Named in commemoration of the year when ETSU was founded, the 1911 Society recognizes the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. 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.
ETSU President Brian Noland said, “For more than a century, ETSU has carried forth a mission to improve the quality of life for the people of this region. The 1911 Society recognizes an elite group of graduates who have embodied that very mission. We are delighted to honor these distinct members of the Class of 2024 throughout Commencement exercises this week.”
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.
“These students have distinguished themselves in their service, their scholarship and their commitment to the mission of ETSU,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU provost and senior vice president for Academics. “Their leadership on this campus has made an impact, and we look forward to watching them continue their journeys.”
Samuel Adenekan
Samuel Pipeloluwa Adenekan is an international student from Lagos, Nigeria, who graduated in December 2025 with a B.S. in computing, with a concentration in information technology. Since arriving in the United States in Fall 2021, Samuel has grown into a campus leader and community builder. He served as a Student Government Association Senator for the College of Business and Technology, where he was named “Senator of the Year” in 2024. He was later appointed SGA Secretary of Allocations. In 2024, he delivered a TEDx ETSU talk on resilience and the transformative power of education. As a Multimedia Content Specialist with the ETSU Office of University Marketing and Communications, Samuel documented historic moments for the university, including the Marching Bucs’ performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and contributed to multiple ETSU Today publications and other projects. He is also the co-author of two International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology papers on cloud security and machine learning.
Kathryn Elizabeth Godwin
Kathryn “Liz” Godwin of Roxboro, North Carolina, is a dual M.D./MPH candidate from the Quillen College of Medicine and College of Public Health. She is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy throughout medical school. As Co-President of ETSU Health Bridge, she organized large-scale health outreach events and street rounds serving the unhoused community. She also spearheaded initiatives with multiple community organizations, including coordinating volunteers for feeding programs, school supply and clothing drives, and health care access for vulnerable populations. Her research has focused on rural health and innovative community-based approaches to improving care, including addressing vitamin deficiencies among the unhoused and developing coping strategies for rural middle school students. Recognized with induction into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society and with the Pisacano Scholarship, she will complete her family medicine residency training through the military.
Joseph Hernandez
Joseph Hernandez of Morrison, Tennessee, will complete a B.S. in microbiology and biomedical health sciences in May 2026. His work in Dr. Sean Fox’s lab includes progress toward the Appalachian Microbiome Project and research on a bacteriocin-producing strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae with potential applications against multidrug-resistant infections. As the Vice President of the Pre-Health Living Learning Community (PHLLC), he founded the PHLLC Health Career Summit, which provides pre-health students with early exposure to diverse health careers offered at ETSU. His dedication to service includes serving as a representative on the College of Public Health and Sherrod Library Student Councils, participating in Alternative Breaks focused on women's health and Hurricane Helene relief, and securing volunteer and professional development opportunities for PHLLC members. Joseph’s commitment to addressing our region’s healthcare concerns led him to accrue over 3,000 hours of experience as a certified nursing assistant and participation in the Quillen Medical Horizons program.
Leah Loveday
Leah Loveday of Sevierville, Tennessee, will graduate in May 2026 with a B.S in public health. Leah is a Roan Scholar and serves as a board member and facilitator for RISE: Healthy Life, where she delivers comprehensive sex education for all ages and helped co-launch the ETSU Elevates-awarded menstrual education initiative PEER-iod Education. She has helped deliver and coordinate rural mobile healthcare across the Southeast with Remote Area Medical and Virginia Department of Health. Leah coauthored an editorial in the American Journal of Public Health on the role public health professionals play in addressing misinformation. She has also served as SGA Secretary of the Interior and Senator, where she helped expand menstrual product access. She now helps emergency contraception awareness through the national nonprofit Emergency Contraception for Every Campus, where she serves as social media manager. Leah’s public service was recognized as a 2025 Truman Scholar and Harold L. Love recipient.
Sarah Mohammed
Sarah Mohammed of Johnson City, Tennessee, will graduate in May 2026 with a B.S. in psychology. The Roan Scholar won first place and the People’s Choice Award in the 2023 ETSU Elevates pitch competition to fund her research on mental health access for Black and African residents of Washington County, Tennessee. She served three years as a research assistant in the Social Issues and Relationships Laboratory led by Dr. Stacey Williams. She has administered mental health interventions at an ADHD summer program, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic for adolescents with substance use disorders. She has served as SGA Chief Justice, an academic coach, and a Preview and Orientation Leader. She was awarded the Rising Star Award by the Northeast Tennessee Association of Black Social Workers and was selected as a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Sarah plans to pursue a graduate degree in psychology.
