A message from President Brian Noland

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with the goal of improving the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. However, the roots of this institution began to grow in 1909 when the citizens of our region sought to convince Governor Malcolm R. Patterson to locate the East Tennessee Normal School in Johnson City. 

Over the course of two years, community members worked to secure resources, persuade policymakers, and build unified support for the creation of the school here. They were successful in their endeavor because they demonstrated resourcefulness unmatched by rival and competing communities Those first champions for ETSU did not merely provide proposals and plans to the governor and other officials. They rolled up their sleeves and started the job. Local utility companies offered free services for the college, and business leaders donated funds, supplies, land, and labor to build the campus.

Many of you likely know that George L. Carter donated the land upon which our beautiful campus sits. But what you may not know is the night before the site selection committee was due to visit, he built a road through the property — overnight — to show the site to its best advantage. Not stopping there, he also woke his neighbor in the wee hours of that morning, convincing the gentleman to sell him additional acres to make the location even more attractive. Somehow, Mr. Carter even found time to squeeze in a shave and a haircut that morning before the selection committee arrived.

That sort of passion, vigor, and initiative from the community did not end with the construction of Gilbreath Hall, our first building. For example, when the Great Depression hit, local banks helped us weather the storm, loaning the college money so that we could make payroll. Acts of generosity, kindness — and sometimes good old Appalachian stubbornness — have fueled the success of this institution for more than a century. In that time, ETSU has become a world-class institution, serving as a beacon for knowledge, innovation, and service.

Next week, we will celebrate Founders Week in recognition of the longstanding community support that has allowed this university to thrive. Through a series of events, we will showcase our vibrant history, our bright future, and the myriad of ways ETSU makes a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the people it serves. I invite each of you to join me in the observances we have planned for next week and to take a moment to reflect on the purpose and values of this institution. Bucs work hard. Bucs put people first. And Bucs go beyond.

Godspeed,
Brian Noland

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