From campus renovations to activities and opportunities for students, the 2022-2023 school year has come to a successful close.
“For me, kind of one of the big elements of this year is just the fact that the campus really has turned a chapter in its maturation, its development, and level of engagement,” said ETSU President Brian Noland.
This year saw the implementation of the ice skating rink, hair cuts in the Culp, the unveiling of Taco Bell, the Broadway series, silent discos, strong game attendance, and an improved preview and orientation experience.
There were also many milestones accomplished, which Noland showed an immense fondness for, such as bringing in a record-breaking sized freshman class, three sports teams competing for NCAA, and the largest band in university history, who were selected to play in next year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“I think as I look at all of this, the element that I think I’m most proud of sometimes is just the little things,” said Noland. “Yesterday I stood at the window and took phone calls and I watched a team of people across the way at the University School spreading fertilizer, seeding the grass, and getting everything ready for commencement next week. Sometimes people don’t see the work that goes in behind the scenes for campus to look and feel the way it does.”
The most notable change to campus has been the readjustment after COVID-19, which only three years ago left the campus empty. Noland made a mention of this being the first school year since the pandemic where all was back to primarily normal. Not just that, but better.
“As I look back at the year, what really resonates for me are just the shining moments,” Noland mentioned. “In any academic year, there’s always moments when the sun doesn’t come up, but the days of brilliant sunshine are more vivid in my recollection than days that weren’t so brilliant.”
In regard of projects that will be ongoing into the next year, students can expect to see the Campus Center building torn down to be replaced, a continued push to improve academic and mental health counseling, and the continued launch of the Navigate partnership. Students can also expect to bring in the campus-wide focus of community engagement, with internship opportunities within the community for students.
“Don’t take the university for granted,” continued Noland. “Go on an alternative spring break, have the opportunity to get involved with a community service organization, go to an athletic event, go see one of the world-class lectures we’ve had. Go see a Broadway performance, go see a concert, go to the CPA. Never in your life will you again have the opportunity for all of these educational, cultural, and personal development resources to be at your fingertips. Take advantage of the opportunity, and the same to the community.”