Daniel Owens
Daniel Owens of Cookeville, Tennessee, will earn a Bachelor of Business Administration
in finance, accounting, and economics, with a minor in global citizenship. He is a
member of the Global Citizens Scholars honors program, and he currently serves as
an Associate Justice for the ETSU Student Government Association. During his time
at ETSU, Daniel has also served as a BUCS Academy and Quest for Success Leader, College
of Business and Technology ambassador, executive founding member of the Buccaneer
Investment Fund, and vice president of the Students of Finance Association. He has
served as president of the Sigma Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
and as a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Owens has also completed a
Global Corporate and Investment banking credit internship at Bank of America in Charlotte,
North Carolina, where he will continue working as a financial analyst following graduation.
He also graduated from the Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy and has been
recognized as a Diversity Scholar.
Aliyah Smith
Aliyah Smith of Mobile, Alabama, is a public health scholar and community advocate dedicated to advancing health equity through research, education, and systems transformation. A doctoral candidate in community and behavioral health, Aliyah bridges academia and community impact in her work. Her dissertation, “Weathering More Than Storms: Understanding the Mental Health Disparities of Black Farmers in the Appalachian Region,” examines the mental health and well-being of Black farmers in Appalachia. She is the founder of Project MANNA, a regional initiative connecting Black mothers with Black farmers to promote food access, nutrition, and maternal health equity in Appalachia. Previously, she led national programs supporting urban Indian health organizations, developing culturally grounded health resources. Her leadership has been recognized with the Citi Leadership Development Award and first place in the 2025 ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition. Her article, “Reclaiming the 40 Acres Promise,” was published in Black by God in 2024.
Macy Strader
Macy Strader, of Rutledge, Tennessee, will graduate with a B.S. in media and communication with minors in psychology, marketing, and creative writing. She is a Roan Scholar, serving as executive editor of the East Tennessean for two years, as well as a senator for the ETSU Student Government Association and secretary of Exterior Relations for three years. Macy has been involved with TEDxETSU for four years, serving as a speaker and lead organizer. She also serves as president of the Creative Writing Society and social media manager for Letters of Love. Strader has completed nonprofit internships in foster youth and anti-bullying advocacy, as well as for the Tennessee State Government to promote volunteerism statewide. An advocate for the arts, she created Local Hearts, a concert to promote local musicians; helped reinstate BucNews; has worked in production for HGTV; and has written several novels. After ETSU, she aims to continue her mission of improving education through media.
Yusuf Sulaiman
Mohammad Yusuf Sulaiman of Butler, Tennessee, is graduating in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and finance. He helped catalyze the creation of the Laporte and Citizens Bank funds at ETSU, a combined $200K student-managed investment portfolio designed to teach real-world investment management skills. He served as President of the Students of Finance Association, driving record-high attendance for ETSU’s 2025 Financial Literacy Week. Yusuf represented ETSU in debate tournaments with the Speech and Debate Team, winning two state finalist trophies. He later served as a representative in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and as a forward on the Rugby team. Professionally, he interned at VentureSouth, a venture capital firm, where he helped launch an initiative supporting Appalachian startups. He was also a founding consultant at Appalachia Advisory, providing pro bono services to small businesses, and an intern at the ETSU Research Corporation, assisting Tri-Cities startups. He credits his business acumen to long nights at his parents’ family restaurant.
Natalie Vaughn
Natalie Vaughn of Knoxville, Tennessee, will earn a B.S. in psychology and social work with a minor in American Sign Language. She holds leadership positions in several campus organizations, including president of Sexuality and Gender Alliance, vice president of Psi Chi, and outreach coordinator for Young Democratic Socialists of America. Natalie applied for and received a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from Plan B, which was utilized by campus organizations to provide contraceptives and protective supplies for individuals in need. In their work with Frontier Health, Natalie supports and supervises adolescent girls in a therapeutic group home setting. Natalie is also in the Undergraduate Research Honors program and has authored and presented research at conferences in Johnson City and Atlanta, with presentations upcoming in Panama City, and New Orleans. Natalie is passionate about creating a better future for Appalachia and takes pride in representing ETSU as they work toward this goal.
