Construction on campus continues (Abby Trembeczki/East Tennessean)

ETSU saw numerous changes this year, including the construction of a new building, a reimagined Commons and complete overhauls across campus — but it doesn’t stop there.

The $62.5 million Academic Building remains on track to be completed in spring 2026 and will offer a collaborative setting for students without faculty offices. Those offices will instead be housed in Burleson Hall, currently undergoing extensive renovations.

Construction on University Commons was completed earlier this semester and now features new greenways, a gazebo, firepits and swings. A Bucky statue is anticipated to join the Commons before the fall semester.

Beyond these projects lies a master plan with concepts and ideas that shape the university’s future in the region. With a consistent rise in enrollment, ETSU relies heavily on funding from the state government, specifically from the governor’s budget. The budget has been in the university’s favor recently as these investments continue to support the upgrades of facilities.

These investments were recognized at the ETSU Board of Trustees meeting in February.

“The bulk of the revenue that supports the institution comes from tuition and fees, but a pretty significant portion of it comes from the state,” said President Brian Noland. “This year, Governor Lee’s budget is not only balanced, but it’s making solid investments in operating, solid investments in capital and solid investments in salary.”

The renovation of Brown Hall, split into two phases across three years, was recently approved in the governor’s budget and will be the university’s highest-costing renovation project to date, totaling around $94 million. Originally constructed in 1948, ETSU was in desperate need of a science building, and now the university says it’s time for a “much-needed transformation.”

Despite continued growth, one area that’s sparked debate across many campuses is parking. Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ross said that although it’s one of the most visible student concerns, data doesn’t support the need for more parking spaces just yet.

Instead, the master plan recommends replacing certain parking lots with newly constructed buildings.

According to a 2024 parking study by ETSU, which involved physical counts and not just estimations, parking supply had a peak occupancy of around 79%, leaving 1,584 vacant spots across campus.

“Despite perceptions across campus suggesting a parking deficiency, the data indicates otherwise,” the study read. “By focusing on parking location, operations and management strategies, ETSU can alleviate frustrations related to parking on campus.”

While there is no evidence that the university needs more parking spaces, Ross said the experience could be better.

In future years, the master plan introduces concepts that involve making the campus more pedestrian-friendly. This is a national trend across universities where academic buildings are placed at the center of campus, with parking and roads pushed around the perimeter.

The plan also anticipates the need for a new dormitory building and the possible demolition and reconstruction of the Davis Apartments.

As enrollment continues to increase, the landscape of ETSU is expected to continue expanding to meet demand and provide necessary services to all students at the university.

Campus facility master plans can be found at etsu.edu/facilities/planning/plans.php.

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