Bucs Rebuild Together
In the days and weeks after Hurricane Helene, ETSU mobilized to provide immediate relief. Today, our focus has shifted to long-term recovery. From service projects to community partnerships, the ETSU family continues to walk alongside our region as it rebuilds.
Join us in building resilience, restoring communities, and offering hope for the future.
One Year Later: A Look Back
A year after Hurricane Helene swept through the Appalachian Mountains, the communities we call home show signs of hope and recovery—but the work is far from over. ETSU remains deeply committed to helping families rebuild, assisting local agencies, and guiding long-term mitigation planning. Dr. Andrew Joyner, Tennessee’s state climatologist and ETSU associate professor, used new data on floods and extreme weather to hold resilience discussions across the region.
More than 130 ETSU faculty and staff volunteered during 2025 Service Days to help restore homes and aid in clear-up efforts, while the College of Public Health is preparing to train 500 high school students next year in first aid and disaster response. From immediate relief to long-term recovery, ETSU’s efforts embody the spirit of a flagship university in Appalachia: standing with our neighbors, building resilience, and fostering hope for the future.
Get Involved in Relief Efforts
Recovery is a journey. Together, we can rebuild stronger communities. Below are some ways you can get involved with helping rebuild our region.
$105,000+ Raised
ETSU raised more than $105,000 to assist students, faculty, and staff who were impacted by the storm.
50,000+ Pounds of Food Donated
The campus community collected clothing, pet items, and more than 50,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
700 Blood Donors
ETSU and Marsh Regional Blood Center hosted a two-day blood drive, setting a record
with almost 700 donors.
4,000+ Volunteers
More than 4,000 volunteers from ETSU helped fulfill community needs as established by the Volunteer United effort.
Resilience in Action
Our community’s recovery is a testament to our shared resilience. These stories highlight the strength and spirit of our community banding together in the face of adversity.
Rising with Hope: Appalachia After Hurricane Helene Video Series
This 9-episode video series explores the science behind why Helene caused damage in our region, how the innovative work of ETSU faculty and staff is transforming Appalachia, and the strength and resilience of our region.
"We really like to be able to use our skills for good and for what the community needs."
- Dr. Andrew Joyner, Tennessee’s official climatologist and associate professor at
ETSU
Faculty and Staff Workdays
A record number of ETSU faculty and staff rolled up their sleeves this summer, rebuilding homes and facilities, clearing land and debris, and repairing impacted businesses and residences.
“Supporting and uplifting our region is central to ETSU’s mission, and now, more than
ever, it is vital that we continue to carry that mission forward.”
- Nathan Farnor, community engagement specialist in the Office of Community Engagement
The Marching Bucs
Members of the ETSU Marching Bucs were impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene. Many were stranded and disconnected from their families. Through support from their band family, the ETSU community, and the region, they persevered and made their way to their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance.
"The way the community came together to help each other has restored my faith in humanity.
Even little communities can do big things to help people.”
- Corey Luttrell, band member and criminal justice & criminology major
Letters of Love
The Letters of Love initiative at ETSU helped gather more than 1,100 handwritten notes to deliver to first responders and anyone affected by Hurricane Helene in the region.
"People coming together and turning their love for their community into an action
is an incredibly beautiful thing.”
- Shaina Davis, Letters of Love initiative and social work major