November 2, 2022

Over the past several months, our campus has focused intently on strategic planning and held numerous discussions around fulfilling our mission to improve the quality of life for people throughout the region and beyond. Since our institution's founding in 1911, the cornerstone of this mission has been improving access to high-quality education and closing opportunity gaps. ETSU is — and will always be — an access-focused institution. Our campus community is deeply committed to providing new opportunities to students from low-income families, underrepresented minority groups, and rural areas.  

We serve a high number of first-generation students, which is highlighted during our fall and spring commencement ceremonies when I ask those who are the first in their families to attend college to stand and be recognized. Earning a college degree offers one of the most promising pathways to a richer and more fulfilling life. In recognition of the transformative power of higher education, I invite you to join me in celebrating National First-Gen Student Day on November 8. There are numerous ways to participate. Share first-generation success stories on your social media channels. Highlight ETSU's nationally recognized TRIO programs. Or celebrate your status as a first-generation student or graduate by including the new  ETSU First-Gen Graphic in your email signature.   

Hear from first-generation college student and ETSU alum Dr. Jason Brotherton who now serves as a physician at an under-resourced hospital in rural Kenya.  

3-Minute Thesis Competition 

Tonight, from 4-6 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium, ETSU graduate students will compete in the first phase of the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition. 3MT® provides students the opportunity to develop their professional presentation and research communication skills. The event aims to distill projects into an engaging three-minute presentation designed for a general (non-specialist) audience using just one slide. The top scorers from tonight's event will compete in the finals on November 9. These events offer an excellent opportunity to learn about some of the research and scholarship activities taking place through ETSU's graduate programs.  

ETSU A Cappella Ensembles to Perform in 'Perfect Harmony'  

"Perfect Harmony," a popular annual concert that features all six pop a cappella ensembles from the ETSU Department of Music, is set for this Friday, November 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.  

Veterans Day Ceremony 

Please join me next Thursday, November 10, at 101 a.m. in the Quad as we honor our military veterans during a special ceremony. Speaking at next week's event is Col. Matt Skaggs, the senior intelligence officer assigned to the Joint Special Operations Command. 

ETSU is proud to be home to many veterans and military-affiliated students. I want to offer special thanks to Veterans Affairs, ROTC, our ETSU Military Affiliated Student Resource Center, and many others for your support and assistance in organizing the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony. We salute all of our veterans and thank you for your sacrifice, commitment, and service to our country. 

Our campus offers numerous resources and services to support veterans and military-affiliated community members. These include the STRIVE (Startup Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship) program, which is now accepting applications for 2023.  

Holiday Lighting Ceremony 

I invite you to join me, Student Government Association President Mason Mosier, and our beloved Bucky to kick off the holiday season and turn on the campus holiday lights. Festivities will take place on Monday, November 14, from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., at Alumni Plaza, next to the Carillon. Music, hot cider, cocoa, and cookies will be provided.  

Announcing the Andrew CBAT Leadership Academy  

East Tennessee State University's College of Business and Technology and the ETSU Foundation recently unveiled the Andrew CBAT Leadership Academy in honor of two local business leaders, Dewey Andrew and Scott Andrew, who have provided a three-year endowment totaling $150,000. The CBAT Leadership Academy is a unique leadership opportunity for select students that focuses on personal introspection, understanding others, triple-bottom-line success, leading and coaching, building financial acumen, delivering project results, and service leadership opportunities.    

Flu Shots Available at ETSU 

It's a great time to get your flu shot, and our staff with University Health Center is administering the flu vaccine at the Nicks Hall clinic. Appointments are preferred and can be scheduled by calling (423) 439-4225. Insurance will be billed. In addition, anyone who wishes to have the COVID-19 vaccine can make those arrangements through ETSU Health.  

Budget and Operations Town Hall 

Last week, Huron Consulting Group presented a virtual Town Hall meeting to share their findings and recommendations on improving the ETSU budget model and enhancing operations. If you were unable to attend, I encourage you to review the recording of the event and the presented slides, both of which are available on the ETSU Strategic Plan website.  

ETSU Leading National Rural Public Health Research 

ETSU is joining five other universities across the country to form a unique collaboration called the Consortium for Workforce Research in Public Health (CWORPH). Supported by a first-of-its-kind joint $4.7 million cooperative agreement from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the consortium will conduct robust public health workforce research, evaluation, and analysis. ETSU will play a unique role by leading studies on the needs of public health workers in rural jurisdictions. 

Celebrating the History and Cultural Contributions of Hip-Hop 

The Black American Studies program and the Reece Museum, with support from the College of Arts & Sciences' Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Department of Appalachian Studies, and the Mary B. Martin School for the Arts, have partnered to present the second annual event series "Hip-Hop History: A Cultural Celebration." These events will take place at the Reece Museum throughout November and will celebrate and recognize Hip-Hop art and culture. The award-winning event series, which focuses on the art form's contributions to and impact on Appalachia, has been commended by the Tennessee Association of Museums.   

State of the University Survey

Earlier today, all faculty, staff, and students received a request to participate in the State of the University survey. Data collected through this survey will be used to understand how our campus community feels about the direction of the institution and the variety of initiatives underway. Responses are completely anonymous. Though the survey is not required, I encourage each of you to take time to share your candid feedback and ideas.  

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