ETSU Today - Fall 2017

FALL 2017

Serving

AMERICA through SOUND

Centennial of Digging in Saltville

Arts Center to be a Reality

Football Returns to Campus

Fall 2017 ETSU President Brian Noland Executive Editor Fred Sauceman Managing Editor Joe Smith Advancement/Alumni Editors Pamela Ritter Bob Plummer Contributing Writers Marissa Avanzato Karen Crigger Lee Ann Davis Mike Ezekiel Jennifer Hill Amanda Marsh Brian Noland Cyndi Ramsey Fred Sauceman Joe Smith Amy Steadman Kristen Swing Michael White Graphic Designer Stephen Russell Photographic Services Ron Campbell Dakota Hamilton Larry Smith Charlie Warden

CONTENTS 1

The President’s Perspective

2

Country Current

6

ETSU Paleontologists Celebrate the Centennial of Digging in Saltville

33

Ezell Continues to Inspire Buccaneer Nation

34

Meet New Head Baseball Coach Joe Pennucci

35

Meet New Director of Tennis Martin Stiegwardt

37

Treasures

38

Back in Their Old Rooms Again

10

Arts Center to be a Reality

13 14

DATELINE: ETSU

16

ETSU’s First Lady: Partnering for Excellence

40 41

A Foundation for Excellence

19

Who’s Teaching at ETSU?

44

Obituaries

20

An Opus for Dr. Aloia

48

Faculty-Staff Obituaries

22 24 28

Who’s Going to ETSU?

29

A Legacy of Service

30

Football Returns to Campus: A Photo Essay

2

ON THE COVER: 3 ETSU graduates are serving as members of the U.S. Navy band.

32

Attacking an Epidemic

Class Notes

It Takes a VILLAGE Leading the Journey Toward Team-Based Health Care

SoCon Champion Bucs Face Some of the Nation’s Best

16

6

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404679-4500, or http://www.sacscoc.org, for questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University.

ETSU is an AA/EEO employer.

ETSU-156-17 92M

30

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

WHERE WILL YOUR FOOTPRINTS LEAD? That was the question I posed to our freshmen during the 2017 Student Convocation, days before the start of the fall semester. It was the same question that I also presented to our faculty earlier that morning during our annual Faculty Convocation. The upcoming 2017-2018 academic year will be a celebration of the footprints being left by East Tennessee State University. Those footprints began in the fall of 1911 when 29 students—all aspiring teachers—arrived on our campus as the inaugural class of East Tennessee State Normal School. The original mission of the school was to strengthen our region and state’s public schools. Since then, our Clemmer College of Education has graduated thousands of teachers, school counselors, principals, and administrators who are serving here and around the nation.

As the mission of the school expanded, so did our footprints. Consider our footprints in health care. We have been training nurses for over 60 years and now have one of the largest nursing enrollments in the state. Consider the footprints our faculty, students, and alumni from the Quillen College of Medicine have made since March 1974, particularly in rural, underserved areas. And consider the footprints made by the Gatton College of Pharmacy during the past 10 years following the arrival of the inaugural class.

Consider our footprints in the arts. Our students and alumni of the ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program have performed at venues as close as the D.P. Culp University Center and the Down Home and as far away as the Czech Republic and Japan. Our theater alumni have been on stage at Barter Theatre, on Broadway, and on London’s West End. Our graduates are accomplished artists, musicians, actors, storytellers, and educators.

These footprints belong to our students, faculty, and staff, but they are also the footprints of our alumni and friends. Each of us leaves a lasting mark on this university, but our footprints go far beyond our campus in Johnson City, with over 92,000 alumni in all 50 states as well as 67 countries.

This year, we celebrate the footprints of East Tennessee State University—the footprints from the past 106 years as well as the footprints we continue to make.

So I will ask you the same question as I did of our students and faculty: Where will your footprints lead?

Brian Noland President

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COUNTRY CURRENT

Three ETSU alumni serve nation by playing music they love

“The best job in the world” involves playing bluegrass and country music for the United States President, Vice President, and top U.S. military officials as members of Country Current, the premier country-bluegrass group of the U.S. Navy Band and the only officially sanctioned bluegrass band in the nation’s military.

