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 2024 Founders Week festivities, Mr. Fred Sauceman delivered a Presidential Lecture on ETSU's third president, Mr. Burgin E. Dossett.
ETSU Founders Week Events
ETSU will observe the 2025 Founders Week from Oct. 6-10. Special events include:
ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition
Monday, October 6
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; 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 7
10 a.m. (Bells of remembrance ring at 10:11 a.m.)
ETSU Carillon
ETSU Remembers is an annual ceremony to honor current 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 2024 – June 2025.
Lecture: Dr. C.C. Sherrod and the Spirit of the Times: Leadership Through Depression and War
Tuesday, October 7
Time: TBC
Location: TBC
A century ago this year, Dr. Charles C. Sherrod became President of what would later
become East Tennessee State University. He would remain in the job for a record 24
years, guiding the institution through the Great Depression and World War II. This
Founders Week presentation by Fred Sauceman will show how Dr. Sherrod’s leadership
helped shape the university we know today.
ETSU Service Awards
Wednesday, October 8
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 9
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 9
6-7:30 p.m.
Founders Park Amphitheatre
ETSU sponsored Acoustic Autumn at Founders Park in the Amphitheater. The event features local musician performances. The event is free and open to the public.
State of the University Address
Friday, October 10
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 is also livestreamed at www.etsu.edu/president/speeches.php.
ETSU Football vs. VMI
Saturday, October 11
TBC
Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
Previous 1911 Society recipients receive special recognition during the game.