Last week during the quarterly meeting of the ETSU Board of Trustees, our staff presented the results of the recent State of the University Survey. I was pleased — but not surprised — to see that students, faculty, and staff overwhelmingly rated East Tennessee State University as a strong community with a positive and supportive atmosphere. Perhaps even more importantly, survey respondents were nearly unanimous in saying they believe ETSU is fulfilling its charge to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond.
This steadfast commitment to our mission is one of the best and most unique characteristics of this institution. It permeates every level of our university and is not only noticed, but also admired by visitors to our campus and peers across the higher education system. This was made evident a few weeks ago when ETSU hosted a peer review team as part of our 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
One word repeatedly entered reviewers’ assessment of our campus: “sincerity.” The review team was deeply impressed by the sincerity of our commitment to our mission, this institution, and the public purpose of higher education. To borrow from the theme of the recently announced fifth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference, at ETSU, we go beyond “checking a box.” We dedicate our hearts, minds, and hands to making the world a better place.
ETSU received a glowing review from SACSCOC, reaffirming our position as a premier higher education institution. I would like to thank the many members of our faculty, staff, and student body who helped during the reaffirmation process. I would particularly like to thank Provost Dr. Kimberly McCorkle, Dr. Cheri Clavier, Dr. Mike Hoff, and Dr. Susan McCracken, who all worked tirelessly for months to tell our story and showcase the exemplary scholarship, teaching, research, and service occurring at this institution.
As we head into the final weeks of the spring 2023 semester, our university has much to celebrate. Take time to enjoy this season of celebration and to recognize and appreciate the hard work it has taken to reach this point.
Godspeed, and go Bucs.
Top Adventure College Championship
We were victorious over Virginia Tech. We crushed Clemson. We outpaced Appalachian State. And we stomped Sewanee. Now we’re in the championship round for the title of “Top Adventure College” in the Southeast. Let’s win this! Voting ends today.
Commencement Keynote Speakers
East Tennessee State University will celebrate its spring 2023 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6, in the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome). Mrs. Brenda Mock Brown, Head Coach of the ETSU Women’s Basketball Team, will serve as the keynote speaker at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Dr. Dennis Depew, Dean Emeritus of the ETSU College of Business and Technology, will speak at the 2:30 p.m. ceremony. For more information about Commencement, visit etsu.edu/commencement.
Campus Pride Month
April is Campus Pride Month, a time to celebrate and show support for LGBTQ+ members of our campus community. ETSU offers several resources to help promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, including
As we work toward a strong finish to the spring semester, remember to take time to care for yourself. Several organizations across campus have planned activities to help you de-stress during Dead Week and Finals Week. Additionally, ETSU’s counseling services are always available.
Students who are experiencing distress or are in need of mental health resources can contact the Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Bucs Press 2 hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (423) 439-4841.
The University Health Center provides behavioral health support and can be reached at (423) 439-4225. Additional crisis resources are available here.
Faculty and staff who need mental health support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program, which includes a 24/7 hotline at 855-Here4TN (855) 437-3486.
Reporting Discrimination and Harassment
As a reminder, ETSU prohibits Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct based on any federally or state Protected Classes, and includes race, color, or ethnicity; sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; national origin; marital or parental status; religion; age; disability; veteran’s status; and/or genetic information in Education Programs or Activities and employment. This policy applies to all levels and areas of university operations and programs, to undergraduate and graduate students, administrators, faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors, and contractors. Individuals may report Discrimination or Harassment without fear of adverse consequences and ETSU will be responsive to reports. This policy is not intended to infringe upon academic freedom or to censor or punish members of the university community who engage in activity protected by the First Amendment and the Campus Free Speech Protection Act.
Earth Month
April is Earth Month, an opportunity to renew our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. One way you can reduce your imprint is to support recycling and reuse through the Campus Free Store. Donations to the store are accepted by appointment on weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Department of Sustainability Office or may be dropped off at Bucky's Food Pantry, Culp Center location. Email gogreen@etsu.edu for more information. You can learn more about ETSU’s sustainability initiatives at etsu.edu/sustainability.
New WETS-FM Website
ETSU’s public radio station, WETS-FM, recently launched a new website. You can view their community calendar, a complete programming schedule, and the latest news from NPR at wets.org.
Summer Session
Registration for summer session courses is now open. Enrolling in summer courses provides students with opportunities to stay on track or get ahead in their coursework.
With over 1,200 courses available during the term, students can enjoy the convenience of choosing from a variety of formats, including general education courses, online, study abroad, and many more.
Day of Giving
ETSU’s 2023 annual Day of Giving was a resounding success. The university received more than 1,060 gifts totaling more than $358,000, surpassing our goal of 1,000 gifts as well as our total giving for 2022. Thank you to all who supported this community-led effort.
Equity and Inclusion Conference
ETSU invites proposals for the fifth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference, an event led by national and regional speakers to support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts throughout the campus community and region. The submission deadline is Monday, May 15. Learn more here.
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