As a new year begins at ETSU, the skyline is changing as major construction projects continue to shape the university’s future.
The new academic building, a $62.5 million project, is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026. Originally anticipated to be finished in fall 2025, the timeline was extended due to national supply chain issues causing material delays.
“Projects across the nation are having some challenges, from labor to materials. As those happen, projects may lag a month or two,” said Jeremy Ross, ETSU’s chief operating officer. “It is moving well with high quality through subzero temperatures.”
The building will offer a collaborative setting for students and faculty, being one of the first academic buildings without faculty offices. These offices will instead be housed in Burleson Hall, where students can meet with professors once renovations are complete.
“The concept of this building is that students and faculty would collaborate in a different type of space,” said Ross.
Renovations have also begun on Brown Hall, one of the university’s largest academic buildings. Due to its size, the project will be split into two phases. The first phase is fully funded, while the second phase awaits approval from the governor’s budget.
“The second phase is in the governor’s budget now for consideration and we are optimistic that it will be funded,” Ross said.
Additionally, construction on the University Commons is nearing completion and will feature new swings, greenways, firepits, an outdoor classroom and a Bucky statue.
“When that’s completed, I think there will be a lot of activities, events, festivals and general outdoor learning,” said Ross. “It should be a great and exciting addition to our campus.”
Joining the Commons is a student-derived piece of artwork initiated by ETSU Honors Student Mollie Smith. The iron sculpture was created through ETSU’s ‘Bucs Go Beyond’ program and signifies a sense of place for the university and its region.
As ETSU’s facilities continue to grow and improve, Ross is excited for what is to come. “This has been a master plan for decades,” he said. “Many architects over the years have talked about this east and west transition.”
As these new projects come together, they include smaller details that extend beyond their physical structure to reflect ETSU’s identity, history and vision for the future
“The idea is that you walk across our campus and you understand what East Tennessee State University is,” Ross said.