On an unusually warm January day, ETSU’s Student Government Association held its first general meeting of the semester.
On Jan. 25, Ethan Becker, the organization’s vice president, sounded the gavel and put the room to attention.
After briefly speaking regarding the successful endeavors the SGA has had over the past year, SGA President Mason Mosier gave the floor to University President Dr. Brian Noland.
Noland began his speech to the SGA by reflecting on the past year. He revealed that his wife had recently been infected with COVID and that he understood many student’s frustrations with the situation. He explained that although the pandemic is frustrating, there are necessary precautions that could potentially save lives for those at risk.
Noland continued his speech, explaining that the school would be building a new general education building where the campus center currently sits, and mentioned a budge approval for $45 million to rework Brown Hall. In a previous interview with News Channel 11 in Nov. 2021, Noland stated that the rework of Brown Hall would be “a complete renovation of that long-standing science building.”
He went on to state that some members of the SGA are now on the parking committee, giving students a new voice regarding one of the biggest issues on campus. Noland announced that “concierge parking” would be making its way to campus within a year or two and that parking will soon include drop off and pick up at the Culp Center.
Additionally, new counseling services will be coming to campus, something for which many students across campus have advocated.
Beer is also coming to ETSU. On Nov. 4, 2021, the city approved Freedom Hall for a beer license, meaning that ETSU basketball games will soon be serving alcoholic beverages. Noland stated that baseball games and the upcoming Miranda Lambert concert will also be serving beer to attendees.
Noland closed his announcements by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and continue to work hard to keep everyone safe, explaining why COVID-19 precautions are important.
“It’s the folks at home that you might take something to,” said Noland.
