Preview and Orientation Leaders assisted with move-in on Wednesday, Aug. 20. (East Tennessean)

ETSU is beginning the new school year with its largest freshman class on record and several major campus upgrades—signs of a transformative year ahead. 

“We’ve got the wind in our sails, and that’s an exciting position to find yourself,” said ETSU President Brian Noland.

According to Noland, this school year has the highest number of incoming freshman, the most students living on campus, and an overall increase in enrollment.

Due to the influx of students living on campus, renovations of residence halls have been a top priority. Construction on Powell Hall, which began in January, is now complete.

“It’s completely renovated,” Noland said. “A brand-new residence hall with the skin of an older building.”  

Yoakley Hall is next in line for renovation, with work starting this semester to convert the building into a residential facility. Discussions are also underway about constructing a new residence hall to meet the growing student population. 

“The theme of development on campus will run through the year,” Noland said.

Students returning to campus will notice ongoing construction for the new academic building, expected to be completed in time for the spring semester.

Construction for Brown Hall will continue, and work will begin on a new health sciences building near the parking garage. 

“As we move into the fall semester, there’s going to be a bit of disruptive inconvenience,” said Noland. “I want to thank the students in advance for their patience.” 

Another visible change on campus is the removal of the ETSC smokestack, which Noland said had to be taken down for safety reasons. 

Noland also expressed enthusiasm working with the new Student Government Association administration. This year, SGA plans to focus on enhancing the student experience through community outreach and expanded career services. 

Following last semester’s closures of several campus resources, Noland provided updates on two new centers aimed at supporting students: the Dr. Patricia Robertson Center and the Mary V. Jordan Center. 

Both centers focus on student needs and their ability to impact campus and the community.

The Robertson Center will include Bucky’s Closet and Bucky’s Food Pantry. This resource aims to help students make connections and improve their well-being. 

The Jordan Student Success Center will support incoming freshmen, first-generation students, low-income students and rural students. Services offered include academic advising and career support.

As the semester kicks off with Welcome Week, students will have the chance to attend events like the Campus Rec Pool Party and Block Party. Noland said he looks forward to seeing students’ smiling faces back on campus and welcoming 88 new faculty members to the university.

He also encouraged students to get involved on campus and recognized the institution’s potential to overcome the unexpected. He praised the student body’s response to Hurricane Helene, expressing pride in service and engagement efforts. 

“I’m confident that our students, if they live our mission, will serve this region just as nobly as our student body did last year,” Noland said. “I’m excited to see what our student body is going to do this year.”

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