Our Legacy

Community Engagement at ETSU

Over the past 25 years, ETSU has been fostering the growth and development of community engagement and Community-Engaged Learning. The institution's growing commitment to the region has been demonstrated through ongoing partnerships, increased funding, mutually beneficial and collaborative connections, and an approach to learning that draws students, faculty and staff beyond the classroom and into the community. Learn more about the history of our office and commitment to community engagement below.

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Our History

 

• 1991

  • The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds the ETSU Community Partnership Program, $9.3 million over 10 years. The Kellogg funding was instrumental in positioning the Quillen College of Medicine to be national leader in interdisciplinary and interprofessional health care systems for rural and underserved areas.

• 1993

  • ​Service Learning Office created at ETSU.

• 2008

  • ​ETSU earns Carnegie Community Engagement elective classification.

• 2017

  • ​ETSU approved a 10-year strategic plan that focused on six pillars of success: Student Experience; Equity and Inclusion; Empowering Employees; Excellence in Teaching; Research and Scholarly Activity; and Stewardship of Place. 

• 2019

  • ETSU Elevates launched.

• 2020

  • ​Interim Provost Wilsie Bishop convened the ETSU Task Force on Community Engagement.

• 2021

  • ​ETSU 125 Chapter II launched. Staff Senate Sponsored Town Hall (Open to All of Campus)
  • Community-Engaged Learning selected as Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) topic

• 2022

  • Vice Provost for Community Engagement/Director of the QEP, Dr. Susan McCracken hired.
  • ​Community Engaged Learning Faculty Fellow, Dr. Scott Jenkinson hired.

• 2023

  • Go Beyond the Classroom QEP submitted to SACSCOC. Following a successful site visit in March, the QEP was approved by SACSCOC in December 2023.
  • Launch Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Designation with 44 CEL courses approved and offered in 2023-2024.

• 2024

  • Office of Community Engagement created; Service Learning Office functions transition to Community-Engaged Learning.
  • Carnegie Community Engagement Leadership Committee formed to submit application to Carnegie for Community Engagement elective classification.
  • ​Community Engagement Committee formed and convened.

• 2025

  • ​Community Engagement elective classification submitted.
  • ​Community Engagement Specialist, Nathan Farnor, hired.
  • Volunteer Tennessee grant establishes the East Tennessee Volunteer Center in the Office of Community Engagement.