ETSU announces 1911 Society Class of 2024

Eleven members of the Class of 2024 at East Tennessee State University will be inducted into the 1911 Society. Named in commemoration of the year ETSU was founded, the organization honors some of the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. The 1911 Society recognizes students who have distinguished themselves for academic excellence, service and leadership.

“As we celebrate the legacy of ETSU, the 1911 Society stands as a testament to the enduring impact of our graduates," said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. "Each member of this esteemed group embodies the spirit of service and excellence that has defined this institution for over a century.”

The selection committee evaluates applicants on academic achievement; sustained service; honors, awards, recognitions, publications and presentations; demonstrated leadership; work experience, such as study abroad, internships, externships and clinicals; and personal narratives.

"Through dedication to both service and scholarship, these students have embodied our institution's mission," said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU's provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “It is inspiring to see all that these students have accomplished during their time here, and it is clear that the support and mentorship they receive from our faculty and staff have provided them with the needed foundation to excel in their fields.”

The 1911 Society was established in 2020. Honorees receive special recognition and tartan stoles to wear during Commencement. Their contributions and accomplishments will be showcased on the 1911 Society wall located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

The honorees:

Elayna Chavis

Elayna Chavis of Hickory, North Carolina, completed her undergraduate degree in health sciences in May 2023 and is graduating with a master's degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology. At ETSU, Chavis served with Volunteer ETSU, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Quillen College of Medicine and the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement. In the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, she studied the impact of COVID-19 on international students on campus.

Ahauve Orusa

Ahauve Orusa of Clarksville, Tennessee, is a fourth-year medical and public health student in ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine and College of Public Health who engaged in community service initiatives, including yoga and aftercare programs for children, alongside her academic pursuits. She contributed to a CDC COVID study and presented her research at the Tennessee Public Health Association Conference.

Bryce Sutton

Bryce Sutton of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees concurrently. Throughout his academic journey, Sutton demonstrated strong leadership by spearheading donation drives and immunization clinics, representing ETSU nationally in pharmacy competitions, and now aims to serve Southern Appalachia as an independent community pharmacy owner.

Janika Raynes

Janika Raynes of Nashville, Tennessee, is an MD candidate from the Quillen College of Medicine. During her time at Quillen, she served in multiple leadership roles, assisted rural communities locally and globally through volunteer organizations, and was awarded prestigious medical scholarships. She pursued research projects with the Departments of Pediatric Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pathology, and OB/GYN. She will complete her residency training in OB/GYN at ETSU.

Cooper Reaves

Cooper Reaves, a Johnson City native, graduated from ETSU with a bachelor's degree in media and communication, engaging in campus life as a tour guide, Preview/Orientation leader and member of student alumni and marketing councils. He also held leadership roles in the Public Relations Society of America-Tri Cities, the City of Johnson City Growth Management Plan Advisory Committee and the Blue Plum Organization. Cooper now serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.

Levi Jones

Levi Jones of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, is graduating with a B.S. in political science, alongside double minors in communication studies and theatre. Levi founded the College Democrats at ETSU and served as National Council Chair for the College Democrats of America and as the Head Delegate of ETSU’s Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TSIL) delegation.

Brooke Patterson

Brooke Patterson of Lenoir City, Tennessee is graduating with a B.S. in political science. Patterson was elected as the Alpha Delta Pi President, during which she earned chapter of the year awards, the highest national award, and the highest individual honor. She has served in all three branches of the Student Government Association, with her most recent role as the SGA Executive Vice President.

Caleb Vaughn

Caleb Vaughn of Kingsport, Tennessee, is graduating with a B.S. in political science and a B.A. in Theatre (Acting Concentration), both through the Honors program. He has been involved with the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization, Expedition Leaders, Pre-Law Society, Mock Trial, New Student and Family Programs, various theatre productions, ETSU Ambassadors, and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. He plans to further his education in law school upon graduation.

Alexis Vance

Alexis Vance of Burnsville, North Carolina, is graduating with a BBA with a major in Marketing and a minor in Digital Marketing. She has served as Vice President of Chapter Unity on the Panhellenic Executive Council and as Vice President of Events and Programming and Executive Vice President for the Gamma Delta chapter of Kappa Delta sorority. She also founded and reinstated Phi Beta Lambda and the American Marketing Association, as well as interned with a U.S. Senator.

Kaci Rae Bartley

Kaci Rae Bartley of Bean Station, Tennessee, is graduating with a B.S. in rehabilitative health sciences and a minor in communicative disorders. As an undergraduate, Bartley has served as a Preview and Orientation Leader (POLO), Buccaneer Involvement Guide (BIG), member of the ETSU Dance Team and a nurse aide at the Crumley House Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center.

Sally Chikomb

Sally Chikomb of Kingsport, Tennessee, is majoring in Health Science with a minor in Global Health and Development. A Roan Scholar, she has interned with Branch House Family Justice Center, participated in the Quillen College of Medicine & Ballad Health Medical Horizons program, served as an Expedition Leader, is currently participating in EQUIP, and is an active member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Epsilon Delta.