Aashi Vora
Aashi Vora of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a biology major with a minor in culture and health through the Quillen Honors Scholars B.S./M.D. program. She serves as Student Trustee on ETSU’s Board of Trustees, representing over 14,000 students. She has served on the executive board as Vice President of Finance and Panhellenic Relations for Alpha Delta Pi. Aashi is co-founder and past president of the South Asian Student Association, creating a lasting platform for cultural engagement on campus. Additionally, she is an executive member of the Student Foundation Ambassadors, dedicated to growing philanthropic efforts for the University. She has been recognized with the Dorman G. Stout, Jr. Student Leadership Endowment for her impact on campus and community. Dedicated to advancing health equity, she has conducted cardiac research at Quillen, served on medical brigades in Panama, and worked health policy internships with the Arthritis Foundation and Ballad Health.
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ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility
Any East Tennessee State University student, domestic or international, who meets the eligibility requirements for their category are eligible to apply:
- Undergraduate seniors who received their baccalaureate degree in August or who will receive their degree in December 2025 or May 2026; or graduate students who received their master’s or doctorate degree in August or who will receive their degree in December 2025 or May 2026; or pharmacy and medical students who will receive their degrees in May 2026.
- Applicants are eligible one time only, as either an undergraduate, graduate, pharmacy, or medical student.
- Eligible students will have a GPA at the time of application which reflects academic excellence, as well as personal achievements which demonstrate and support the mission and values of East Tennessee State University.
To apply, students must submit a completed application by the deadline.
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SELECTION
Selection Criteria
From the applicants, the Selection Committee will choose no more than 12-15 students to be invited for an interview. The Committee will select no more than 11 students to be recognized during any one academic year (2-4 graduate and professional students and 6-8 undergraduate students) for induction into The 1911 Society.
Selections will not be based on GPA exclusively, but will be based on multiple criteria. The criteria listed below should be representative of activities and engagement outside the classroom or academic program requirements.
- Academic engagement
- Community service activities
- Student activities and organizations
- Paid or unpaid work
- Publications and/or presentations
- Honors, awards, and recognitions
- Demonstrated leadership
- Study abroad, internships, externships, and/or clinicals
- Personal narratives on application
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Students should provide the information requested below as one MS Word document or a PDF file emailed to the Office of the Provost at provost@etsu.edu.
A complete application consists of one packet with the four (4) parts listed below.
I: Personal Information
- Name.
- E#.
- Email.
- Alternate Email that you would check after graduation.
- Phone number.
- Current Address.
- Permanent Address.
- Major and minor, if applicable.
- Undergraduate, Graduate, Pharmacy, or Medical Student.
- Copy of Class Schedule
- Bio (150 words max, see previous winners for an example) highlighting your accomplishments as an undergraduate, graduate, pharmacy, or medical student. If you are selected for the 1911 Society, you may revise this bio for a press release.
II: Academic Engagement
Use the downloadable table to provide a list of Academic Activities; Service; Student Organizations; Paid or Unpaid Work; Publications and/or Presentations; Honors, Awards, and Recognitions.
Download Table (add/delete rows as needed; if a section does not apply, please leave blank or delete)
III: Essay
Essay (maximum of 750 words) explaining how your experience(s) at ETSU embodies the mission of the institution to improve the quality of life of the people of the region and reflects the tenets of 1911 Society.
IV: References
Reference letters are not needed. Please provide the name and number of two references who can attest to your academic involvement at ETSU. One should be a faculty member who taught you in your current academic program.
2025 Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, October 10th, to the Office of the Provost provost@etsu.edu.
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INDUCTEE RECOGNITION
Inductee Recognition
Students selected for induction into The 1911 Society will receive a medallion to wear with their regalia. New inductees will be identified during the Commencement program.
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PAST MEMBERS
Class of 2025 Inductees:
Abigail Simpson
Abigail Simpson graduated in May 2025 with a B.S. in rehabilitative health sciences and a minor in communicative disorders and psychology. As a Roan Scholar, she interned for Holston Home for Children and Therapy Abroad. Her community service projects included Eager for Education, where she collected and organized over 800 books for local public schools, and A Sweater for Cameron, a crochet circle organized to reduce stress, which resulted in honoring those who passed away from COVID-19. Simpson served as a Preview and Orientation Leader, Buccaneer Involvement Guide, and outreach chair for Letters of Love. She started Looking Ahead, a program to prepare individuals for life after high school. She is a member of the Rehabilitative Health Sciences Club and Omicron Delta Kappa. She received the Twenty Under 20 award and placed second in the 2023 ETSU Elevates competition. Abigail plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech and language pathology.
