1911 Society
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 2023 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.”
Piper Floyd
Piper Floyd of Kingsport, Tennessee, studied computing and foreign languages. With a long-held passion for international endeavors, Floyd was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for her year abroad in Granada, Spain. She has also participated in an international Hackathon composed of students from Iraq and the Palestinian Territories, where they created a website focusing on the global water crisis. As an ambassador in the ETSU College of Business and Technology Leadership Academy, she provided opportunities for women in STEM by co-founding the Women in Tech event at ETSU and by volunteering as a computing instructor to migrant women during her time in Spain. Additionally, Floyd conducted undergraduate research in machine learning, for which she became the first ETSU student to win the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. She will attend EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland in the fall of 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in robotics and a minor in space technologies.
Sadie King
Sadie King of Kingsport, Tennessee, graduated with a B.S. degree in rehabilitative health sciences and a double minor in communicative disorders and nutrition. During her undergraduate career, King has been a part of the Dr. Brenda White-Wright Emerging Leaders Academy, Preview and Orientation Leader Organization, and Buccaneer Involvement Guides, and has served in the Student Government Association as a senator and secretary of state, taking on the role of homecoming director for two years. She was also selected for ETSU’s “First and Triumph” video series that recognized her successes as a first-generation college student. In addition to being active on campus, King worked part time to assist individuals at The Crumley House who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. She is continuing at ETSU for her graduate degree in speech-language pathology.
Jessica Rodriguez-Potter
Jessica Rodriguez-Potter of Cleveland, Tennessee, majored in psychology with a concentration in child psychology and a double minor in early childhood development and trauma and resilience. Rodriguez-Potter was involved in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Diana Morelen and presented research at ETSU’s Appalachian Student Research Forum and Boland Symposium. On campus, Rodriguez-Potter served with the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization and the Center for Academic Achievement, where she was an academic coach and the Honors College representative on the student advisory board. She also interned as a medical advocate and labor doula with Atlanta’s Embrace Refugee Birth Support group. Rodriguez-Potter was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship and will spend 10 weeks in Tanzania before returning to Atlanta to continue her services with Embrace as part of a graduate fellowship. She hopes to use these experiences to advocate for maternal and child welfare in the humanitarian aid sector.
Dr. Jarred Millard
Dr. Jarred Millard of Burns, Tennessee, earned his M.D. from the Quillen College of Medicine. Before medical school, he spent nine years working as a first responder, both as a paramedic and a critical care flight paramedic. He stayed involved with EMS locally and globally throughout his time at ETSU by serving as an instructor for the EMS-XTLS conference, as well as traveling to Georgetown, Guyana, to train the country’s first class of Advanced EMTs. He served as class president for all four years of his medical education and is one of the founders and first president of the ETSU Street Medicine Outreach, an interprofessional coalition of students and faculty dedicated to providing care for the unhoused in the community. He was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in recognition of his compassionate patient-centered care and service to others. He will complete his residency training in emergency medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Katelyn Haun
Katelyn Haun of Dandridge, Tennessee, graduated with a BBA in general management and marketing communications. She is continuing her education at ETSU in the Master of Business Administration program in the fall of 2023. As an undergraduate, Haun served as president of both Alpha Delta Pi and College Panhellenic and as a member of the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization. Her greatest accomplishment was helping create EPIC, a seminar for Fraternity and Sorority Life members on risk management and community awareness. She was awarded the ADPi National Dorothy Shaw Leadership Award and Orientation Leader of the Year and Sorority Woman of the Year honors. While she was chapter president, ADPi was named Chapter of the Year.
Dr. Rhiannon Dunn
Dr. Rhiannon Dunn of Johnson City, Tennessee, earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership. She has earned the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and received various scholarships, including a dissertation scholarship, the Joan Brandon Hull Scholarship, multiple external scholarships, and a Quillen Scholars Award. Dunn actively contributed to Clemmer College’s CAEP accreditation committees as both a doctoral student and an intern supervisor. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Educators and the Golden Key International Honors Society. With an extensive background as a teacher, teacher leader, and mentor teacher at Science Hill High School in Johnson City and a strong commitment to education in multiple placements spanning almost two decades, Dunn plans to continue her leadership in the field, serving the needs of both students and teachers alike.
