Gilbreath Hall, ETSU’s oldest academic building, was recently renovated over the summer. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate these renovations was held on Oct. 14, as part of Founder’s Week.

“Many general education classes are now in an amazing space,” says Chief Operating Officer, Jeremy Ross.

Renovations for Gilbreath Hall took place over a span of 100 days this past summer. This was a large feat for all those involved in order to create no disruption for students in the fall semester.

The renovations for the space were implemented under the mission to create an improved educational experience for students through state-of-the-art technology, classroom amenities and a modernized interior. The new and improved building also comes with a significant change to Bud Frank Theatre, which has undergone changes to not only be more accommodating as a versatile space, but will also begin film screenings as an on-campus cinema.

Photo of Dr. Brian Noland speaking at the Gilbreath Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

“I think one of my favorite experiences is to be in the second or third floor classrooms on the corner, because you’re in this room, one is a computer lab, so you have computers, AV equipment everywhere, and then you have these large windows looking outside at greenery and architecture,” says Ross. “It reminds me of our history and past and the beauty of East Tennessee, but also a completely modern and updated building.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed members of ETSU’s community, from students to current and retired faculty, as well as university partners who made these renovations possible. It was also noted that this leap for Gilbreath Hall, named after ETSU’s founding president, is only the beginning of a master plan to continue renovating campus, with preparation for construction of a new Campus Center building currently underway.

“I think it’s always a celebration when the state of Tennessee allocates funding to this region and we are able to steward our buildings in a way that preserves our past and moves us forward,” says Ross.