The dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Roy S. Nicks Hall held on Friday Sept. 15, honored the achievements and life of a former ETSU president.
The building was named in honor of Dr. Roy S. Nicks, former Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor and the university’s seventh president.
During the ceremony, tributes were made to Nicks from former colleagues and friends to a crowd of about 200 guests, who gathered in and around a tent in front of the building.
“This is a very special day in the life of the institution,” said ETSU President Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr. “We’re here today to honor one of the most special people in my life.”
“You’re going to hear about two pages of compliments about Roy Nicks,” Stanton said. “At a time of turmoil Nicks came and refocused on students under the theme ‘students come first.'”
While Nicks served as president, the College of Education received re-accreditation, new off-campus sites were opened, the honor’s program was created, services for disabled students increased and ground was broken for a $29 million library.
The 130,000-square-foot old library building now houses the College of Nursing, the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services and the Office of Information Technology.
Renovations to the building came at a cost of about $12 million and were completed in summer 2006. Johnson City architect Ken Ross designed the alterations and the general contractor for the job was Denark Construction of Knoxville. “The classrooms are so much nicer, the labs are better equipped, the lighting is better, and it’s cleaner,” said Kristen Horne, a junior nursing major.
While the ceremony was filled with respect and admiration for Nicks, there were also light-hearted moments. “It’s very appropriate I think, having an old building named for Roy . it’s ancient, but like Roy it’s been rejuvenated,” said Dr. Joe Johnson, president emeritus for the University of Tennessee.
Also during the ceremony, Stanton unveiled a portrait of Nicks to be hung in the building. Nicks said, “I am delighted that you chose this facility to be named Nicks Hall . my wife and I accept this honor on behalf of all the people who contributed to my career over the years.”
“Today our nation is in a critical state over the lack of nurses,” said Dr. Patricia Smith, dean of the College of Nursing, “But ETSU is answering the call. The men and women in those classes . will help address the shortages we now face.
“It is indeed an honor to have your name placed on this building, one that we now call home,” she said.

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