Jeremiah Heyward
Jeremiah Heyward of Knoxville, Tennessee, majored in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science. During his time as an undergraduate, he was student leader with the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization (POLO), organizing the event, communicating with other POLO leaders, and serving as the person to welcome students and families to campus. He also served as a Buccaneer Involvement Guide, Peer Mentor, and on New Student Family Programs and as an intern with Game Day Operations in the Athletic Department. These leadership opportunities allowed him to impact the lives of new and current students, enhancing their college experiences. His leadership led to an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate with other young men of color in a listening session with Vice President Kamala Harris focusing on the topics of mental health, economics, and criminal justice reform.
Mason Mosier
Mason Mosier of Piney Flats, Tennessee, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and media and communications. During his time at the university, Mosier demonstrated his leadership skills by actively engaging in community service, political organizations, and university programs, including the Student Government Association, the Honors College, and The Washington Center. He served as the SGA president for two years, was the first outreach intern for a congressional office, and combined his fields of study to create a working definition of 21st century American political candidates in his thesis. Furthermore, Mosier was appointed the community service chairman in his fraternity, Sigma Chi. Following his passion to expand his worldview, he took part in various leadership programs and study abroad opportunities in Israel and Rome. He was recognized for his exceptional leadership in 2022 with the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Award. After graduation, Mosier plans to study abroad and pursue a career in business management.
Samuel Alejandro Garcia Olmos
Samuel Alejandro Garcia Olmos of Caracas, Venezuela, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a minor in culture and health. As a member of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program, he participated in The Washington Center’s academic internship program at the National Hispanic Medical Association, where he advocated for Hispanic health. He participated in research at the Quillen College of Medicine with Dr. Xiaohui Wang’s investigation of liver response to sepsis. Additionally, he served on the executive board of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Interfraternity Council and as a senator and vice president for finance and administration in the Student Government Association. He was a dedicated volunteer with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and The Venezuela Project, which his family created to help his home country.
Paulina Ramirez
Paulina Ramirez of Medellin, Colombia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with minors in culture and health and psychology. She has held several leadership positions in the Student Government Association and served as a PEAKS mentor for the Honors College. Ramirez has conducted cardiovascular research under the guidance of Dr. Krishna Singh and presented her findings at various conferences, including the Tennessee Posters at the Capitol event, the American Physiological Society at the Experimental Biology Conference, and ETSU’s Boland Symposium. Because of her diverse background, she is committed to community service and has volunteered and interpreted at the Remote Area Medical Clinic and Providence Medical Clinic. She aims to obtain an M.D. degree and specialize in cardiology to combat health care disparities in the Appalachian area.
William (Billy) Thompson
William (Billy) Thompson of Ocala, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences with a concentration in human health and a minor in psychology as a Midway Honors Scholar. During his time in the Honors College, Thompson conducted epilepsy research under the direction of Dr. Chad Frasier in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Quillen College of Medicine. He has presented his research at ETSU's Appalachian Student Research Forum and at the American Epilepsy Society’s annual meeting. He also completed a senior thesis on cellular energetics in epilepsy. He was involved in multiple experiential learning activities, including a study-away program in New York City and study abroad in England and France. Additionally, Thompson and his wife founded a nonprofit outreach, the Amazing Gracelyn Organization, that serves the citizens of Cocke County, Tennessee, via a blessing box program.
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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 first baccalaureate degree in August or December 2022 or who will receive their degree in May 2023; or graduate students who received their first master’s or doctorate degree in August or December 2022 or who will receive their degree in May 2023; or pharmacy and medical students who will receive their degrees in May 2023.
- 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 responses to the application questions as well as the required two letters of references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
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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. The committee will base its decision on all of the following:
- Academic achievement (GPA, scholarship, research)
- Sustained service
- Honors, awards, recognitions, publications, presentations
- Demonstrated leadership
- Work experience, study abroad, internships, externships, clinicals
- Personal narratives on application (including your most significant academic experiences, personal goals, the value of your ETSU experience)
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee will be composed of the following representatives:
- President of Faculty Senate (or designee)
- Designee from Student Life and Enrollment
- Faculty designee from Graduate Council
- Faculty designee from Quillen College of Medicine or Gatton College of Pharmacy
- Vice President for Equity and Inclusion (or designee)
- Faculty Athletics Representative
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
To Apply
Students should complete the responses to items 2-8 either as a MS Word document or a PDF file to be uploaded to the online submission. All documents should be submitted to the Office of the Provost at provost@etsu.edu.
