This is always an exciting time on our campus as we prepare to welcome our new students to ETSU. Our recruitment efforts for the Class of 2026 began more than a year ago, and our work to support these students is only beginning as they arrive on campus next week. We are committed to their success every step of the way. One of the most significant student success initiatives we have across the ETSU campus is our academic advising program. From the moment our freshmen and transfer students arrive for new student orientation, they meet regularly with one of our advisors. While part of the conversations our advisors have involves which courses the students will take, the work of these dedicated staff members goes far beyond course scheduling. They share information with students about resources available on campus. When students struggle academically or with other issues, our advisors help connect them with support services. This level of support continues through graduation.
I want to thank our 35 staff members and the more than 100 faculty who carry the responsibility of academic advising. In recent years, ETSU has set institutional records not only in terms of graduation rates but also in the retention of our first-year students. These accolades are a direct reflection of the work our advisors are doing each day. Thank you for all you do.
As We Begin the Fall Semester...
One event I always look forward to is our annual Faculty Convocation, which gives an opportunity to meet new faculty and reconnect with returning colleagues as we celebrate the start of the new academic year. "From Vision to Action: Moving Forward Together" is the theme of this year's convocation, which will be held Friday, August 19, at the Martin Center for the Arts. All faculty are invited to join us at 8:30 a.m. for refreshments, followed by the program at 9 a.m. in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall. The program features the introduction of new faculty; welcoming remarks from campus leaders; the presentation of the Distinguished Faculty Awards in Teaching, Research, and Service; and more.
Other important information surrounding the start of the semester:
Our New Student Convocation will be held also on Friday, August 19. Join us in welcoming the Class of 2026 in Brooks Gym from 3-4 p.m.
Want to help freshmen move into their residence halls? Every year on Move-In Day, many staff members and faculty sign up to help our students unload their packed cars as they settle into their new campus home. If you are interested in helping next week August 16-18 (Tuesday – Friday) email Robert Minton in Housing and Residence Life.
Welcome Tables will be set up on Monday and Tuesday, August 22-23, across campus starting at 7:45 a.m. Students can visit these tables to get directions or to have questions answered. Volunteers are needed to staff these tables. If interested, please complete this form. Training will be provided.
New Head Women's Basketball Coach
Earlier this week I had the privilege of welcoming our new head women’s basketball coach to the ETSU family. Brenda Mock Brown will be the 10th head coach in the program’s history after leading a decorated career at UNC-Asheville, where she was head women’s basketball coach from 2012-20. While at UNCA, she led the team to winning two Big South Tournament honors and the 2015-16 Big South regular season championship. With experience as an assistant coach at Florida, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Georgia Tech, Coach Mock brings a collective 18 years of coaching experience to ETSU. We are honored to welcome her to the Buccaneer family.
Reminder about Fee Payment Deadline
Please note: the fee payment deadline for the fall semester is Monday, August 15, at 6 a.m. – less than five days away. To prevent disenrollment from classes, the Bursar’s Office has payment options available for all students. Staff members are available to assist students and families with any questions at bursar@etsu.edu or by calling (423) 439-4212. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers step-by-step instructions here.
Introducing 'BucWire'
Tomorrow, the Office of University Marketing and Communications will launch "BucWire," a new weekly e-news digest of feature stories, videos, recent headlines, and information about events. The first issue of "BucWire" will introduce us to some of our new ETSU faculty as well as a Theatre/Dance student who spent the summer as an intern at Barter Theatre.
Extended Office Hours Begin Tomorrow
Several offices critical to student success will extend their traditional office hours beginning tomorrow, August 11, and continuing through August 25. Visit etsu.edu/hours/ for a complete list of offices that will have extended hours. Thanks to all of our dedicated staff members who, as always, go above and beyond to help students and their family members during these busy times.
Active Shooter Preparation Presentation
The Office of Administration is hosting a special Active Shooter Preparation Presentation by Emergency Management and Public Safety. Our Public Safety teams have been training and preparing diligently over the past few months to enhance campus safety. All faculty and staff are invited to experience the training session at the Martin Center on Monday, August 15, from 10-11 a.m. Those who cannot attend in person may use this Zoom link or view the recorded presentation, which will be made available following the session. The program will focus on specific planning strategies that all faculty and staff can implement to prepare for the upcoming semester.
'Why I Teach' with Dr. Kelly Price
In 2014, our College of Business and Technology launched its new M.S. program in Digital Marketing. Faculty member and two-time ETSU graduate Dr. Kelly Price helped develop this highly popular program and currently serves as one of its primary faculty. Recently, she sat down with Provost McCorkle for the “Why I Teach” podcast to discuss her passion for teaching and how she engages students in online learning.
Meet Zach Dickenson
I invite you to take a few moments and follow the story of ETSU nursing senior Zach Dickenson that is featured on our homepage. Zach is a leader on campus and is also part of our Honors-in-Discipline program. Like so many of our students at ETSU, Zach found our campus to be “just right” when he was searching for a college to attend.
Follow @ETSUPrez
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