Digital Commons Network^™

2022-June-01-Etsu Students Win Prestigious Gilman Scholarship, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Several East Tennessee State University students have won the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The Gilman scholarship provides funding for study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students. It is one of the most competitive scholarships in the United States.

“We are thrilled for these ETSU students,” said Dr. Chris Keller, senior international officer at ETSU and dean of the Honors College. “ETSU is firmly committed to offering a global education. This scholarship allows students to have that experience.”  

Here is a look at the students who received the scholarship:

• 
  Amanda Wu, a senior biology major, …

2022-June-01-Etsu Students Partner With Steele Creek Park, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Before even arriving at Bristol’s Steele Creek Park, a recreation area spanning more than 2,220 acres of fields and forests, you can compile an impressive list of facts, figures and observations.  

You’ll notice that the park is home to over 200 species of birds, over 70 species of butterflies and a range of mammals, including beavers and black bear. You’ll learn the reasons why the fields are so rounded and why the craggy knobs in the forest are so steep. You’ll read about the arboretum path, a paved trail lined with trees.  

Thanks to the work …

2022-June-01-Happy Lgbtq+ Pride Month, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

As part of ETSU’s commemoration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, faculty and staff members reflect on the Stonewall Inn riots that took place in June 1969 and discuss the significance of that event for the LGBTQ+ community.

2022-June-01-Etsu To Host Rd Ulster-American Heritage Symposium, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The 23rd meeting of the Ulster-American Heritage Symposium will be hosted by the Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, June 19-22, 2022. 

The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies, located at the Ulster-American Folk Park in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Part of the Libraries Ni Heritage service, it is the primary project of the Scotch-Irish Trust of Ulster. The Symposium has been closely associated with the Ulster-American Folk Park since it met for the first time in 1976 and with the Mellon Centre since 1996. …

2022-June-01-Hospitality And Tourism Management Certification, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Registration is now open for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Certification Program, a partnership with the East Tennessee State University Office of Professional Development and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). The certification is a regional first, having grown over the past three years.

Classes will be held each Tuesday, Aug. 16-Nov. 15, from 6-9 p.m., at the Hands On! Discovery Center, located in Gray at the ETSU Natural History Museum and Gray Fossil Site. Registration is required.

Certification is for anyone interested in expanding their skills and knowledge for personal and/or professional development. This …

2022-June-01-Navigating The Next For Transgender Students, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

A school counselor is an important resource for any student, especially in getting assistance when dealing with mental health issues. Already, mental health is a rising concern for college students and also for high school students – a problem that only worsened during the pandemic. A recent CDC survey found that 37% of high school students reported experiencing mental health challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak.

High school students who are gay, lesbian or bisexual were especially likely to have mental health struggles.

Dr. Jon Borland spent several years working as a school counselor before entering a Ph.D. program at the …

2022-June-01-New Book Explores Appalachian Health Issues, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University experts have contributed to a new award-winning book that explores the myriad health issues and challenges facing the people of Appalachia.

“Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges, and Capacity” is co-edited by Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean of the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, and the late Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield of the University of Kentucky. The book was published by the University Press of Kentucky.

Using a balance of comprehensive data and storytelling, the contributors examine issues such as affordable and accessible medical care, the opioid crisis and other social, political, …

2022-June-01-Riding Tall: The Bold Works Of Rosa Bonheur, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

This Pride Month, University Marketing and Communications is highlighting some of the work faculty is doing in the LGBTQ+ space.

Dr. Michael Fowler, Assistant Professor of Art History, recently returned from teaching an ETSU study abroad course in Greece. While in Athens, he took a moment to revisit the Parthenon sculptures and especially the west frieze representing a procession of men on horseback. These sculptures figure prominently into his current research on the acclaimed 19th-century French artist, cross-dressing lesbian, and proto-feminist Rosa Bonheur.

As a fellow queer person, Dr. Fowler has long admired Bonheur for achieving international success in the …

2022-June-01-Sadie King First Generation College Student, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

To make up for its absence in the prior two years, the planners of the 2021 Homecoming celebration at East Tennessee State University wanted to make it the biggest and best iteration of that event in the university’s history. That was the inspiration for the Ferris wheel, which was an idea of one Sadie King, who was last year’s Student Government Association (SGA) Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State of the ETSU SGA is responsible for planning and organizing homecoming. Sadie attained the position in her second year serving with SGA.

In her time at ETSU, Sadie has also …

2022-June-01-Sherrod Library Pride Month, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

In celebration of Pride Month, the Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State University has hand-selected a collection of LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction books. The following assortment has a variety of narratives, including topics from heartwarming fictional romances to thought-provoking memoirs.

Non-Fiction  

“Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place” by Neema Avashia (2022) 

“’Another Appalachia’ examines both the roots and the resonance of Neema Avashia's identity as a queer Desi Appalachian woman. With narrative explorations of foodways, religion, sports, standards of beauty, social media, gun culture and more, "Another Appalachia" mixes nostalgia and humor, sadness and sweetness, …

2022-June-01-Spring 2022 Deans List, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University has announced the names of students who attained a grade point average qualifying them for inclusion in the dean’s list for spring 2022.

