A New Hub for Student Success

ETSU is launching a bold new initiative to elevate student success: the Mary V. Jordan Center (Jordan Center), a dedicated resource hub that guides students from day one of enrollment all the way to employment.  

The Jordan Center offers personalized guidance to help students thrive both in and out of the classroom, with services ranging from academic mentoring to life counseling.

“We want to ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed — not just to enroll, but to stay on track, earn their degrees and graduate on time,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “The Mary V. Jordan Center is a vital step in that commitment. By providing focused, personalized support from day one, we are investing in our students’ futures and the strength of our region.”  

Kicking off this summer, the Jordan Center will launch an initiative targeting full-time, first-year students who are low-income, first-generation, or working toward academic improvement. In collaboration with the Enrollment Management and Financial Aid offices, the university will identify approximately 200 students to join the inaugural cohort.  

These students will receive individualized support as they work through ETSU’s Compass Core curriculum, a general education program emphasizing real-world skills and interdisciplinary learning. Services will include skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, and personal success planning.  

“The Mary V. Jordan Center represents a critical investment in student success at ETSU, serving as the front door for student support services,” said Dr. Joe Sherlin, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment.   

The center’s reach goes beyond traditional academic advising by teaming up with different departments on campus, including University Career Services, the TRIO Programs, and the Counseling Center.

Any student is invited to drop in for help managing stress, finding campus resources, balancing responsibilities, or navigating college life in general.

The Jordan Center will also connect students to mental health support and wellness programming.

Whether it’s a quick question or a long-term plan, the Jordan Center aims to meet students where they are. 

Meet the Vice President for Student Success  

Leading the Jordan Center’s Student Success Team is Dr. Keith Johnson, newly named Vice President for Student Success within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Johnson will oversee existing and new student success initiatives on campus, including the Jordan Center.  

Johnson has served in multiple leadership roles across the university and remains actively engaged in teaching, service, and research. He is also a professor of engineering technology and chair of the Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture, and Surveying.  He has led the department through successful ABET, CIDA, and NASAD accreditations and was instrumental in the launch of ETSU’s new mechatronics engineering program. 

Rising Up

ETSU’s TRIO Programs assist underserved students in progressing from middle school to grad school. One of these, Upward Bound, helps high school students prepare for college.

“Upward Bound taught me the importance of pursuing higher education. As a first-generation college student, it was beneficial to have ETSU mentors guide me on my next steps. This experience gave a better feel for college life by providing access to campus and support. It also helped me become well-rounded and ready to take on the world.” -Xochil Munoz, Science Hill High School, Johnson City, Incoming ETSU Student