ETSU is opening the doors to a new kind of student support hub this week with the launch of the Mary V. Jordan Center. The grand opening marks a fresh chapter in how the university supports its student body for campus success. 

The grand opening, set for Oct. 23, will feature speeches from ETSU President Brian Noland and Mary V. Jordan herself. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be located inside the center, which is on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.  

The center will serve as an inclusive support hub for all students, specifically for those who are first-generation, low-income or a part of the Jordan Scholars program. It will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

“Any and all students can walk through our door if they need help with anything,” said Rachael Barnett, director of the Mary V. Jordan Center.  

Barnett said the center will be the experts on the experts by helping students connect to services such as tutoring, counseling and financial aid help. They also work with special programs such as Bucs Academy and Nichols Leadership Academy. 

Rachel Barnett, director of the Jordan Center (Contributed/ETSU)

“We want to be able to help any students,” Barnett said. “We want to be known as the place that students know they can go to for help.” 

The center will host several events during the week of First-Generation Celebration Day, Nov. 6, including sessions to assist with FAFSA applications, opportunities to meet the center’s staff and listening conversations with the All Together ETSU initiative. More details will be released soon on those events.  

Barnett hopes that students will use their lounge as a study space or a place to hang out with friends. As the center grows, they hope to receive feedback from students to better cater to their needs.  

“There will always be changes that make sure we are listening to what is helpful to students and getting their input,” Barnett said. “We have lots of great staff here that love working with students.” 

Most importantly, Barnett wants the center to honor the work and namesake of Mary V. Jordan. 

“I hope we can honor her in everything we do here,” Barnett said.  

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