Kicking Off the 2024-25 Academic Year

Hello, and welcome back to what undoubtedly will be an engaging and memorable semester at East Tennessee State University!

In my lengthy career in higher education, I have never felt more excited about the start of an academic year. The energy on campus is palpable as we welcome not only one of the largest incoming first-year classes in the university's history but also the largest group of students ever to live on campus.

ETSU is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the?most beautiful and meaningful places?to live and learn — not just in our region but throughout the South. Our incoming class of students has grown by more than 30 percent over the past three years, outpacing nearly every university in Tennessee.

There is a reason more and more students are choosing ETSU. In fact, there are several. We are nestled amid the?stunning scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. We boast?unique and nationally ranked?academic programs and research centers. And we have repeatedly been recognized as among the top universities in the nation for students?graduating with little or no debt.

These impressive accolades offer powerful reasons for students to make ETSU their home. But I would argue there is a better and far more important factor: our people. When our students, faculty, and staff join the ETSU family, they become part of something vast and inspiring. This is a place where people live with a purpose: to improve the quality of life for people in Appalachia and beyond. It is a place where relationships matter and kindness is valued.?At ETSU, anyone, regardless of where they came from, can grow, succeed, and compete with the best.?

You have likely heard me say this many times: ?

Bucs work hard.?Bucs give back.?And Bucs go beyond.?

Education is a journey often marked by challenges and discoveries. Over the next year, each and every member of our campus community will undoubtedly experience moments of uncertainty or introspection. We may feel uncomfortable. But these experiences are integral to personal, academic, and professional growth.?When those moments of doubt, struggle, or frustration occur, I encourage everyone to take a deep breath, give themselves and others grace, and, most importantly, reach out to their community. If there is one thing I know in my heart, it is that the people at this university care and want to help.???

Good luck this fall, and make the most of it.?

Godspeed, and go Bucs.

Support Our 'Bucs on Parade'

The countdown is on for the East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs, who this November will be the first collegiate marching band from Tennessee to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in more than 60 years. To help raise funds for the journey to the Big Apple, ETSU will host a concert fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Center for the Arts. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds from the event will directly support the Marching Bucs. To reserve tickets for the concert fundraiser, visit?etsumartincenter.org. To make a donation to the Marching Bucs parade performance, visit?etsu.edu/bucsonparade.?

ETSU Today Summer 2024 Edition

The latest edition of ETSU Today is arriving in mailboxes! Check out the online edition, which includes bonus content.

Celebrating Distinguished Faculty

At the annual Faculty Convocation ceremony last week, three ETSU faculty members were presented with the Distinguished Faculty Award in the areas of research, teaching, and service. This award is the highest honor given to an ETSU professor. Dr. Cuihong Jia, an associate professor in the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, earned the Distinguished Faculty Award in Research.??Dr. Andrew Joyner, associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and Tennessee's state climatologist, received the Distinguished Faculty Award in Service. Dr. Tom Kwasigroch, who has guided medical students through the intricacies of medical gross anatomy for 45 years at ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine, was presented with the Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching. Congratulations to all three award winners on these prestigious and much-deserved honors.