Service Awards

Office of Human Resources

“As we reflect on our service to ETSU, we all remember our first day on the job,” said Lori Erickson, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources. “Together, we have watched this campus grow – from record enrollment to new buildings and programs to better serve our students and our community.”

“We have seen how ETSU is transforming the lives of students and how the work each of us does is part of that process. And it is not just students who are being transformed. All of us have enjoyed the sense of magic that being part of this community brings.”

  • Group of people at the Service Awards smile for the camera.
  • ETSU employees at the Service Awards pose in the selfie booth.
  • A band performs at the event with a projection screen behind them.
  • A staff member encourages another employee to spin the wheel to win a prize.
  • A buffet is set out on blue and gold draped tables with employees filling their plates.
  • Everyone is seated at the Service Awards tables as the presentation is under way.
  • Dr. Noland and Dr. McCorkle present an award to Lisa Booher for her service to ETSU.
  • An award is presented to Kim Edwards for 30 years of service.
  • Group photo of the 30 years of service recipients on stage.
  • Ms. Painter and Terry both hold their awards for 35 years of service on stage.
  • Robert Acuff and Margret Pate both receive awards for 40 years of service.

The East Tennessee State University community is comprised of more than 2,400 faculty and staff who, each day, through their contributions in classrooms, offices, departments, and research laboratories, and on our campus grounds, carry forth our institutional mission to improve the quality of life for the people of our region.

The successes that ETSU has realized over the decades have been made possible through the hard work and talents of these faculty and staff—people who have devoted years of their lives to this institution.  

So, each year ETSU holds a celebration to honor the service of our employees and recognize those current, regular employees who have achieved the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 years of service. During this ceremony, each employee receives a certificate and pin honoring their service to ETSU and the State of Tennessee.

  • How are milestones calculated?

    Beginning in 2023, the employee's longevity date—which includes all periods of prior eligible service with the State of Tennessee or one of its applicable agencies/institutions—is used to establish years of service for the purpose of Service Awards.

    Please see the ETSU Longevity Policy for more information, including the reasons that the longevity date may be adjusted in some cases.

  • What if I can’t attend?

    Certificates and pins will be available for pickup at the HR office in Burgin Dossett Hall, Room 307 on the main campus for one month following the celebration of service. After this period, certificates will be sent to the recipient's department.

  • Additional Questions?

    Please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@etsu.edu