Last week, the world watched as Tyre Nicholas was being beaten to death by Memphis police officers. The images and video of his murder are haunting and heartbreaking. As our nation attempts to make sense of yet another senseless act of violence, many on our campus are struggling.
If we are to end the atrocities and violence our nation all-too-frequently endures, we must work together to strengthen our communities. Each of us has a role to play in building a brighter future. We can begin by upholding our values that people come first and are to be treated with dignity and respect. We can begin by facilitating understanding instead of fueling divisiveness. We can begin by serving as engaged, empowered citizens rather than passive bystanders.
A university is a forum. It is a place where we can discuss ideas, develop solutions, and challenge assumptions. It is a place for honest conversations and deep listening. I encourage each of you to participate in upcoming events to be hosted by our Office of Equity and Inclusion. A listening session will be held on Thursday, February 2, at 5 p.m. in the presentation room of the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center with a representative from the ETSU Counseling Center and others. A panel session will be held on Monday, February 6, from 6-7:30 p.m.in the D.P. Culp Student Center Ballroom with representatives from the Johnson City Police Department, ETSU Campus Police, and others.
Black History Month
Today marks the first day of Black History Month. This annual observance provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the unique experiences of Black Americans and to celebrate the legacies and achievements of Black individuals. I encourage each of you to learn more about Black history as well as the important tradition of Black History Month by attending tonight’s lecture by Dr. Kevin L. Brooks, the Director of the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center. Mr. Brooks’ presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in The Cave in the D.P. Culp Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. Additionally, the Multicultural Center has scheduled a variety of Black History Month events through February. Events are listed below, and more information is provided on the ETSU website.
Festival of Ideas
The annual Festival of Ideas will take place the week of February 27. This year’s festival theme is “Curiosity, Connection, and Community,” as the event offers us an opportunity to learn from one another and think through critical issues for our region and our world.
Our lineup this year includes best-selling author and New York Times columnist David Brooks as well as Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, co-hosts of the popular Pantsuit Politics podcast.
We also will host a community forum to discuss how we can connect our community through crucial conversations. All Festival of Ideas events will be free and open to the public. A full schedule will be announced in the coming days and updated at etsu.edu/festival.
Gov. Bill Lee to Deliver State of the State Address
On Monday, February 6, Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his annual State of the State address, at which time he will provide details on his legislative priorities and his proposed budget. The event will be broadcast locally and online on the Governor’s Facebook and YouTube pages at 7 p.m. EST.
Civility Week Slated for March
Save the date for ETSU’s annual Civility Week celebration. This year, activities will take place between March 23 and April 4. Details, including a schedule of events, will be provided soon.
Office of Equity and Inclusion Hosting Workshop Series
The Office of Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with the USC Race and Equity Center, will host a series of online learning sessions throughout 2023. These events are free to attend; however, registration is required. The next session, “Engaging in Productive Conversations About Race and Racism,” will be held Tuesday, February 28, from 1-3 p.m. Register at www.uscrec.info/ETHERA_2 or view the complete schedule.
Free Counseling Available through Clemmer College
Clemmer College is offering counseling and mental health support to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community through the Department of Counseling and Human Services’ Community Counseling Clinic (CCC). There is no cost to utilize these services.
The CCC is staffed by master’s level counselors-in-training who are supervised by faculty members with the Department of Counseling and Human Services. The clinic offers individual counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as couples counseling and family therapy. There are no limits on the number of counseling sessions that individuals and families may attend; however, counselors-in-training may rotate after one to three semesters, resulting in a client’s transfer to a new counselor.
BucSports Medicine Clinic Available for Faculty, Staff, and Students
BucSports Medicine invites faculty, staff, and students to their new location on campus on Jack Vest Drive near the parking garage. The clinic is accepting new patients with services including orthopedic injury evaluation, on-site x-ray services, physical therapy, and state-of-the-art treatment options.
Vanderbilt Specialists to Present on Interprofessional Care
On February 17, the Center for Interprofessional Collaboration will host specialists from Vanderbilt University Medical Center to discuss interprofessional complex patient care.
The Vanderbilt team will share their experiences and best practices in facilitating an interprofessional team-based culture to improve the coordination of care to best treat the whole patient. The session will be offered in person in Bishop Hall (Building 60 on the VA Campus) and online via Zoom. This opportunity is free and open to health care providers on all levels. AMA PRA Category 1, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work, and Nutrition Credits will be offered. Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit the event website.
Bucs Go Beyond
Meet Evan Alvarado
Evan Alvarado, a Park and Recreation Management student in ETSU’s Clemmer College, has a passion for fighting wildfires and protecting wildlands. Learn more about Evan’s journey.
Faculty, staff, and community members gave Chief Financial Officer Dr. B.J. King a standing ovation during last week’s party celebrating her retirement. Dr. King has served ETSU for more than 25 years.
Follow @ETSUPrez
#BucsGoBeyond
East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Drive, Johnson City, TN 37614
