This season is always a bright and wonderful time on ETSU's campus as we celebrate holiday traditions, plan for Fall Commencement, and gather with friends and family. This Thanksgiving will be particularly special because our own Marching Bucs are set to make history this week by performing in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This marks the first time in more than 60 years that a collegiate marching band from Tennessee has been invited to this prestigious event.
It is hard to believe that a decade ago, ETSU did not have a marching band. The journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. When ETSU decided to restart its football program, we set a goal of creating a marching band that would be the pride of the region. Starting from scratch—with no uniforms, instruments, or members—Dr. Joe Moore, along with numerous faculty, staff, and volunteers, took on the challenge of building a world-class band that would embody the spirit of the ETSU community. In 2015, the Marching Bucs made a triumphant return with 163 members. Today, with over 360 performers strong, the band is a symbol of resilience, community, and excellence.
This week, the band will immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New York City, exploring landmarks like Times Square, attending a Broadway performance, and showcasing their talents at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. And, of course, on Thanksgiving morning, they will march through the streets of Manhattan, performing for millions of viewers along the parade route and on live television. You can follow their journey online at the links below. I hope you will join me in cheering them on and wishing them a memorable and joyful performance as they make ETSU and Appalachia shine on a national stage.
Use the hashtags #BucsGoBeyond and #BucsOnParade to be part of the conversation!
Thanksgiving Holiday Closure
As a reminder, the university will be closed Wednesday through Friday in celebration of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Please enjoy this time with loved ones.
The Rhodes Scholarship is highly competitive, with fewer than 100 scholars selected annually from across the globe. Although he was not ultimately chosen, Trent's selection as a finalist represents an incredible achievement. According to the Rhodes Trust, the overall global acceptance rate stands at 0.7%, and only 32 out of close to 900 of the country's most talented scholars win the award.
I would like to thank Dr. Carson Medley and ETSU's Office of Prestigious Awards, as well as the dozens of other individuals across campus who are supporting our students in pursuing globally competitive opportunities like this.
On behalf of the entire university, I would like to share heartfelt congratulations to Trent. ETSU is a place where anyone can grow, succeed, and compete with the best. Trent embodies that ideal as well as our mission to improve the quality of life for people in this region and beyond. His accomplishments reflect not only the level of excellence of our students, faculty, and staff, but also serve as a testament to what one can achieve through humility, hard work, sincerity, and generosity.
Real-World Impact
Biology Major Skylar Mathieson Wins 3-Minute Thesis Competition
Master's degree student Skylar Mathieson secured first place in ETSU's 3-Minute Thesis Competition with her presentation, "Buzzed and Bothered: Investigating the Impact of Addictive Plant Alkaloids on Bumblebee Behavior." Her research explores the potential for pollinators to develop chemical dependencies on compounds like caffeine and nicotine found in certain plants.
Hands-On Experience
Innovation Commons: A Place to Foster Creativity
Innovation Commons, a new space on the second floor of the Sherrod Library designed to ignite creativity and inspiration, is quickly becoming one of the most active hubs on campus. The digital media and maker space offers students, faculty, and staff access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including 3D printing, laser engraving, virtual reality, art, and media tools, including an audio recording booth. No prior experience is required.
ETSU Trailblazers
ETSU Researcher Receives Grant to Develop Flood Monitoring Dashboard
Dr. Qian Huang from ETSU's Center for Rural Health and Research has secured a $20,000 grant from the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) Lab to develop a flood monitoring dashboard for Central Appalachia. The project aims to enhance hazard awareness and preparedness in the region by leveraging generative artificial intelligence to automate data collection and processing.
Serving Those Who Have Served
ETSU Celebrates Veteran Entrepreneurs
Congratulations to the graduates of this year's STRIVE program, an entrepreneurship training course ETSU provides for veterans, service members, and their families. Over eight weeks, participants developed the skills to launch and grow their own businesses.
Poll Shows Tennesseans Value Higher Education
The Tennessee Poll, conducted by ETSU's Applied Social Research Lab, reveals that 45% of Tennesseans believe a college education is very or extremely important in helping young people succeed today. Additionally, respondents overwhelmingly agreed that universities offer value in regard to seven measures of personal and professional success.
ETSU National Alumni Association Hosts Arctic Adventures
The ETSU National Alumni Association invites alumni and friends to participate in the ETSU Alumni Arctic Adventures, a series of family-friendly seasonal events. Activities include ice skating, a hockey night, and a winter-themed movie screening and pajama party. Guests are encouraged to pre-register for all events to receive updates on possible weather cancellations and changes.
ETSU Board Approves Pay Raises for Employees
The ETSU Board of Trustees has approved across-the-board pay increases for full-time, benefits-eligible employees and committed an additional $3.2 million to bring salaries closer to market rates. Closing salary gaps is a top strategic priority for the institution.
Make Plans for Fall Commencement
ETSU will celebrate commencement for fall 2024 graduates on Saturday, December 14. Faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to attend. Details are available at etsu.edu/commencement.
Photo of the Week
Hundreds attended the annual holiday lighting ceremony last Monday, celebrating one of ETSU's most beloved holiday traditions.
Follow @ETSUPrez
#BucsGoBeyond
Stay Informed with 'BucBeat'
"BucBeat" is a weekly news roundup published on Fridays covering highlights from the week in roughly five minutes. Listen anywhere you find your podcasts.
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.
East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, TN 37614
