Dr. Brian Noland was wearing an ETSU themed bowtie, a blue suit, ETSU socks, and a nice pair of brown leather shoes. In looking back over the past 10 years, the interview began by asking Dr. Noland, “What’s your proudest accomplishment?”
Noland was joyful, reminiscent, as he pondered the things that he has achieved – or been a part of achieving – in the last 10 years. He noted that he was pleased with the production of the Martin Center for the Arts and enthralled by the number of commencements that he has been able to be a part of (which, he mentioned, have taken so long because he enjoys stopping and giving the students hugs.) But at the root of it all, that is what he returned to: the students, the names and faces that have made the past decade possible.
“As I look back at the time period that I have had the honor to serve as the president of the university, the thing I am most proud of are the thousands of students who walked across the stage and realized their dreams.”
Noland became the ninth president of ETSU in January 2012, succeeding Dr. Paul Stanton. As a student, he received both his undergraduate & master’s degrees from West Virginia University, then went on to achieve a PhD in Political Science from the University of Tennessee.
Before landing at ETSU, Noland served as the chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and a faculty member in the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University. His notable, pre-presidential achievements include aiding in implementing the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship.
When asked if he had any regrets; he responded by getting out of his chair, saying he would be right back, and left the room. He came back minutes later with a picture frame in his hand. He pointed at the picture and said, “That’s my very first basketball game,” then he began to point at the people, “that’s Mrs. Stanton, that’s Dr. Stanton, that’s (former ETSU Athletics Director) Dave Mullins,” and he says this final part with an emphasis, “and that’s my son, he’s in first grade.”
He teared up, “My biggest regret is everything I missed with my son and my wife.” He shared he has “missed games, performances, teaching him how to drive. I’ve missed a fair amount of my son and my wife’s life.”
But the memories he has – of this campus, of these people – serve as gentle reminders that there are always cracks where light can push through. He smiled while reflecting on the opening of Roger’s Buc Mart, cutting ribbons to new buildings, the first Blue & Gold scrimmage, egg hunts at Shelbridge (the official residence of the president of ETSU).
During the first week of his presidency, he was determined to go to the gym and shoot basketball. He went in, started to play a game with a student, and after the pick-up game, the person asked, “Are you the president of this place or something?”
We continued to talk about some of the specific people of ETSU, such as Dr. Chris Dula. There was sadness in Noland’s eyes as he began to talk about Dula, a beloved professor who died in January 2019 after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Noland embraced the man’s dedication to his job, and the celebration of life ceremony at ETSU’s Brooks Gym.
“People get married here. They exit the Earth here. We take this place for granted. I’ve never been anywhere that means as much to the people who call it home as here.” said Noland.
When asked what the next 10 years would hold, he replied, “If I’m fortunate enough to still be in this position, it would be the honor of a lifetime.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.