Leadership Academy

The ETSU Leadership Academy is dedicated to nurturing and developing the leadership capabilities of faculty and staff members to advance the university’s mission and strategic priorities. Core frameworks include emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, growth mindset, servant leadership, and the distinction between management (operations) and leadership (vision and change). Case-based and scenario-driven learning ensures that theory is continually connected to real-world practice. Grounded in integrity, collaboration, and continuous personal and professional growth, the academy aims to cultivate a robust pipeline of skilled leaders who are prepared to drive positive change within their units and departments, the broader university community, and the Appalachian Highlands region.

2025-26 Leadership Academy Cohort

William W. Cate

William W. Cate, MBA, is Assistant Dean for Fiscal Affairs and Administration for East Tennessee State University's Charles C. Sherrod Library, Graduate School, and Honors College. Currently, he serves as the secretary to ETSU's Staff Senate and is a member of the east Tennessee chapter of the Project Management Institute. He also owns and operates Anna Marie’s Florist in Johnson City.     

O.J. Early

O.J. Early, Ed.D., is Director of Content Strategy at East Tennessee State University, where he leads integrated marketing campaigns and guides institutional storytelling. His work has generated national and state media attention. He holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from ETSU, with dissertation research focused on student interpretation of institutional branding. He is an elected member of the ETSU Staff Senate, serves on the Board of Trustees for Washington College Academy, and is a member of the Warming Shelter Committee at First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City.

Steph Frye-Clark

Steph Frye-Clark, DMA, is Director of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts and Associate Professor of Tuba & Euphonium at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where they also serve as Coordinator of the Brass Area. An internationally recognized performer, educator, and advocate for underrepresented composers, Steph has been on faculty since 2013. They currently serve as the elected Faculty Trustee on ETSU’s Board of Trustees, are a member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and sit on the Board of Directors of the International Women’s Brass Conference.

Alyson J. Chroust 

Alyson Chroust, PhD, is Chair of Psychology and an Associate Professor at East Tennessee State University. An experimental psychologist, her research examines early cognitive and perceptual development, with a growing focus on infant outcomes following prenatal substance exposure. She leads research efforts for interdisciplinary initiatives addressing opioid use during pregnancy and early childhood health in Appalachia, integrating clinical data, multilevel modeling, and community-engaged approaches. Dr. Chroust mentors undergraduate and doctoral researchers and collaborates with community partners to advance evidence-based practices that support infants, families, and the professionals who serve them.

Katherine C. Hall

Dr. Christy Hall is Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Nursing, where she has served in academic leadership for more than five years. With over 30 years’ experience in healthcare and 25 years in nursing education, she oversees undergraduate nursing students across multiple pathways. Her leadership focuses on academic excellence, student success, workforce development, and innovation in nursing education. Dr. Hall’s professional interests include trauma-informed education, nursing well-being, rural and underserved populations, and leadership development. She is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that enables faculty, staff, and student success while preparing outstanding nurses to meet healthcare needs.

Jill Hayter

Jill K. Hayter, Ph.D., serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Economics in the College of Business and Technology (CBAT) at East Tennessee State University. Her scholarship focuses on labor economics and public policy, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations. Since joining ETSU in 2010, she has advanced through key academic and administrative roles, contributing to strategic planning, accreditation, curriculum innovation, and student success initiatives within CBAT.

Scott Jeffress

Scott Jeffress is the Executive Director of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program at East Tennessee State University, a role he has held since retiring from the U.S. Army in 2012 after 22 years of service. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he served in leadership positions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including leading ETSU’s Army ROTC Program. Jeffress oversees recruitment, leadership development, fundraising, and operations for the Roan Program. He also serves on several community and nonprofit boards, including Summit Leadership, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, and the Johnson City Public Library.

Jamie Price 

Jamie Price, PhD, is the department chair for Curriculum and Instruction in Clemmer College of Education and Human Development and Associate Professor of Math Education.  She is the program coordinator for the undergraduate elementary education program.  in addition to teaching pre-service teacher candidates, she leads professional development workshops for in-service teachers in the east Tennessee region.  She is a member of the inaugural class of the ETSU Leadership Academy.  

• Nomination Process

  Deans and Vice Presidents identify faculty and staff with demonstrated leadership potential, a commitment to the university, and at least 5 years of service. Nominees complete the portion of the nomination packet related to their interest, leadership experiences, and alignment with the university's strategic priorities. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the President and Provost, focusing on diversity, departmental representation, and potential impact. The President and Provost approve the final cohort of approximately eight (8) participants.
• Past Cohort Members

  To be added once cohort II is announced.