This week, ETSU Health published its annual magazine, highlighting achievements and advances in health care and research. East Tennessee State University has long been a leader in the health sciences and rural health in particular. Through collaboration with community partners such as Ballad Health, ETSU provides care to high-need communities throughout the Appalachian Highlands and is at the center of cutting-edge research.
Our health sciences faculty, staff, and students are leading projects on a variety of topics. For example, a team from ETSU recently received a $1.8 million NIH grant to focus on finding ways to restore the loss of a sense of smell. Members of ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy are developing methods to deliver medicine through the skin. Researchers from ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine are testing a fascinating theory that they may be able to cure heart failure by stimulating a nerve in the ear. And ETSU faculty have literally written the book on health in Appalachia, tackling issues ranging from opioid addiction to social determinants of health.
As we seek to implement our vision for the future of the university as outlined in the Vision for 125, Chapter 2, expanding our impact in health care and further developing our reputation as a premier health sciences institution is critical. These goals not only align with our existing strengths but directly speak to our mission to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond.
Nominate an ETSU Hero
The application and nomination process for the 2023 class of ETSU Heroes is now open. ETSU Heroes are those members of the ETSU community who exemplify our mantra to “go beyond.” Through acts of service — large or small — they make our world a better place. If you know of a student, faculty or staff member, alum, or member of the ETSU community who has helped others and should be recognized, please consider nominating them for the ETSU Hero award.
This year, the award ceremony will be incorporated into our ETSU Founders Week celebration, a weeklong series of events commemorating the founding of this institution and its mission to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond.
Join us tonight for the ‘Becoming Bucky’ Launch Party
“Becoming Bucky” is an ETSU reality show documenting a semester-long competition to become our mascot. Five finalists are in the running for the coveted title of “Bucky.” This evening, at 6 p.m. in The Cave, they will undertake their first official challenge — playing charades with me. Since Bucky is silent, the ability to communicate nonverbally is critical for anyone hoping to wear the suit. Join us for the competition and the premiere of episode two. There will be free food and drinks, a selfie station, and a live DJ. You can watch episode one of the series and vote for your favorite contestant at etsu.edu/becomingbucky.
Special called meeting of the ETSU Board of Trustees Finance and Administration Committee
East Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees will hold a special called meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee on Tuesday, March 28, at 11 a.m. to discuss tuition and mandatory fees and budgets for 2023-24. The meeting will be conducted permitting participation by electronic or other means of communication if necessary. A livestream of the meeting will be available at etsu.edu/trustees/livestream.php. The agenda and accompanying materials for the meeting are posted at etsu.edu/trustees under “Meeting Schedule & Materials.”
Call for proposals: ETSU’s annual Equity and Inclusion Conference
ETSU’s fifth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference will be held September 28-30. This year’s conference theme is “Beyond ‘Checking a Box’: Building and Sustaining Campus-Wide Engagement for Belonging.” The conference will bring together academics, administrators, students, and advocates to engage in discussions and workshops.
Students, faculty, staff, and community leaders are invited to submit proposals to present during concurrent sessions, special topic sessions, panelist presentations, and civic cafés focusing on practical strategies, skills, and tools needed to move beyond superficial diversity initiatives and explore how to create a truly inclusive and equitable campus environment that engages all members of the community. More information is available at the conference website at etsu.edu/equity/conference. Proposals to present are due by May 15.
Lunch and Learn: Complying with the ‘Divisive Concepts Law’
During a Lunch and Learn session to be hosted Tuesday, March 28, at noon, Brian A. Lapps Jr., General Counsel for the Tennessee Board of Regents, will discuss the implications of SB 2290, also known as the “Divisive Concepts Law,” passed last year by the General Assembly. The session will be held via Zoom. Advance registration is required.
Join us in a celebration of civility
Tomorrow, ETSU will kick off Civility Week, an intentional period of connection, conversation, and reflection on the university community’s core values.
A number of events are planned, including:
A moderated discussion featuring Deborah Douglas and Amber Payne, co-founders of The Emancipator, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, in the ballroom of the D.P. Culp Student Center.
A World Languages and Cultures Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, March 27, in The Cave of the Culp Center.
A presentation by Auburn University religious historian Dr. Adam Jortner on Tuesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room of the Culp Center.
A TEDxETSU, with a theme of “Beyond,” is Monday, April 3, at 7 p.m. in the Culp Center ballroom.
A presentation, Q&A, and ice cream social led by Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield on Tuesday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Center for the Arts.
Welcome new men’s basketball head coach Brooks Savage
During a press conference Monday inside Gordon Ball Court, ETSU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander named Brooks Savage the Buccaneers’ men’s basketball head coach. Coach Savage has a deep understanding of the history of excellence that defines our men’s basketball program, as he helped write an important chapter. I am thrilled to welcome him back to campus in the role of head coach, and I look forward to witnessing the growth and development he will undoubtedly drive within our program and our student-athletes.
The WETS spring fundraiser is underway
Listener support has kept ETSU’s public radio station, WETS 89.5 FM, on the airwaves in the Appalachian Highlands for more than four decades. The station’s spring fund drive is underway now through Friday, March 24. Donations made to the station go directly to support programming from NPR, APM, and PRX, in addition to helping replace older equipment. The station is open 24 hours a day and has four HD channels and online streaming.
Registration for summer and fall begins April 3
Registration for classes for the summer and fall terms will begin April 3. Currently enrolled students should follow the directions below:
Log into GoldLink to see when you are eligible to register and check for registration holds. Resolve registration holds immediately to prevent registration delays. Bursar holds (for past due balances) will be posted on Tuesday, March 21. Contact the appropriate office to resolve any holds you have. Students can see all holds on their Student Page by selecting the “View Holds” option on GoldLink. Visit the Student Hold Resolution Information page.
Review and accept the Financial Responsibility Statement in GoldLink prior to registering for classes.
Contact your advisor prior to your registration date for assistance in class selection and to verify your program of study. Check your registration status to determine if you have an advisement requirement. Advisement holds will be posted on Tuesday, March 21. Use the Advisor Contact List to locate your advisor. Undecided major students and students with Learning Support Reading requirements must contact the University Advisement Center for advisement and registration assistance at (423) 439-5244.
Check your Degree Works account in GoldLink prior to registering to verify you are registering for classes that satisfy your degree requirements. Visit the Degree Works tutorial page for more information on using this helpful tool.
Register for your classes using Schedule Builder. Lock in your schedule by adding courses with the By Subject Tab or Degree Works Plan Tab.
Check out ETSU’s summer session. This is a wonderful opportunity for catching up, getting ahead, or repeating a course. If you need assistance, call the Registration Helpline from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at (423) 439-5584. For help with Schedule Builder, watch this video on “How to Register for Classes using Schedule Builder.”
Last week, ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine celebrated Match Day, an event during which members of the Class of 2023 found out where they were matched for their residencies. The Class of 2023 had a 100% match rate.
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East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, TN 37614
