From 2016 to 2023, ETSU students contributed an average of 65,000 hours in community service each year.

I have written before about the value of higher education to both individuals as well as our communities. Now, I am proud to share that East Tennessee State University has joined forces with nine other public universities in Tennessee to help share that message across the state. Through a new campaign called “Four the Future,” we are working to increase awareness of the strong return on investment our universities provide for all Tennesseans.

At an individual level, a university education remains the surest path to economic mobility. Median earnings for bachelor’s degree-holders are 84 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma, and those with a bachelor’s degree are expected to earn $1.4 million more than a high school graduate over the course of their careers. Workforce demand for educated and highly skilled employees remains high, with more than 70 percent of Tennessee business leaders agreeing that there is an insufficient supply of appropriately trained workers. Both before and after the pandemic, employment growth in Tennessee has been faster for jobs requiring a college diploma, and individuals with a college degree have been less likely to be laid off during recessions (Carruthers et al., 2023). 

Public college graduates not only enjoy better-paying and more secure jobs, but also are exposed to fewer safety hazards and less likely to report heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Attending college is closely correlated with overall health and life expectancy, with one recent study finding that the life expectancy for college-educated individuals is 8.5 years longer than for those without a bachelor’s degree (Case & Deaton, 2023). Additionally, more than any other postsecondary path, college delivers connections to both career opportunities and to meaningful engagement in our communities. College graduates are, on average, more active citizens with higher rates of voting and volunteerism than non-graduates (Ma & Pender, 2023).

At ETSU, we have trained generations of educators and health care providers, fueled cutting-edge research, provided startup assistance for small businesses, supported the arts, and cared for veterans through our partnership with the VA hospital – all while working hand in hand with our communities. We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of all Tennesseans, even those who never set foot on our campus. This new campaign offers an excellent opportunity to amplify our ongoing mission and share our impact toward improving the quality of life for people in this region and beyond.

 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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