As the spring semester comes to an end, campus remains busy as construction progresses for a new look when students return in the fall of 2024. Over the summer, construction between Lucille Clement Hall and Luntsford Apartments will see notable progress as well as the Auntie Ruth’s in University Commons and the new academic building under construction where the former Campus Center Building stood. Faculty, staff and students can foresee an improved campus with additional study spaces, communal seating, academic buildings and food services.

Vice President of Administration Jeremy Ross oversees business, collaborations and general nonacademic operations on campus. “There are many housing upgrades taking place across campus that students will notice,” Ross said. “It may be more physical than visual, a lot of it is mechanical upgrades, electrical, the air and the lighting.”

Photo of the Burleson Hall construction. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

On a phone call, Ross mentioned the second phase of University Commons will take place over the summer with an estimated completion date of fall 2024 where it will be open to the public once again. Powell Hall is also expected to be completed over the summer for students’ arrival, while Burleson Hall is going to remain under renovation until the spring 2025. Additionally, research facilities will move out of Brown Hall where student accommodations can be foreseen in the spring of 2025.

For food services, Auntie Ruth’s will now remain in University Commons as its business was beneficial for the establishment and campus alike. They are now working to provide better ovens and tools for the café to thrive next semester upon its return. Construction continues on the new $62.5 million academic building with a projected completion of fall 2025.

Photo of planted trees on campus. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

“The goal would be that in five years, there is this seamless, high-quality experience across campus,” Ross said.

Over the past year, the master planning progress of campus renovation has noted experiences of parking, walking through an academic building, traveling across campus, housing and much more for ETSU students, staff members, faculty and visiting community members.