About Founders Week
Founders Week commemorates ETSU’s founding in October of 1911, and includes a variety of events that underscore the university’s ongoing commitment to improve the lives of the people of this region.
“Since it was founded as East Tennessee Normal School in 1911, this institution has served the region as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and service,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “Founders Week is a recognition of the longstanding community support that has allowed this university to thrive, and it is also an opportunity to showcase how ETSU continues to make meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of the people it serves.”
The roots of ETSU began to grow in 1909, when the citizens of the region sought to convince then- 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 in Northeast Tennesseehere.
ETSU’s founders 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. Business leaders donated funds, supplies, land and labor to work to build a campus and serve the people of the region.
“These acts have made such a positive and lasting impact that we are still celebrating them decades later,” Noland said.
Founders Week is a recognition of the longstanding community support that has allowed
this university to thrive, and it is also an opportunity to showcase how ETSU continues
to make meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of the people it serves.
During the 2025 Founders Week festivities, Mr. Fred Sauceman delivered a Presidential Lecture on ETSU's second president, Dr. Charles C. Sherrod.
ETSU Founders Week Events
ETSU will observe the 2026 Founders Week from Oct. 3-9. Special events include:
ETSU Football vs. Chattanooga
Saturday, October 3
Time TBD
Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
Previous 1911 Society recipients receive special recognition during the game. Purchase tickets here.
ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition
Monday, October 5
Competition begins at 5:30 p.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, ETSU Foundation Grand Hall
ETSU Elevates features collaborative community engagement projects between ETSU students and regional community partners that address economic, social or environmental issues. The students will present their pitches in front of a live audience and three judges.
ETSU Remembers
Tuesday, October 6
10 a.m. (Bells of remembrance ring at 10:11 a.m.)
ETSU Carillon
ETSU Remembers is an annual ceremony to honor faculty, staff and students who have passed away during the prior academic year. This year's ceremony will include a ringing of the Carillon bells in remembrance of those who passed away between July 2025 – June 2026.
Lecture: Railcars, Coal Camps, Stack Cakes, and Classrooms: The Regional Reach of George L. Carter
Tuesday, October 6
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: TBD
This Founders Week presentation by Fred Sauceman explores the impact of George L.
Carter on East Tennessee State University and the region.
ETSU Service Awards
Wednesday, October 7
11:30-1 p.m.
This event is by invitation only.
ETSU will hold the annual ETSU Celebration of Service recognizing faculty and staff
celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service to the State
of Tennessee. For more information, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/service-awards.php.
Farmers Market at ETSU
Thursday, October 8
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Borchuck Plaza
The Farmers Market at ETSU features fresh, local food, regional arts and crafts, vintage and handmade clothing, plants, live music, food trucks, and more!
Johnson City's Acoustic Autumn Series (sponsored by ETSU)
Thursday, October 8
6-7:30 p.m.
Founders Park Amphitheatre
ETSU will sponsor Acoustic Autumn at Founders Park in the Amphitheater. For ETSU Night, wear your blue and gold, snap a photo with ETSU's beloved mascot Bucky, and celebrate ETSU pride in the heart of Downtown Johnson City. The event is free and open to the public.
State of the University Address
Friday, October 9
10 a.m.
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Powell Recital Hall
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland delivers his annual State of the University address. The event will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.