Ava Yobst
Ava Yobst graduated in May 2025 with a health sciences degree and a minor in public health. While at ETSU, she founded Power Speakers, an organization that works with students to build public speaking and leadership skills. She was a speaker for TEDxETSU 2023 where she advocated for access to health care in rural communities. She advocated for equitable course material costs at ETSU. Yobst was a four-year member of the ETSU Cheerleading Team and served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader. She researched women’s cardiovascular health under Dr. Cerrone Foster and earned a grant for her research on the Lavengel Project under Dr. Sean Fox. She interned in the Quillen Gross Anatomy and Simulation Labs and is a member of the EQUIP Program. She and her family organize annual Christmas donation drives for the Haven of Mercy Homeless Shelter to honor a family member. Yobst will continue her education at the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine.
Shania Thompson
Shaina Thompson of Elizabethton, Tennessee, graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Spanish for the professions. The Roan Scholar served as a Preview and Orientation Leader. She founded Letters of Love, a campus organization that spreads kindness, encourages, and celebrates people through letter writing. Students in this organization have written and delivered over 3,000 letters to community members, students, faculty, and staff. She also used her Spanish and social work skills to advocate for and empower community members in Appalachia and on trips to South America. She interned with the 2nd District Public Defender’s Office. She mentors area youth, provides trauma-informed care to children in custody, and is active in her church. She was selected as a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and as part of the Project Transformation intern class, she was selected to receive a Servant Leadership Award.
Dr. Morgan Teeters
Morgan Teeters graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in May 2025. She was the National Remember the Ribbon Chair for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, where she coordinated over 100 chapters’ HIV awareness and education efforts. Part of her work as chair for this campaign included assisting others to organize HIV/STI testing; educating students on issues facing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV; and coordinating webinars to educate members about HIV/AIDS. She served as Vice President of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, organized health outreach clinics at Tri-Pride and Umoja festivals, and was a peer tutor. She presented research on the accuracy of herbal medication labeling and studied the rate of publication of patient-reported outcomes for new chemotherapy approvals. Teeters was selected by ETSU faculty and staff as the Pharmacy Student of the Year. Her plans include residency opportunities where she will pursue work as an emergency medicine pharmacist.
Sarah Madison Goodwin
Sara Madison Goodwin graduated with a B.S. in human services and a minor in trauma and resilience. Goodwin served new students as a Preview and Orientation Leader (POLO) and was awarded the Hoot and Holler Award in 2023 and the Dr. Bonnie Burchett Spirit of POLO Award in 2024. Goodwin was a Buccaneer Involvement Guide for five semesters. She also served her community at Coalition for Kids, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower children by providing a nurturing environment where they can achieve academic, physical, spiritual, and social growth. She represented ETSU at the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop for three years, discussing innovative ideas to orient students to campus. She also served on the ETSU Homecoming Committee, participated in ETSU’s Letters of Love campaign, and the ETSU BucWild organization, where she planned student activities at athletic events. She plans to pursue a graduate degree at ETSU.
Matthew Kinsler
Matthew Kinsler, of Morristown, Tennessee, graduated with a B.S. in mathematics with minors in educational foundations and global citizenship. Kinsler served as President of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, which led to serving on mission trips to New Orleans, Panama City Beach, Seattle, and Israel. As a Student Government Association Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, he passed legislation that reestablished the Pride Walk in its current location. Kinsler also served as an intern for the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization, an Expedition Leader, and an Academic Coach. While at ETSU, he planned the first Alternative Break that ETSU offered to New Orleans, where he studied the charter school system. Upon graduation, he plans to finish his Master of Arts in Teaching and become a secondary mathematics teacher. He credits ETSU for helping him to be someone who cares for, leads, and grows the community and its members
Trent White
Trent White graduated with a B.S. in political science and a minor in public administration. A Roan Scholar, White served as President of the Student Government Association during the 2023-24 academic year, when he passed over 20 pieces of legislation. He co-founded and served as President of ETSU’s Mock Trial team, guiding it to a first-place victory and a bid to the semi-final competition. His passion for public service is reflected in his internships, including positions with the Tennessee Secretary of State and U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. White gained experience as a Student Trustee on the ETSU Board of Trustees and as an undergraduate law clerk for the university's General Counsel. In March 2024, White won a Harry S. Truman Scholarship, one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in the United States for students pursuing careers in public service. White was also selected as a Rhodes Scholar finalist.