To receive this honor, undergraduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate coursework with no grade below ‘B-’ in any course taken, and a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students from the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours and earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 or above with no grade …

2022-June-01-Surge Coming In Hope Scholarship Funding, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – As families grapple with the cost of college, East Tennessee State University students will see a surge in their Tennessee HOPE (Lottery) Scholarship funding for the fall 2022 semester. In late April, the Tennessee State Legislature approved an $85 million increase in funding for the scholarship. Gov. Bill Lee recently signed the bill.

“This is wonderful news for our students,” said Dr. Sam Mayhew, associate vice president for Student Life and Enrollment at ETSU. “Students who receive the HOPE Scholarship have already put in tremendous work, and we are thrilled to see them receive additional funding.” …

2022-June-01-The Big Dig Returns To East Tennessee, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Hands On! Discovery Center and the East Tennessee State University Museum of Natural History are bringing back The Big Dig, an immersive paleontological experience for older teens and adults.

Big Dig is returning

“The Big Dig” is a one-of-a-kind, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, paleontology experience that provides participants the opportunity to work alongside paleontologists and follow the process from beginning to end, from searching for fossils in the field to curating them in the museum collection. 

“This program allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Gray Fossil Site …

2022-June-01-University School Ranking, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – University School, an innovative preparatory school located on East Tennessee State University’s main campus, has ranked among the top performing schools in the state of Tennessee, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2022 Best High Schools.

In coordination with North Carolina-based RTI International, a global nonprofit social science research firm, U.S. News reviewed nearly 24,000 schools at the national, state and local levels. Approximately 17,843 of those were evaluated and ranked based on multiple factors, including but not limited to performance on state-required tests, graduation rates and college preparation. 

“The Best High Schools …

2022-June-01-Brooke Hornberger, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – As a junior at Jefferson County High School, Brooke Hornberger traveled to Johnson City for a speech and debate tournament at East Tennessee State University. 

Hornberger fell in love with the beauty of the campus and felt a special connection to the Department of Communication and Performance. 

Now an award-winning member of the university’s speech and debate team, Hornberger’s high school trip to ETSU proved fateful.  

“I did not know it at the time, but the speech and debate team was a gateway to my love for communication research,” she said. “I was so overwhelmed …

2022-June-01-Meet The Newest 1911 Society Members, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

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.

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.

Pamela Avendaño-Rubi

2022-June-01-Enrolling For Fall 2024, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

To be successfully enrolled for fall 2024, all ETSU students must take certain steps, including registering for courses and confirming your registration. Failing to take these steps could slow your path to graduation, or you could be dropped from your courses.  

ETSU staff are here to help. Remember: 

All students must register for classes, and the ETSU Registrar’s Office has guidance to help you stay on track for graduation. Registration for fall opens Monday, April. 1. Here are some tips:

• 
  
  Before registering for classes, utilize Degree Works in GoldLink. This program helps you track your degree progress …

2022-May-31-Welcome To Etsu, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

East Tennessee State University welcomes the following faculty and staff members who recently joined the university:

Sara Allen is a marketing and communications manager with the Martin Center for the Arts. She was previously a digital marketing manager with Pharmacy Network Services. She holds a B.S. degree in mass communications from the University of Montevallo.

Sarah Bennett is an employment coordinator for Access ETSU, Clemmer College. Before coming to ETSU, she was a coordinator of High School Programs and Perkins V at Northeast State Community College. She holds a B.A. degree in collaborative health and human services from California State …

2022-May-31-Enjoy Retirement, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Congratulations to the following members of the East Tennessee State University family who retired in May.  Thank you for your service!

Robert Plummer – Executive Director, University Advancement, 37 years of service

Leisa Wiseman – Director of Foundation Accounting, Business and Finance, 38 years of service

Published May 31, 2022, as part of the Accent email newsletter for faculty and staff.

2022-May-26-Etsu Launching Graduate Program In Applied Data Science, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 26, 2022) – In answer to a growing demand in the Appalachian Highlands and throughout the world, East Tennessee State University will offer a master’s degree in applied data science this fall. 

“It is difficult to imagine a field that is booming more than data science right now,” said Dr. Robert M. Price, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at ETSU.  

A two-year program that offers both online and in-person courses, the applied data science program provides students with hands-on learning experiences with a variety of companies, including Ballad Health and Eastman …

2022-May-26-Etsu Selects Dean For College Of Arts And Sciences, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 26, 2022) – Dr. Joe Bidwell, an internationally respected scientist who has published well received work on topics ranging from climate to reptiles, will lead East Tennessee State University’s College of Arts and Sciences as dean. 

Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academics at ETSU, announced the appointment following a months-long search.

Dr. Joe Bidwell

“Dr. Bidwell emerged from a field of outstanding candidates,” McCorkle said. “Dr. Bidwell’s successes at ETSU, including faculty recruitment and strategic planning, made him an ideal choice. We look forward to all that Dr. Bidwell and his …

2022-May-23-Center For Pharmacy Education Advocacy And Outreach, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 23, 2022) – East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy and Ballad Health are establishing a new center to improve the lives and health outcomes of people in the Appalachian Highlands.

