The Robertson Center, named after Dr. Patricia E. Robertson, a former ETSU faculty member focused on human development and learning, provides students with an on-campus space for support and community. The goal of the center is to encourage “Robertson-minded” thinking, which emphasizes the positive impact humans can have on their communities.
The center hosts various workshops, creative and social activities for students to grow individually, connect with others and discover their personal values. From mindfulness exercises to art projects and community gatherings, the programs encourage self-discovery, confidence and meaningful connections across campus.
Heidi Marsh, coordinator of center engagement and vital support services, oversees both the Robertson Center and Bucky’s Pantry, helping students access essential resources while building community.
The Robertson Center was created after several campus resources closed, leaving gaps in student support. Last spring, Dr. Leah Adinolfi, dean of student engagement, pulled together a team of people to discuss challenges faced regarding needs that would no longer be met due to the closure of some centers on campus. The team included representatives from other campus centers as well as people from counseling, advising and university leadership. Together, they aimed to continue the work of supporting students, but targeted a more diverse group.
The long-term vision for the Robertson Center is to be a welcoming place where students know they can find support and growth.
“I hope students can find refuge, figure out a little bit about themselves and become more confident while also helping others,” Marsh said.
Looking ahead, Marsh hopes that in five years, the Robertson Center will be a space where students feel like they have helped shape and contributed meaningfully.
Adinolfi emphasizes that the Robertson Center’s evolution is collaborative. “This is a space where everyone, students, faculty, and staff, can have a say in what’s available and help build a stronger community,” she said.
Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., the Robertson Center offers quiet spaces for work and mindfulness during the day and lively programs in the evenings. Student feedback helps shape programming each semester. The Robertson Center’s grand opening is Sept. 15 from 3-5 p.m. in Room 210 of the D.P. Culp Student Center, with Dr. Robertson attending for special remarks at 3:30 p.m.