Hunter Turgeon
Hunter Turgeon graduated in May 2025 with a BBA in finance and economics, with minors in accounting and business management. He was elected Student Government Association President for the 2024-25 academic year. Prior to this, Turgeon served as the Students of Finance Association President, where his equity analysis team secured a competitive bid to present at the Financial Leaders' Conference in New York City. He also led the Economics Club as President and held executive roles as Vice President of Finance for the Mock Trial Team and Vice President of Research for the Buccaneer Investment Fund. While at ETSU, Turgeon completed internships with a Fortune 300 fintech company in Florida, Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management in Tennessee, an investment firm and hedge fund in Colorado, and an asset management firm in Lisbon. These experiences helped shape his SGA presidency platform, which included expanding internship opportunities for all students. Additionally, Turgeon served as an Expedition Leader, sharing his passion for ETSU with prospective students and families.
Skylar Brackett
Skylar Brackett, of Harriman, Tennessee, graduated with a B.S. in health sciences and will attend the Quillen College of Medicine in the fall of 2025. Brackett served in various leadership positions at ETSU, including President of Sigma Kappa sorority and both Secretary of State and Vice President of Finance and Administration for the Student Government Association. As part of SGA, she organized flood relief efforts for the East Tennessee region. Brackett graduated from Dr. Brenda White Wright's Emerging Leaders Academy and attended the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature as a legislative delegate. Brackett also served as the student representative for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. She researched women's cardiovascular health under Dr. Cerrone Foster and presented at the annual Boland Symposium. She credits ETSU for allowing her to participate in community-engaged learning, which prepared her for life beyond college and taught her to be a servant leader.
Dr. Opal Frye-Clark
Dr. Opal Frye-Clark holds a master’s degree in professional communication from ETSU and graduated in December 2024 with a doctorate in public health, specializing in health services management and policy. Frye-Clark credits ETSU for offering opportunities for continuous growth and helping her understand the power of research to drive positive change. She has lived out the institution's mission as founder and President of Unity Housing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focusing on research-driven interventions to combat homelessness in East Tennessee. She has worked with the city of Johnson City and numerous service providers to develop a strategic plan for reducing homelessness in the region. She has been invited to provide numerous workshops and presentations on topics related to homelessness and equity. Frye-Clark served on the Northeast Community Health Center’s nursing clinic board and is a proud member of the Appalachian Equality Chorus. As a result of her many community-engaged service opportunities, Frye-Clark was awarded the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award.
Taylor Leonard
Taylor Leonard of Jonesborough graduated in May 2025 as a double major with a bachelor of social work and a bachelor of science in psychology. When she returned to the university after a three-year break to focus on a family health crisis, she earned a place on the Dean’s List while also raising her infant child. She is the Public Relations Officer for the Student Social Work Association. In this position, she collaborates with external organizations and coordinates volunteer activities that aim to enhance student engagement on campus. She has a passion for individuals from marginalized populations. She has worked at Isaiah 117 House to provide physical and emotional support for children awaiting foster care placement. While working with Coalition for Kids, she led a backpack, personal hygiene, and toy drive, providing 40 backpacks for children impacted by Hurricane Helene. She also met with legislators during the Social Work Day on the Hill.
Past Inductees:
Class of 2024 Inductees:
Elayna Chavis, Ahauve Orusa, Bryce Sutton, Janika Raynes, Cooper Reaves, Levi Jones, Brooke Patterson, Caleb Vaughn, Lexi Vance, Kaci Rae Bartley, Sally Chikomb
Class of 2023 Inductees:
Piper Floyd, Sadie King, Jessica Rodriquez-Potter, Dr. Jarred Millard, Katelyn Haun, Dr. Rhiannon Dunn, Jeremiah Heyward, Mason Mosier, Samuel Alejandro Garcia Olmos, Paulina Ramirez, and William (Billy) Thompson
Class of 2022 Inductees:
Pamela Avendano-Rubi, David Crabtree, Dr. Jacquelyn Crawford, Azayzel "Axel" DeRegis, Ethaniel "Ethan" Galloway, Dr. Abbi Laszacs, Brianna Martinson, Shivam Patel, Hannah Smith, McKenzie Templeton, and Cory Whitfield
Class of 2021 Inductees:
Hebah Al-Khateeb, Brooke Baxter Bartow, Serena Hernandez, Cierra Linka, Dawnna Metcalfe, John David Mullins, Cameron Phillips, Austin Ramsey, Adam Rosenbalm, Amber Seay, and David Taylor
Class of 2020 Inductees:
Sarah Hamilton, Alexis Harvey, Gabrielle Johnson, Shannon Ketchem, Brianna McCoy, Margaret Jean Miller, Taylor Osborne, Aamir Shaikh, John Sterrett, and Raina Wiseman