ETSU President Brian Noland delivered the 2021 State of the University Address from the Powell Recital Hall inside the Martin Center on Oct. 8, two days ahead of the university’s 110th anniversary.
“Last year, I stood on this stage, facing an empty audience, and addressed the campus by Zoom,” said Noland. “I have dreamed, from the moment I arrived at this university, of giving this address in this building.”
During his address, Noland discussed the current state of higher education, ETSU’s response to COVID-19, enrollment rates, budget updates and plans for the second chapter of the Committee of 125.
He highlighted that ETSU has led and established health initiatives related to COVID-19 in the region, mentioning that the Gatton College of Pharmacy has distributed more than 29,000 doses of vaccines on campus and in the area. ETSU Health also opened the first drive-through COVID-19 testing sites in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and a COVID-19 community collection site, providing results within 24 hours.
“I’m proud of the work that our institution has done, not only to put people first and keep the campus safe, but also to take aggressive action to keep the region, as a whole, safe,” Noland said. “From the Vaccine Challenge, to our face coverings mandates, to our dashboards and reporting, we’ve been transparent with the institution every step of the process.”
He emphasized the importance of putting the focus on the people of the institution, including providing resources for students. Through three phases of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Noland noted that $19,310,333 of emergency aid was given to students. The Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar wrote 5,860 paper checks as part of this aid.
While noting the enrollment decrease from previous years, he elaborated on the highlights of current ETSU enrollment statistics. Full-time students now make up 73% of the student population, while part-time students make up 28%.
“What I’m asking you to do is not to think about the university that you’ve known but think about the university that we are and what we’re becoming: a destination institution for students seeking a meaningful, impactful and engaged undergraduate experience,” explained Noland. “We’re no longer a school of part-time students. We’re no longer a commuter institution. We have changed without realizing the change.”
In terms of budget, colleges that saw decreases in enrollment were not penalized, but colleges exceeding enrollment targets, such as the College of Public Health and the College of Business and Technology, received budget adjustments to support those numbers. He summarized some of the newly implemented salary enhancements like faculty and staff “wellness days,” increased adjunct pay and the forthcoming across-the-board 3.5% salary increase.
Noland concluded with the progress and projected plans of the Committee of 125. Looking at the work the committee has completed thus far, he described his hopes for the next five years as well.
“I’m excited about the future, I’m excited about the opportunities in front of us and I look forward to addressing those opportunities collectively with you as a university community,” finished Noland.
To hear Noland’s full State of the University Address, visit etsu.edu/president/speeches.php.
