The ETSU Board of Trustees voted not to increase the tuition costs for graduate and undergraduate students in the fall at its April 22 meeting. This applies to all in-state and out of state students, except those in Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine.
The board also approved the 2022-2023 budget. This action and the generous scholarships made available by ETSU and through the state and federal governments allows high-performing and low-income students to pursue a degree with few financial worries.
Reports were also given on two major initiatives including the Strong BRAIN Institute and Center for Rural Health Research. These institutions engage in spreading awareness about mental and physical health issues in the Appalachian area. These projects were made possible through Ballad Health donations and will expand the involvement of medical students in the area.
As part of the Committee for 125, various town halls, listening sessions, and meetings with focus groups were conducted to get feedback from the community about projects and help craft the future of ETSU. Some of the services stemming from this initiative include a comprehensive student support center particularly geared toward first generation students which will guide them from application to career placement.
ETSU will also attempt to expand the pathways open to veterans, ROTC cadets, and neuro- and physically diverse students. ETSU is also planning to increase participation in internships and real-world experiences to 90%.
The board also approved tenure and promotion recommendations for 65 ETSU faculty members.
While most of us won’t be taking classes during the summer, (kudos to those who do) ETSU will be preparing for a new class of freshmen and continuing to evolve in the post-pandemic world.
