Yesterday, ETSU achieved a significant milestone. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to reaffirm our university’s accreditation with no findings or recommendations. This vote signifies that one of the most stringent accrediting bodies in the nation not only gave ETSU its continued endorsement but did so without listing a single concern or recommendation for improvement. In short, it was a glowing review.
ETSU must undergo the reaffirmation process every 10 years to ensure that the institution continues to deliver high-quality educational programs, operate efficiently, and progress toward its public mission. This successful reaffirmation is not just a mark ofinstitutional success; it is a testament to the years of planning and countless individuals who have worked tirelessly to guide us through what is a rigorous and in-depth evaluative process. I would like to offer a special note of thanks to Provost Dr. Kimberly McCorkle, Dr. Cheri Clavier, Dr. Mike Hoff, Dr. Joseph Chappell, Dr. Susan McCracken, and countless faculty, staff, and students for their diligence and dedication throughout this process.
As part of the reaffirmation process, ETSU was required to develop a plan to enhance educational quality for the next decade. Given our institutional mission to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond and our commitment to preparing students for lifelong success, ETSU’s faculty and staff decided to focus our plan on expanding opportunities for students to gain real-world, hands-on experience while making an impact in the community. Dubbed “Go Beyond the Classroom,” the plan will intensify ETSU’s focus on community-engaged learning.
“Go Beyond the Classroom” is not a single, isolated initiative, nor was it developed within the bubble of academia. For nearly two years, ETSU faculty, students, and staff have worked hand-in-hand with community partners, including employers, non-profit leaders, and public officials, to design a comprehensive and innovative approach to educating our students. Through this work, they have developed a framework to better link coursework to real-world problems and situations, allowing students to gain meaningful, practical experience that will prepare them for careers, and develop a sense of purpose and connection to the community. This philosophy will be integrated into classes as well as co-curricular opportunities, such as alternative breaks, internships, and service projects, to allow students to make a real-world impact.
I am incredibly proud of the quality enhancement plan, as I believe it represents the heart of ETSU. This is a place where new ideas are born, and robust debate and discussion occur. But it is a place where we do not rest on theory or content ourselves with mere talk. At ETSU, our students, faculty, and staff roll up their sleeves, get out into our communities, and put those ideas to work. Bucs work hard, give back, and put people first.
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Bucs Go Beyond
Celebrate Fall 2023 Commencement
Next Saturday, December 16, we will celebrate the accomplishments of our students and confer more than 1,400 degrees during commencement ceremonies to be held at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Ballad Health Athletic Center. I encourage our entire campus community to join us in celebrating this milestone in person or via livestream. Details are available at etsu.edu/commencement.
ETSU Plays a Leading Role in Mitigating Natural Disasters
Continuous downpours in August 2021 created catastrophic flooding. The wildfires that raged in November 2016 scorched more than 90,000 acres. And the tornadoes that roared through in 2011 left several dead. Natural disasters occur occasionally in the Volunteer State, and having thorough plans to help minimize the destruction is critical. East Tennessee State University is playing an important role on this front.
Celebrate the Season
The holidays are a magical time of year at East Tennessee State University, and there are many ways to celebrate! From family activities to stocking stuffers, from holiday concerts to festive playlists, students, faculty, and staff across campus are helping to make the season bright. Visit etsu.edu/holidays to find holiday music performed by ETSU students, a playlist of past holiday videos (including the famous “Home Alone” parody), information about holiday events, and more. Also, be on the lookout for the 2023 holiday video featuring cameos from many recognizable faces across campus.
ETSU Traditions
Borchuck Plaza
ETSU’s Borchuck Plaza, located in front of Sherrod Library, is a special place on campus. Often the site of public meetings, peaceful protests, vigils, and other forms of civic expression and reflection, Borchuck is the physical embodiment of the university’s commitment to free expression and civil discourse. The fountain in the center of the plaza tells a story of hope, inspiration, and courage and is dedicated to the five Black students who first desegregated East Tennessee State University: Eugene Caruthers, Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Clarence McKinney, George L. Nichols, and Mary Luellen Owens Wagner.
These students went on to succeed in education, civil rights activism, military service, and business. The constantly flowing water in the fountain is a reminder of these pioneering individuals’ enduring place in our university’s history. Learn more about the inspiring story of the trailblazing African American students, including Mr. George Nichols, who integrated the university and whose names are inscribed on the plaza wall – and about plans for a new fountain to be dedicated in honor of their enduring legacy at ETSU.
Save the Date
2024 Festival of Ideas
ETSU will celebrate its annual Festival of Ideas the week of February 26. This year’s festival will feature keynote speaker and best-selling author Mitch Albom on Tuesday, February 27. Additional speakers and details will be announced soon at etsu.edu/festival.
Real-World Impact
Better Workplaces Tennessee
Better Workplaces Tennessee, an innovative, data-driven initiative designed to transform workplace culture, announced its official launch, marking a historic collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Health and the Strong BRAIN Institute at East Tennessee State University. Supported by the Appalachian Promise Alliance, internationally recognized author and speaker Becky Haas, and the ETSU Research Corporation, this initiative is set to transform workplace experiences for both employees and the people they serve. Learn more.
Extended Holiday Break
In recognition of the diligent efforts of our faculty and staff, ETSU employees will be granted a half-day administrative leave day on Thursday, December 21, beginning at noon, and a full administrative leave day on Tuesday, January 2, to extend the holiday break and university closure. Please be aware that this closure will affect different areas of campus in unique ways:
Faculty and staff who are required to work one or both days — such as university employees in the clinical environment — will have the opportunity to take this time off at a later date. This deferred leave must be taken by February 29, 2024.
On December 21, employees should mark an “L” on their timesheets for 3.5 hours. On January 2, employees should mark an “L” on their timesheets for 7.5 hours. Employees unable to take this time off should record an “L” on their timesheet when the deferred leave is taken.
Should you have questions, please contact Human Resources athr@etsu.edu.
The ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance’s recent performance of James and the Giant Peach was truly spectacular.
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#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.
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