Ballad Health has committed a $470,000 annual gift to the college to create the Center for Pharmacy Education, Advocacy and Outreach, which will broaden efforts to help better equip pharmacists to transform practice and to work with patient care team members across inpatient and outpatient settings to improve transitions of care on hospital admission, discharge and overall health outcomes.

“ETSU and Ballad Health …

2022-May-23-Center For Pharmacy Education, Advocacy And Outreach, Bill Gatton College Of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 23, 2022) – East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy and Ballad Health are establishing a new center to improve the lives and health outcomes of people in the Appalachian Highlands.

Ballad Health has committed a $470,000 annual gift to the college to create the Center for Pharmacy Education, Advocacy and Outreach, which will broaden efforts to help better equip pharmacists to transform practice and to work with patient care team members across inpatient and outpatient settings to improve transitions of care on hospital admission, discharge and overall health outcomes.

“ETSU and Ballad Health …

Interprofessional Collaboration With Occupational Therapy Assistant And Physical Therapist Assistant Students Through A Simulated Academic Setting, Brooke Gentry, Samantha Harris, Cindy Hayden, Allen Keener

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Background: There is a direct emphasis on interprofessional learning and interprofessional education (IPE) at the accreditation and national level (IPE, 2016). There are, however, no studies on the effectiveness in the delivery of interprofessional collaboration in the academic setting, specific to occupational therapy assistant students. Therefore, the following research has been developed to address this area of need in occupational therapy assistant education.

Methods: This research was conducted in the academic setting, through a simulated lab-based case with occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant students as the participants. The perceived confidence and communication were measured through a pre …

Innovation In Health Science Education: An Experiential Learning Program, Lily Apedaile

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted health professions education on a number of different levels. Many health professions and pre-health professions students lost access to real-world clinical experience which has lead to disruptions in the healthcare workforce pipeline. At the University of Montana a diverse group of health professions educators designed an innovative experiential learning program, called Griz Health, that would allow UM students to engage in healthcare experiences while helping the campus with COVID-19 response. Because of the overwhelmingly positive response from students and community members that participated in this program, the Griz Health program was shifted from a volunteer response …

A Debriefing Of A Student Created Malaria Board Game, Jeffrey L. Lennon

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Purpose- This article examined the post-game debriefing of a student-created board game on the topic of malaria, taken from UNICEF and other international agencies’ Facts for Life.

Design/Methodology/Approach- A group of university health students participated in the play of the game and the debriefing. Initial debriefing of seven steps(key themes) occurred through written format, followed by an oral debriefing.

Findings – Major categories from the written debriefing by steps, key category response, and number of categories were as follows: For experience recall – how to prevent malaria, nine response categories; for feelings – felt informed, felt happy, nine response categories; …

Development And Evaluation Of An Interprofessional Education Course On Integrated Health Care For Nutrition, Public Health, School Counseling, And Social Work Graduate Students, Nadine Bean, Patricia Davidson, Cheryl Neale-Mcfall

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential for enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and ability to integrate other professionals’ knowledge to ensure mutual respect and shared values for patient-centered care. The needs of medically underserved populations (MUPs) to receive behavioral health and nutritional care integrated with primary care services are significant. This research highlights the data outcomes from six offerings of a graduate IPE course on integrated health care. Funding from a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training (BHWET) grant provided stipends for graduate social work and school counseling students in their final year of field …

2022-May-20-Rural Health Conference, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 20, 2022) – East Tennessee State University Health Sciences faculty, staff and students were well represented at the nation’s largest gathering of rural health professionals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week.

The 45^th annual Rural Health Conference sponsored by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) took place May 10-13 both in person in Albuquerque and virtually, with over 80 sessions designed to help raise the standard of rural health.

“The National Rural Health Association is the premier organization that brings together leading researchers, practitioners and other experts in rural health,” said Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean …

2022-May-18-Seventh Annual Big Train Show Coming To Etsu, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 18, 2022) – After a two-year hiatus, the annual Big Train Show is coming back to East Tennessee State University. 

 The event happens June 3-4 in the Ballad Health Athletic Center, formerly known as the Mini Dome. 

“We have not been able to host the Big Train Show for the past 2 years,” said Geoff Stunkard, one of the event organizers. “This show brings in people and model displays from all over, and we will fill that 64,000-squarefoot field with railroad models and history. We are really excited to finally say, ‘All Aboard!’ for it again …

2022-May-18-Strengthening The Nursing Pipeline, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 18, 2022) – East Tennessee State University brought together leaders from Ballad Health and from colleges and universities from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for a strategic planning meeting to brainstorm ways to increase the pipeline of students into the field of nursing.

This was the first regional gathering of the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement, which was created in October 2021 thanks to a $10 million investment from Ballad Health to create a center dedicated to bringing the region’s academic nursing, clinical nursing and school systems together to increase the pipeline of opportunity and …