The Brown Hall Renovation

Long before they make lifesaving decisions at a patient’s bedside, teach a science class, submit an NSF grant proposal, or study galaxies far away, students at ETSU hone their early science skills in Brown Hall.

Serving as the university’s science building since it was first erected more than 50 years ago, Brown Hall is home to the departments of Biological Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Chemistry. Given ETSU’s presence as a popular destination for students pursuing a career in the sciences or the health sciences field, aspiring researchers and clinicians clock many long hours in the classrooms and laboratories of Brown Hall.

Following many years without any significant renovations taking place, Brown Hall is about to experience a once-in-a-lifetime makeover.

Architectural rendering of the renovated Brown Hall at East Tennessee State University showing a bright, open student commons with wood floors, glass-walled labs, and yellow accent panels labeled Physics, Computer, Biology, and Chemistry. Students are seated in curved blue lounge furniture, collaborating at tables, and walking through the space with backpacks.
Rendering of a corridor in the Brown Hall renovation at ETSU featuring a long built-in bench with blue cushions and a geometric wood accent wall with integrated linear lighting. Students sit along the bench using phones and laptops while others walk toward a window at the end of the hall.
Rendering of an interior hallway in the renovated Brown Hall at ETSU with navy and white walls, framed student artwork, and a landscape photo of campus. A student walks down the corridor while others are visible farther ahead near classroom entrances.
Rendering of a modern science classroom in the Brown Hall renovation at ETSU with movable tables, lab sinks, and digital presentation screens. An instructor gestures toward a display while students sit at tables, and another student works at a side counter.

ETSU has been awarded $99 million in funding from the State of Tennessee to begin extensive enhancements to the teaching labs, classrooms, offices, research areas, and collaborative spaces inside Brown Hall. This renovation will be completed in two phases, with the first phase focusing on facilities within Biological Sciences and Chemistry. The second phase will provide needed enhancements for Physics and Astronomy as well as combined research and teaching spaces for all units. 

“Not only do our science and pre-health professions majors take courses in Brown Hall, but our non-science students also enroll in classes to satisfy general education core requirements in Brown Hall too. So, for nearly all of our students, Brown Hall becomes part of their ETSU story,” said Dr. Joe Bidwell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“We want all of our students to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and a learning environment that is second to none. Now we have the opportunity to do just that.”
Dean Joe Bidwell

Bidwell noted that each of the two phases will have a private fundraising requirement, with $1.9 million needed to complete phase one of the project. ETSU is currently meeting with alumni and friends to raise the matching funds. 
Renovation is underway. 

Rendering of a study lounge in the renovated Brown Hall at ETSU featuring wood-paneled walls, café tables, and a row of computer workstations along a textured accent wall. Students meet in small groups and work individually near large windows overlooking campus.
Exterior rendering of the front entrance of the renovated Brown Hall at ETSU showing a classic brick academic building with new glass entry doors, wide steps, trees, and students gathering in a plaza.
Exterior perspective rendering of the renovated Brown Hall at ETSU highlighting the brick façade and new central glass connector between building wings, with landscaped terraces and students entering and exiting the building.
Rendering of the main interior commons of the Brown Hall renovation at ETSU with exposed brick, a mezzanine level, and large glass doors opening to campus. Students sit in yellow and blue lounge seating, talk in small groups, and move through the light-filled space.

To discuss how your gifts can transform the experience of ETSU students in Brown Hall, contact Denise Asbury at asburyp@etsu.edu or 423-439-5676 or Lisa Pawley at pawley@etsu.edu or 423-439-5775.