BlueSky Tennessee Institute
A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP
The BlueSky Tennessee Institute powered by ETSU can help you kickstart your education and career. It’s a groundbreaking partnership between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University.
Earn a degree and secure a career at the same time. In just over two years, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Computing from East Tennessee State University — and earn a job offer from BlueCross BlueSield of Tennessee.
APPLY TO THE BLUESKY TENNESSEE INSTITUTE PROGRAM!
ETSU - Faculty and Staff
William Rochelle
Site Director & LecturerBlueSky TN Institute, Computing
- rochellew@etsu.edu
- 423-439-5717
- 2.2I76 BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
Benjamin Burton
LecturerBlueSky TN Institute, Computing
- burtonbr@etsu.edu
- 423-439-6953
- 2.2I55 BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
Puskar Joshi
LecturerBlueSky TN Institute, Computing
- joship1@etsu.edu
- 423-439-5595
- BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
Tony Pittarese
Dean & Professor, ETSU BlueSky Executive DirectorCollege of Business and Technology, Computing
- pittares@etsu.edu
- 423-439-5489
- 210 Sam Wilson Hall, ETSU Main Campus
Brian Bennett
Chair & Associate ProfessorComputing
- bennetbt@etsu.edu
- 423-439-7409
- 465 Nicks Hall, ETSU Main Campus
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee - Staff
Brad Leon
Executive DirectorBlueSky TN Institute
- bradley_leon@bcbst.com
- 423-664-7243
- 2.2J70 BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
Melissa Graham
Student Success ManagerBlueSky TN Institute
- melissa_graham@bcbst.com
- 423-362-2139
- 2.2I16 BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
Haley Wilson
Recruitment CoordinatorBlueSky TN Institute
- haley_wilson@bcbst.com
- 423-260-5079
- BlueSky Chattanooga Ctr
How to Apply:
- Complete the ETSU application process.
- Fill out the ETSU application for admission to the university. Make sure to select Computing as your major and check the box indicating your interest in BlueSky Institute.
- Send all transcripts from High School or previous colleges attended.
- ACT/SAT scores are optional for admissions but students are encouraged to submit them
for placement purposes. If they are not submitted, students will need to take placement
exams once admitted.
- Students with a 2.29 high school GPA or below are required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
- Complete the BlueSky Tennessee Institute application .
- Complete the BlueSky Institute application form.
- The application has three essay questions to complete. Please contact Haley Wilson, the BlueSky recruiter, for those questions during the application period: Haley_Wilson@bcbst.com.
- The application will require 3 references. Please have permission from your references before completing your application.
- If invited, participate in the interview days.
- References will be contacted if invited to the interview by BlueSky staff
- Complete the BlueSky Institute application form.
- Fill out the FAFSA for the 2026-2027 year (after January 1, 2026).
Application Deadlines:
Fall Deadline
- All application items due by Friday, 11/06/2026.
- Interviews conducted at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee 11/30/2026 - 12/04/2026.
- Decision notifications by January 30th.
Spring Deadline
- All application items due by Friday, 01/29/2027.
- Dates for the interviews and decision notifications are currently pending evaluation.
Application Info
If there are still slots available, additional applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants may receive one of two decisions – Admitted or Denied.
| Please note that you will receive TWO decisions from this process- one from ETSU and one from the BlueSky Institute. Admittance to ETSU does NOT guarantee participation in the BlueSky Tennessee Institute. |
Please contact Haley Wilson, BlueSky Recruiter, with any questions:
Haley_Wilson@bcbst.com | 423-260-5079
Scholarship Awarding
Applicants should indicate their interest in BlueSky Institute scholarships on the BlueSky Institute application. Once students are (1) admitted to BlueSky Intstitute, (2) admitted to ETSU, and (3) their FAFSA result has been received, students will be considered for generous BlueSky scholsrships on the basis of financial need, academic scholarships, and additional application information submitted.
BlueSky Student Resources
Bluesky Student Handbook (Coming Soon)
Bluesky Student Helpful Software (Coming Soon)
Bluesky Student Suggested Course Sequence