October 5, 2022

Yesterday, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) issued a clarion call for partners across the state to join together to address Tennessee’s declining college-going rate. The percentage of high school students pursuing postsecondary education immediately after high school has dropped dramatically in the past five years, from 63.8 percent for the class of 2017 to 52.8 percent for the class of 2021. Yet, ensuring that students complete some form of education or training beyond high school remains critically important both for individuals and communities. Earning a college degree remains one of the most promising pathways for economic mobility, and our workforce needs college graduates who can think critically, adjust to ever-shifting demands, and employ advanced skills.  

At ETSU, we are working hard to provide opportunities for students and build the workforce of tomorrow. In fact, this newsletter highlights initiatives designed to do exactly that. Next week, we will launch our QEP, which is focused on community-engaged learning. Later this month, we will host the Grow the Future symposium, which will focus on building the bioeconomy. The university also has a range of community partnerships that provide our students with real-world training. Through these and numerous other activities, ETSU faculty, staff, and students are working to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life for people throughout the region through the power of higher education.  

But to address achievement gaps and regain lost ground, our efforts must go beyond the few years that students spend on our campus. We must build partnerships across the P-20 continuum and develop agile programs that facilitate lifelong learning.   

We also must seek to not merely close but eliminate equity gaps by supporting the success of underrepresented students, including students of color, first-generation students, and low-income students. Last week, the Office of Equity and Inclusion hosted its fourth annual conference, which featured distinguished presenters working to address inequities at a national and international level. The conference also highlighted the outstanding scholarship and leadership of faculty and staff here on campus.  

This work, which focuses on building a culture of inclusion and belonging, is critical as we seek to meet the statewide goal of increasing college access and success. Because, as the adage goes, if we want to go far, we must go together.    

Growing the Future

On October 27, the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation will host “Growing the Future: Symposium on Innovation and Education for the Bioeconomy” in ETSU’s Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts. This event will bring together leaders in education, government, and industry to highlight global bioeconomy opportunities and initiatives in the Appalachian Highlands. The symposium will feature some of the world’s most innovative thought leaders in the bioeconomy. Biotechnology and biomanufacturing represent a growing sector that is rich in economic opportunities for the Appalachian Highlands. Recently, through an Executive Order, President Biden designated growing and securing the bioeconomy as a national priority for expansion and development. I would encourage any member of the university community interested in the economic development and success of our region to attend this free symposium. To register or for more information, visit etsuresearchcorporation.org.   

Community-Engaged Learning: QEP Kickoff

The development and implementation of a Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, is an integral part of ETSU’s reaffirmation and accreditation process. In December 2021, the University Council approved a proposal to make community-engaged learning the focus of our QEP, which will be implemented across a five-year period. Next week, we will kick off the project with a series of events featuring Dr. Barbara Jacoby, a scholar and author of five books on community-engaged learning:  

• October 13 at 8:30 a.m. – Community-Engaged Learning, Coffee, and Conversation 
• October 13 at 11:30 a.m. – Lunch and Learn: Getting Started with Community Engaged Learning 
• October 13 at 3 p.m. – QEP Kickoff Address 
• October 14 at 11 a.m. – Debunking the Myths and Addressing the Barriers to Community-Engaged Learning 

To register for these events or learn more, visit etsu.edu/community-engagement. To see a great example of community-engaged learning in action, check out this recent video highlighting the work ETSU students completed for Steele Creek Park.   

State of the University Address

On Friday, October 14, at 10 a.m., I will provide my annual State of the University address in the Powell Recital Hall at the Martin Center for the Arts. I invite you to join me to learn more about the overall health of the institution, key trends in higher education, and ETSU’s strategic initiatives for the coming year. A livestream will be available at etsu.edu/president/speeches.     

Bands of America Returns to ETSU

Later this month, ETSU will again host one of the Bands of America Regional Championships. It is scheduled for Saturday, October 15. Being able to host this event is a tremendous opportunity for the university, as well as the Appalachian Highlands. I commend Dr. Joe Moore, director of athletic bands and a member of the Department of Music, and David Golden, chief executive officer for the ETSU Research Corporation, for their work in securing this prestigious honor. Our very own Marching Bucs, who have enjoyed a dramatic resurgence, will perform at 4:15 p.m. Purchase tickets here or at the Ballad Health Athletic Center on the day of the event.

Cyber Security Month: A Reminder to Stay Safe Online

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As more and more organizations are experiencing cyber-attacks, it is increasingly critical for faculty, staff, students, and all members of our university community to follow good digital security practices. These measures include things like using two-factor authentication, recognizing the dangers of phishing attacks, and keeping software up to date. The cybersecurity awareness page maintained by Information Technology Services can provide more detailed information on these practices. I also would like to remind all ETSU employees to complete the free training course that Information Technology Services has provided.    

40th Anniversary Celebration: ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies

Forty years ago, Jack Tottle, a faculty member at ETSU, proposed creating a program of study focusing on bluegrass and old-time music. Many in academia scoffed, arguing that these genres were not sophisticated or important enough for university-level study. Mr. Tottle and the ETSU community proved them wrong. ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program has been called the gold standard for programs celebrating and building upon the tradition of American music, drawing national and international acclaim and producing numerous GRAMMY and Country Music Association award winners. On October 21 at 7 p.m., the program will host a special 40th anniversary concert at the Martin Center for the Arts. Program founder Jack Tottle will participate, as will numerous well-known and accomplished artists who have direct connections to the university. Tickets and more information are available at etsu.edu/bluegrass.    

Fall Break Reminder

Fall Break for students is October 10 and 11. During this time, there will be no classes; however, the university will remain open.    

Let's Boogie, Bucs!

Homecoming week kicks off October 15 and continues through October 23. A complete schedule with details is available at etsu.edu/homecoming.    

WETS Annual Fund Drive

WETS-FM, ETSU’s public radio station, will host its annual fall fund drive beginning October 8.    

Annual Enrollment for Employee Benefits

The annual enrollment period for employee benefits began October 1 and will continue through October 14. Annual enrollment is your opportunity to add, cancel, or change insurance coverages. Learn more at etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/enrollment.php.    

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