 1990, honoring the month as the height of the traditional harvest season and a time of celebration for America's indigenous people.
On November 13, the MCC is collaborating with the Native American Student Organization again to host a coffee hour from noon-1 p.m. in the MCC. A virtual coffee hour will be held online on November 19 from noon-1 p.m. The campus community will also be able to tune in to 89.5 WETS-FM later this month to hear inspiring stories from Native American elders as they share their experiences and cultural insights.
Additionally, the ETSU Office of Equity and Inclusion recently established a tuition scholarship fund that supports students who are members of the Native American Student Organization at either ETSU or their high school. Donate or learn more about the fund at etsu.edu/equity/opportunities.
Supply Chain and Digital Technology Summit
ETSU's Department of Management and Supply Chain invites the public to the 2024 Appalachian Highlands Supply Chain and Digital Technology Summit on Friday, November 15. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by an optional networking lunch, at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
The summit's theme, "Understanding and Optimizing the Supply Chain Ecosystem (SCE)," will focus on the role of SCE in regional development and how technology can drive innovation and economic progress. Attendees will learn how anchor firms like Honeywell and Eastman Chemical are advancing the region's infrastructure and fostering the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
"The impact of this program extends far beyond the walls of our workshops," Bill Hemphill, an Associate Professor who teaches one of the guitar-making classes, said. "We're not just teaching students how to design and build guitars. We're inspiring the next generation of makers, innovators, and musicians."
Celebrating Research
At the annual Celebration of Research, ETSU highlighted a record-breaking year in research achievements across the campus and introduced five new awards to honor faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions to advancing research at the university. Congratulations to this year's winners of the Celebration of Research Awards: Sandra Law, Dr. Brian Maxson, Dr. Michael Bourassa, Dr. Ashana Puri, and Dr. Ginger Christian.
Stories from the Storm
The ETSU Research Corporation, the Niswonger Foundation, Ballad Health, and StoryCollab are partnering in a new initiative called "Stories from the Storm: Reflections on Appalachian Resiliency." This effort will include eight weeks of listening sessions for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, allowing participants to share their stories in a virtual community space. The "Stories from the Storm" sessions are not just for those directly impacted but for anyone with stories of strength, generosity, kindness, courage, and resilience. These sessions provide an opportunity for the community to share stories that help people better understand the collective experiences of the region.
Saturday's Football Game to Highlight ETSU Traditions
During Monday's weekly football press conference, Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander announced that Darius Rucker will attend this Saturday's home game as ETSU hosts Western Carolina. Kickoff of the Blue Ridge Border Battle is set for noon. inside Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium. Rucker, a three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, will lead the crowd in singing "Wagon Wheel" at the end of the third quarter, a new tradition started this season.
Additionally, in celebration of one of our favorite Buccaneers, Bucky, the first 1,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free Bucky Bobblehead courtesy of BrightRidge. Saturday is also Family Weekend on campus.
Photo of the Week
Campus Recreation hosted the Shadow of the Mountains climbing contest earlier this week in the CPA.
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