For the past 30 years, the University Commons has undergone various changes and upgrades for students, staff and faculty to enjoy. From the construction of Starbucks, King’s Corner and the soon-to-be Dunkin’, ETSU continues to offer beverages, pastries and a community-like setting for anyone to sit down and relax.

Vice President of Administration and Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ross manages the university’s business, collaborations and general nonacademic operations. Inspired by community, Ross mentioned that the social space that is now University Commons was a gift of Sonia S. King who helped in making it what is it today. Since then, King has been honorably remembered at ETSU, the bakery King’s Corner having been named after her.

“They [Sodexo] had an idea to work with local bakeries to bring a product to campus instead of competing,” Ross mentioned on the beginnings of King’s Corner on a phone call.

King’s Corner located outside of Carter Hall. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

Due to the relocation of the original supplier, the Corner then switched to a French bakery for supplies, and now, they have plans to replace it with a new and fresh concept. Despite its departure, King’s Corner will still hold meaning and remembrance at ETSU.

“The legacy would be the whole,” Ross said. “All of the areas whether it’s shuffle boards, slides, putt-putt, those areas as well as the bakery that hold her spirit, the positivity and helping others is what people remember.”

In addition to the expansion of the University Commons across Lucille Clement, the awaited Dunkin’ is scheduled to be completed in March, Ross mentioned. Since the construction takes place in the library, the construction time was accommodated around busy academic times such as finals week so as to not take away from the building’s purpose.

In the last five years, ETSU has seen the most change and innovation regarding its structure, resources and comfort for students and faculty to enjoy. The University Commons, or the “living room of campus” as Ross called it, will continue to serve as a communal space that offers something for all.

Author