November 16, 2022

Next week, the university will be closed from Wednesday through Friday, November 23-25. This break offers us a time to rest, give thanks, and enjoy the company of loved ones during the Thanksgiving holiday. It also gives us time to reflect upon traditions celebrated long before the first Thanksgiving. Most of us know that prior to the arrival and settlement of European colonists, the indigenous peoples of America had developed thriving communities, rich cultures, and productive societies. Yet, for too long, the accomplishments and contributions of the first nations have been underappreciated, overlooked, or mocked. Worse, the persecution that indigenous people faced — well into the 21st century — has often been ignored. To promote dialogue and awareness around these issues, November has been designated Native American Heritage month. Native American Heritage Day will be observed this year on November 25.

As a university community, we have a responsibility to facilitate an honest and complete examination of our complex history. It is our duty to encourage open discussion and provide a forum for diverse voices and perspectives. 

I hope that in the next few weeks you will celebrate your cultural traditions and seek joy and gratitude. I also hope you will set aside time to learn about cultures and experiences that differ from yours. You can discover more about the native peoples of our region by visiting the websites of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee. You may also consider listening to this recent interview students in ETSU’s oral history class conducted with Shennelle Feather or visiting the third floor of Sherrod Library, where you will find a display of books related to Native American history and issues, as well as works by Native American authors. ETSU's Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center also serves as a valuable resource.  

I wish you a restful, joyful, and enriching break next week. May we all come back energized to finish this fall semester strong.       

Notable Women of ETSU Colloquium

Later this afternoon, East Tennessee State University’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program will host its annual Notable Women of ETSU Colloquium. The event highlights the expertise and accomplishments of women at ETSU; provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, research, and projects generated by faculty; and identifies faculty whose work advances understanding of lived experiences. This year’s recipients of the Notable Women of ETSU Award are Dr. Cerrone Foster and Dr. Mary Mullins. I invite you to join us in honoring them today from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 841 3233 9338. Guests will be asked to register after accessing the meeting ID.   

Celebrating the Fall Class of 2022

Fall Commencement will be held Saturday, December 10, in the Ballad Health Athletic Center. Graduates do not need to RSVP to participate. Guest tickets will not be required for the ceremony, and there is no limit on the number of guests per graduate.  

Additional information and instructions are available at etsu.edu/commencement/. Graduate seating assignments, digital programs, and links to livestream the ceremony will be posted online prior to the ceremony.   

Faculty and staff who would like to volunteer to assist with Commencement may sign up online.      

Becoming Bucky

For the first time ever, ETSU is hosting a campuswide competition to become the next Bucky — and it’s going to be part of a reality show! The winner will receive up to $12,000 per year toward tuition, a $2,000 annual stipend, and the honor of being one of the most exalted members of the ETSU community: Bucky himself. Think you have what it takes? Visit etsu.edu/becomingbucky for details.      

ETSU Researchers Addressing Equity Gaps Among Minority Males

A team of researchers from ETSU’s Clemmer College and the College of Arts and Sciences is working to reduce equity gaps in the college-going rate for male students from underrepresented minority groups.      

Celebrate the Season with the Department of Music

Through the remainder of the semester, ETSU’s Department of Music will host numerous concerts and recitals. I encourage you to attend these performances, which will undoubtedly showcase the tremendous talent of our students, faculty, and regional artists. The Annual Holiday Concert on December 3 is a beloved tradition you will not want to miss!      

ETSU Theatre and Dance to Perform This Weekend

This weekend, November 17-20, ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance will bring to the stage The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. An adaptation of the bestselling novel by the same name, the performance will tell the captivating story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old math genius who sets out to solve the mysterious murder of his neighbor’s dog.    

Annual Charitable Giving Campaign

Thanks to the incredible generosity of faculty and staff, more than $11,000 has been given to date through the university’s annual Charitable Giving Campaign. There is still time to help make a difference. Donations will continue to be accepted through November 30. Employees are encouraged to view materials on the campaign website and return their Giving Forms to the Office of Human Resources in person at room 307 of Burgin Dossett Hall or by email to hr@etsu.edu.    

Meet ETSU Student Chassady Abernathy

“The Bluegrass program drew me to ETSU, as well as the location,” Chassady said. “I love being in the mountains, and I love this area and the people who are from this area.” Hear her story.    

Quarterly Board of Trustees Meeting

East Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees will hold its quarterly meeting and several committee meetings on Friday, November 18. All meetings will be conducted in person at the D.P. Culp Student Center, East Tennessee Room. Meeting details including an agenda and related materials are available at etsu.edu/trustees under “Meeting Schedule & Materials.” The meetings are open to the public, and a livestream of the full board meeting will be available at etsu.edu/trustees/livestream.php.    

Photo of the Week

Students from ETSU’s six pop a cappella ensembles performed together in "Perfect Harmony," an annual concert held earlier this month at the Martin Center for the Arts.    

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