Publication Date
12-16-2023
Abstract
East Tennessee State University celebrated more than 1,400 members of the Class of 2023 during two Commencement ceremonies held at the Ballad Health Athletic Center today.
During the morning ceremony, Dr. Jessica Burchette, associate professor of Pharmacy Practice at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, was the keynote speaker. Burchette is the 2023 recipient of the ETSU Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching, the highest teaching honor bestowed by the university.
In her remarks, Burchette provided five tips to the graduating class. Among them, she encouraged the graduates to “prioritize people” and to find ways to serve and be generous.
“When in doubt, make decisions that put people first,” said Burchette.
At the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Brenda White Wright, a motivational speaker, storyteller, leadership development and diversity trainer with more than 40 years of experience in business management, board development, human resources, multicultural issues, radio and television, spoke to the graduates. This year, ETSU celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy. Its mission is to identify, encourage and support students as they develop knowledge and skills to become effective servant leaders at ETSU and beyond.
White Wright reflected on the adversity she has faced and the lessons she has learned from her experiences.
“However, I believe the answer to these ongoing challenges lies within each one of us to the question: How can I use my life, my education, my unique gifts and talents to lead, serve, edify, build others up and civilly speak truth to power on their behalf?” White Wright said.
Document Type
News Article
