Exciting changes are coming to ETSU’s campus as construction projects throughout campus are underway. New additions will be finished soon with new opportunities for students to enjoy outside spaces and study areas. 

Jeremy Ross, chief operation officer, shared updates on campus construction and upcoming projects.  

Ross said that upgrades on the new academic building will be visible soon. “Steel just arrived and in the next month or two, we will see the building three-dimensionally,” said Ross.  

The building is set to be completed next fall semester, which is on par with the scheduled date. “That will be an exciting year for students,” said Ross. “Many freshmen will get to see that building and it will reshape the core of campus.”

Photo of a sidewalk closure sign during construction on campus. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

In addition to the new building, Bosque Plaza, a green space, will be developed in front of Carter Hall. It is under design and set to be completed at the same time as the academic building.  

Phase two of the University Commons project will progress over the semester and Ross shared that most of the work will be completed in three weeks and that amenities will arrive throughout the year. The area will include greenways, an outdoor classroom, swings and a Bucky statue.  

The newly renovated Powell Hall opened this semester as a living learning community for esports and digital media with computers in the lobby. “That is the way we are changing housing. So, if it’s geared towards music, there’ll be music practice rooms,” said Ross. “The idea in housing is not just nice housing, but that people who have similar needs to rehearse music or computer access have that in their residence hall.” 

Burleson Hall will open January 2025 and Ross shared that Yoakley Hall is in the preliminary stages of returning to a residence hall. Brown Hall renovations will begin after the 2025 graduation ceremony and the new Integrated Health Sciences building begins construction in the summer of next year.  

As the projects progress, pathways and roadways will be altered and parking will be impacted. Ross assured that accessibility is always in mind when planning construction and alternate routes.  

The campus master plan is in the final stages of completion after an 18-month process. “It’s an exciting time for ETSU,” said Ross. “We have been able to make improvements, and will make improvements that are significant and that will transform the university.”

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