Respond to the following questions:
- Provide your name, degree, E#, degree/major, hometown, and cumulative GPA.
- List college activities and demonstrated leadership (examples include student government,
sports, schools, publications, arts, exhibits, exchange programs, tutoring, etc.)
Using a table/chart, list: College Activity, Dates, Offices Held, Average number of
per week.
a. Discuss one example of your effective leadership in one of the college activities described above (not to exceed 250 words) - List community and service activities while a student that are not required by your major/degree program, a service organization or judicial sanctions. Include projects with community organizations, environmental protection or conservation efforts, work with religious organizations, summer activities, etc. Do not repeat items listed previously. Using a table/chart, list: Activity, Dates, Offices/Position held, Average number of hours per week
- List part-time and full-time jobs, internships, clinical placements, and study abroad
experiences since high school graduation. Using a table/chart, list: Type of Work,
Employer, Dates, Average number of hours per week.
a. Discuss how this experience has contributed to your overall development.
b. Discuss how this experience prepares you to achieve your leadership goals. - List publications, presentations, awards, scholarships, or special recognition (honors, awards) you have received while pursuing your current degree. Do not repeat items previously listed.
- Describe your most significant academic experience at East Tennessee State University during your current degree program, other than GPA (do not exceed 250 words).
- Personal Goal Statement. What additional personal goals do wish to share with the Selection Committee? You may wish to include a response to the question: Why should the Committee select you for this award? Do not repeat information already provided (not to exceed 250 words).
- Prepare a statement describing the value of your East Tennessee State University undergraduate, graduate, or professional program experience (selecting the appropriate level). This essay must not exceed 500 words in length and should be written in a clear, simple, and direct manner.)
Two Letters of Reference
- One letter of reference from a faculty member who taught you in your major field/program of study (at your current level) and knows you well enough to evaluate your academic performance.
- One letter of reference from a faculty member, advisor, counselor, employer, or other individual (non-family member) who has a special relationship with you while a current student at ETSU.
- Do not submit additional letters of reference.
- Reference letters should be submitted with your application or emailed directly to the Office of the Provost.
2023 Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on March 1, 2023, 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 tartan stole to wear with their regalia. Names of new inductees will be identified in the Commencement program.
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PAST MEMBERS
Class of 2022 Inductees:
Pamela Avendaño-Rubi
majored in biology with a biochemistry concentration and a minor in physics. She grew up in Puebla, Mexico and is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. She uses her bilingual ability to provide interpretation services at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic and at the Quillen College of Medicine. Since 2019, Avendaño-Rubi has conducted cardiovascular research under the direction of Dr. Cerrone Foster in the Department of Biological Sciences. Avendaño-Rubí has presented her research at ETSU's Boland Symposium, the Honors Collegiate Conference, the American Physiological Society and the Tennessee Capitol to state senators and state representatives. Avendaño-Rubi hopes that with her unique cultural influences and biomedical skills she can identify and address the needs of eastern Tennessee communities.
David Crabtree
was a political science and international affairs double major. He served with several leadership and civic engagement organizations, including the Student Government Association, Model United Nations and the Tennessee Intercollegiate Supreme Court. Crabtree has two research publications under review at present, both addressing a shift in public perception of social welfare as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crabtree also presented the same research at the 2022 Southern Political Science Association Conference. He plans to pursue an M.A. at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Jacquelyn Crawford
is a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate with the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Crawford has held several positions with the ETSU chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association during her four years at the college of pharmacy. Crawford has participated in twelve clinical placements in a variety of roles, from community practice, to emergency medicine, to ambulatory care. On top of her clinical placements, internships and regular employment, Crawford found the time to complete two different research projects regarding pharmacist-provided contraception. Crawford intends to use her breadth of experience in a position as a clinical pharmacist or on an interprofessional care team. She hopes that her efforts may help combat the health disparities of the Appalachian Highlands.
