It was in Gilbreath Hall on the ETSU campus where the inaugural faculty of East Tennessee State Normal School first taught more than a century ago. Those 18 faculty members trained at some of the most impressive institutions in the world, and they came to this campus with the shared belief that through education, lives can be changed and our communities could be made better.
Fast-forward over a 100 years later, and that same tradition continues. Today, hundreds of faculty call this institution home. Our faculty believe in the power of higher education, and that with a college degree, any dream is possible. Our faculty are champions for our students. They are leaders, mentors, scholars, innovators, and public servants. They are award-winning teachers and noted researchers in their fields of study. They meet the needs of others. They generate new ideas and develop solutions for our community.
And, they are all committed to the success of their students.
Welcome to East Tennessee State University.
It is my honor to serve as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at this amazing institution that is transforming the lives of others every day.
Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Key Updates for ETSU Faculty/Staff
Health Sciences Dean Search
A dean search is currently underway for the College of Health Sciences. Visit Health Sciences dean seach websites for updates.
The '24-'25 Campus Read
After soliciting suggestions and feedback from students, faculty, and staff, the Campus Read Committee has selected All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr as the 2024-25 Campus Read. This book explores the power of human connection and kindness in the midst of war and affirms the value of education. We will announce it to our students when they return this fall and will have other exciting updates about ways we will promote the Campus Read.
Chair Training Update
January, 8, Chair Training Workshop 12:00-4:30 p.m., D.P. Culp Student Center, East Tennessee Room
New Dean of Nursing
After a national search, East Tennessee State University has named Dr. Dena Evans as dean of the College of Nursing. Dena Evans, Ed.D., MPH, MSN, RN, CNL, CNE, currently serves as vice dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida College of Nursing. She will begin her new role at ETSU in January 2025. Read more about Dr. Evans.
Academic Structure Updates
On June 4, ETSU received notice that the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved the proposed plan for ETSU's Academic Structure. This was the final approval needed so that the structure can be implemented July 1, 2024. The Academic Structure Implementation Team continues to meet weekly to plan for a smooth, multi-phase implementation beginning this summer. The team finalized and posted a document that provides a broad definition of schools and clarifies the purpose and function of schools. This document was developed and reviewed by a task force subgroup that included Faculty Senate representatives, chairs, and deans. They will also continue to add information to a list of frequently asked questions on the Academic Structure webpage.
University Council Minutes: Looking for the most recent minutes from our monthly University Council meeting? Visit here.
Academic News
Why I Teach: Conversations with ETSU Faculty
During my first semester at ETSU, I visited each of the ETSU colleges where I met with the faculty and students and learned about their initiatives and plans. The accounts of how ETSU has inspired them were truly transformative.
I was so inspired by those stories that I have launched a new podcast series – Why I Teach: Conversations with ETSU Faculty – in partnership with the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Office of University Marketing and Communications that is dedicated to telling the incredible stories of the ETSU faculty.
You can access the podcast here or find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, PodBean app,or on Spotify. Special thanks to Professor Martin Walters for creating the music for this podcast.