As construction continues to reshape ETSU’s campus, Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ross said students can expect major progress by next spring, including the debut of a new academic building at the heart of campus.
The three main projects this semester — the new academic building, Bosque Plaza and reworking the Quad — are set to be completed next spring. Out of the three projects, Ross is most excited for students to experience the new academic building.
“The new academic is grand in many ways,” Ross said. “It has flying buttresses, 30-foot ceilings in the lobby, rich materials, green roofs and amenities at a level we have not experienced at ETSU.”
The academic building will be the home of general education classes, offering the campus’s finest for new students.
“The most satisfying part of this building is that it is in the center of campus. It has a grand feel,” Ross said.
The Bosque Plaza, located outside Carter Hall and the new academic building, will give the campus an enhanced outdoor space with a woodsy feel. It will feature 20 eight-foot trees.
Construction of the Brown Hall renovation will continue, with phase one expected to end in spring 2027.
Ross is looking forward to the new Integrated Health Sciences building, which is currently in the early stages of design. Located adjacent to the parking garage, the new space will include the College of Medicine, simulation labs, physical therapy and clinic spaces.
“It is going to be a major addition to campus,” Ross said. “The goal in that project is to grow our classes sizes in programs such as the College of Medicine and Physical Therapy and for those disciplines to train together.”
The baseball facility will be upgraded with new additions of locker rooms and coaches’ offices.
“It will hopefully help with recruiting operations and reward and continue their performance,” Ross said.
As construction wraps next semester for projects central to campus, the obstructions to pathways and parking will be mitigated.
“Some disruptions will be mitigated, such as the parking area around Lamb Hall and the new academic building,” Ross said.
As projects finish and begin, Ross’ goal remains the same: to create the most beautiful campus in East Tennessee.
“We are getting closer to that goal,” Ross said. “We want to stand out as excellent. I think we are well on our way.”