Azayzel DeRegis
was a foreign language major with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in art. DeRegis has also completed all of the requirements of a pre-medical degree. While not at his internship at the Quillen College of Medicine, DeRegis volunteered with a number of local medical and outreach programs; including at the Johnson City Medical Center, the Johnson City Community Health Center, and with the Washington County Rescue Squad. He also volunteered with the Language and Culture Resource Center as a medical interpreter. DeRegis also helps provide CPR training to the ETSU community through the campus emergency medicine club. DeRegis aims to become a multilingual trauma surgeon and serve anywhere that medical interpretation and cross-cultural relationships are needed.
Ethan Galloway
majored in chemistry and double minored in anthropology and culture and health. He has served in several leadership roles, including as president of the ETSU chapter of the American Chemical Society and as the student member of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Galloway also volunteered with local charitable organizations, with one of the most notable being his position as a court appointed special advocate for children in the foster care system. After completing medical school, Galloway hopes to serve the Appalachian Highlands region as a physician.
Dr. Abbigayle Laszacs
is a Doctor of Medicine graduate of the Quillen College of Medicine. She served on several student committees, and volunteered with local low- income medical services, such as the RAM clinic and the Church Hill Free Clinic. Laszacs completed all of her volunteer work in addition to her ordinary workload of internships and research positions as a doctoral student. Through such research positions, Laszacs is already credited on one scientific publication; a study of pediatric powered mobility published in the “Journal of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.” Laszacs hopes to build a career out of addressing substance use disorder within the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Brianna Martinson
majored in computer science and is well-regarded for her skills in research. She was the concluding speaker of the 2020 ETSU Ronald McNair Summer Research Program. She has presented her research at the Appalachian Student Research Forum, the Tennessee State Capitol, the Boland Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Baylor University Virtual Research Conference. Martinson also participated in an undergraduate research symposium at Michigan State University. Her passion is for virtual reality technology and its potential therapeutic applications. She hopes to make a career out of that interest after completing graduate school at the University of North Texas where she will study learning technologies with a concentration in project management in workforce performance.
Shivam Patel
majored in health sciences and was involved in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Sean Fox since his freshman year. Patel volunteered his spare time with student organizations on campus and outreach programs in the community. On campus, Patel has served with the ETSU chapter of the American Society of Microbiology, the Student Government Association and the Preview and Orientation Leaders Organization. In the wider community, Patel gave his time to the RAM clinic, the United Way and campaigns for candidates for local public office. A graduate of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program, Patel hopes to pay forward the support he received during his time at ETSU by pursuing a service year with AmeriCorps while he applies to medical school.
Hannah Smith
majored in theater and minored in communicative disorders. She is a multitalented artist, known by many for her performance in the 2021 production of “Men on Boats” which earned her a nomination for a Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Award. In addition, her creative writing was accepted for publication in the ETSU arts journal “The Mockingbird.” Smith has also volunteered her time to better her fellow Buccaneers, serving with both the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization and the Buccaneer Involvement Guides program, as well as the Committee for 125 Chapter II academic task force. Smith hopes to use her talents and her passions in a career as a speech therapist.
McKenzie Templeton
is a media and communications graduate and the founder of ETSU’s ABLE organization, a disability awareness group that now partners with ETSU’s Department of Disability Services. Despite her full course load as a student, Templeton has got a head start on her career as a marketing strategist through part time jobs and internships with organizations such as Meta (Formerly Facebook) and STREAMWORKS; among others. Templeton hopes to remain in the Appalachian Highlands and use her skills to promote the region and serve its people. She is currently the Director of Young Professional Development with the Johnson City-Jonesborough- Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Cory Whitfield
is a Master of Social Work graduate. In 2020 he served as the student representative to the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social workers. Whitfield’s tenure marked the first time an ETSU student held the position. Whitfield is also the president and a founding member of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Black Social Workers. As a graduate assistant, Whitfield was instrumental to research on a $50,000 grant received by the Department of Social Work. Whitfield hopes that a successful career in social work will later translate in to an impactful role as a policymaker.
