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Table of Contents

  • 1: President's Message
  • 2-3: Top Stories
  • 4-7: Unique Alumni
  • 8-10: Campus Briefs
  • 11-12: Athletics
  • 13-15: Advancement
  • 16-17: Distinguished President's Trust
  • 19-21: Annual Fund
  • 22: Looking Forward--Looking Back
  • 23: Summer Camp
  • 24-30: Class notes
  • 30-33: Obituaries

ETSU President

Paul E. Stanton, Jr.

Managing Editors

Richard A. Manahan; Robert M. Plummer; Jennifer Barber

Contributing Writers

Jeff Anderson; Jennifer Barber; Pat Barcel; Danny Camper; Laure Carddock; Lee Ann Davis; Ben Daugherty; Pat Elledge; Carol Fox; Kristn Fry; Haleigh Garber; Ashley Garris; Chris Hackney; Tisha Harrison; Leisa Harvey; Donald Harvill; Chris Henson; Jennifer Hill; Pat Holland; Ashley Martin; Peggy McCurry; Marc Montgomery; Jo Anne Paty; Robert Plummer; Cyndi Ramsey; Shea Renfro; Pamela Ripley; Jeremy Ross; Fred Sauceman; Carol Sloan; Joe E. Smith; Karen Sullivan; Jenny Wilkins; Deidre Yowell

Photography/Art

Larry Smith; Jim Sledge; James Padgett; Chris Hackney

Publication Date

Spring 2009

President's Message

Dear Alumni and Friends, The business of higher education is changing in Tennessee. At ETSU, we are working diligently to reduce costs, to re-evaluate priorities, and to make sound decisions for our students, for our employees, and for all those we serve. When your family has to make hard choices, you probably sit down at the kitchen table to discuss with everyone the difficult decision or the financial situation that exists, any possible actions, and the best directions for the family. At ETSU, we have taken the same approach in addressing difficult times. With State of Tennessee sales tax revenues down dramatically from previous years, our state is looking at a possible $1 billion revenue shortfall. The federal stimulus money is encouraging and will provide some relief, but it is still of paramount importance that ETSU “re-set” its expectations of the state support available and the private support, grants, and partnerships that have all been affected by the economy. Through a “Call to Action” issued to everyone on campus, we have sought to share with them the ever-changing financial information, to seek their feedback for measures that will create savings and raise additional revenues and to promote a “Culture of Stewardship” throughout the university community. A task force has been working since last fall with sub-committees or continuous improvement teams focused on specific areas of the institution. Every focus group is examining practices and costs while considering changes to enhance performance and efficiency. Much work has been invested in developing budget management scenarios, creating cost-mitigation strategies including the “Voluntary Buyout Program” for a limited number of positions, offering incentives for new faculty participants in the “PostRetirement Plan,” and outlining guidelines should employee furloughs become necessary. Our Financial Services and Budget offices have played a vital role in analyzing internal issues as well as keeping a watchful eye on the communications and requests from the leadership in Nashville. One of the stellar achievements is seen in the self-imposed conservancy of operating funds university-wide. Budget expenditures expected throughout the ETSU community for the current fiscal year have been slowed by thoughtful management and deferred when possible. We are looking at ways to do business that will prevent layoffs. In many ways, we are doing some of the same things every household, business, or organization in the country is doing. We are working to trim the budget but not at the expense of our people and their jobs. At the state level, discussions also continue regarding the way in which a student will be billed for hours taken. The 12-hours cap for full-time status may give way to students paying for additional class hours per semester. The management and oversight of Tennessee’s higher education systems, including the Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs ETSU, and the University of Tennessee system, plus the role of the coordinating authority, Tennessee Higher Education Commission are being discussed by leaders and legislators seeking greater efficiency with less cost. The outcome may affect the focus of campuses in their teaching, research, and service missions and functions. In a time marked by significant “unknowns,” the need for education remains a certainty and the first priority. Our students are full of hope, and their needs today are the same as those of previous generations of ETSU students—work, study, and earn an education that will enable them to achieve their dreams for tomorrow. Together, we will reach all of our goals. We deeply appreciate your support as alumni and friends of East Tennessee State University. We draw strength from your faithful efforts and unwavering spirit—inspiring us and lifting us to reach even higher! With sincere gratitude, - Paul E. Stanton, Jr.

ETSU Today - Spring 2009

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