ETSU is known for its outstanding graduates and staff members, but it is also recognized as the most haunted campus in East Tennessee.
According to the “Haunted Tennessee” web site, schools are the most haunted buildings. This is so because old teachers and students, who have spent the majority of their lives there, seem to not be able to leave.
ETSU has had many hauntings, but the most popular is the tale of Gilbreath Hall, named for Sidney Gilbreath, the founding president of the university. Gilbreath’s ghost apparently watches over the place, closing doors and windows left open by mistake and turning off unnecessary lights.
Three custodians witnessed an odd event that happened one night while cleaning the stage.
“One Friday night after everyone had left Sam Roake, Geraldine Shell and I stayed to clean up. We tried to close the door behind the stage and it would not close. So, Geraldine went to get help while Sam and I stayed in the theatre. When she came back, we went up to the door and it was closed, locked and chained. No one else was in there, but the two of us and we did not hear a thing,” said Maude Stamper, a member of the custodial staff.
Gilbreath is not the only building on campus that has reports of ghostly appearances. Another such building is the woman’s resident hall, Lucille Clement, which is known for its energetic ghost named “Marble Boy.” Residents apparently hear the dropping of marbles above them, but when they go to investigate, no one is there. Students have also heard other mysterious noises, in Clement.
“One Friday night I was alone in the bathroom taking a shower. I heard the door open, but never heard the footsteps of the person coming, so I just assumed that they had just not entered after all. However, several minutes later, I heard the sink turn on and off. I thought it was really strange since I hadn’t heard footsteps coming into the room, but I overlooked it thinking that I may not have heard the steps due to the shower noise. I had just convinced myself that there was nothing wrong when I realized that I hadn’t heard ‘sink girl’ walk or open the heavy door to leave. When I finished my shower, my suspicions were confirmed as I checked the entire bathroom and no one was there,” said a former Lucille Clement resident.
Another popular ghost story is that of Christine Burleson, which is connected to Burleson Hall. Christine Burleson was an avid Shakespeare scholar, who taught English at ETSU. It was believed that her spirit has inhabited the portrait of her father, David Sinclair Burleson. Students believe that the eyes of the picture follow them as they walk by. It is believed that the eyes are those of Christine Burleson.
“She had a strong presence in the department. She was very independent and when she reached the point were she had to rely on others, she committed suicide. Maybe her committing suicide added to the supernatural aura that surrounds this building,” said Linda Carmichel, assistant professor in the English department.
Other students have reported that they have heard haunting stories about Rogers-Stout Hall. They report that the old elevator mysteriously runs when it no longer is used. They have also said they feel an eerie presence when they are in the building, especially after night classes.
Individuals who would like more information about ETSU’s haunted campus can go to the “Haunted Tennessee” web site at http:// www.prairieghosts.com/etsu. html.

Author