That job is held by three East Tennessee State University alumni: Musicians 1st Class Henry Johns, Danny Stewart, and Haley Stiltner.

They are unique in that they are all graduates of the same program who belong to such a specialized military musical ensemble.

Country Current members Henry Johns, Haley Stiltner, and Danny Stewart reunite with Daniel Boner, Director of Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies at ETSU.

Johns, Stewart, and Stiltner hail from the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program within ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies. All three performed in the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band and other ensembles during their collegiate years and toured with outside bands, as well.

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Stewart, who has been with Country Current since 2014 and serves as its bluegrass musical director, graduated in 2011 with a degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Radio, Television, and Film studies and a minor in Bluegrass. Afterward, he toured with the Larry Stephenson Band and taught at ETSU as an adjunct faculty member before joining the U.S. Navy Band.

“I wanted to join the Navy Band because of all the traveling I was doing in civilian bands,” said Stewart, a Laceyville, Pennsylvania, native who plays upright bass, as well as guitar and banjo for Country Current, and also plays electric bass in the band’s country configuration.

“It was hard to be on the road so long just being gone a whole bunch, and the Navy offered me a way to serve my country and play bluegrass music. It was the most unique thing ever. I truly believe it’s the best job in the world, because we have the opportunity to wear the cloth of our nation, serve our country, and get paid for what we do well—and we’d be doing this whether we were in uniform or not. We’d be doing this in some capacity every day.

It’s who we are.”

Stiltner, who, along with Johns, is one of the newest members of Country Current after completing boot camp this summer,

had a similar experience. Originally from Windsor, Virginia, she is a 2010 graduate with a degree in Business and minor in Bluegrass and a 2012 M.B.A. graduate.

After three years playing banjo with Next Best Thing, a band led by Sally Berry and Tensel Burke, Stiltner toured as the bass player for The Little Roy and Lizzy Show, all while holding down a full-time job at ETSU. She worked for 4 ½ years in the Advancement Services division of ETSU University Advancement, which is responsible for processing gifts to the ETSU Foundation and maintaining alumni and donor records.

“I was driving all night from Georgia multiple times a week, back and forth,” she recalled. “I was getting home at 7:30 in the morning and having to be at the office at 8:00. So this opportunity came up, and I’m just proud to serve my country doing what I love to do. I’m at home more now, and have more free time, and time to work on my music.”

Johns traveled a different road. One of the rare musicians joining the Navy Band System right out of college without several years of professional experience in between, the Huntington Beach, California, native spent his last semester at ETSU knowing he would be entering boot camp after graduating in May with his Bluegrass

degree, with a job lined up as a dobro and steel guitar player in Country Current.

“The last year before I graduated, I was really trying to figure out what I was going to do, looking at going to Nashville or Austin, and the audition for this job opening came up,” said Johns, who played with local bands the Twang Bangers and Motel Rodeo during his college years. “I immediately knew it was a really good opportunity. It was one I’d actually inquired about a couple of years before, and the answer I got was that these jobs come only when there’s an opening, and those don’t come very often. So it was really neat how it opened up right as I was graduating.”

Serving in the military is doubly significant for Johns, whose grandfather was in the Navy in World War II and whose brother is currently an officer in the U.S. Army.

“This is, to me, a neat way to serve using the blessings I have while wearing the same uniform that my grandfather wore,” he said, “and although it’s a different branch of service, it’s a way to serve the way my brother is.”

To become members of the U.S. Navy Band, most musicians audition as civilians and all must meet several requirements, including being between the ages of 18 and 35, meeting physical standards, and undergoing an extensive background check, before undergoing the rigors of boot camp. During a recent masterclass led by Country Current for ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music students, Musician 1st Class Kenny Ray Horton, lead singer and guitar player for the band, said positions in the Navy Band are coveted spots that are generally held permanently until members retire after at least 20 years.

In addition to performing at functions at the highest levels of the U.S. government and military, Country Current goes on a national tour each year. Much of what the band does is public outreach, according to Senior Chief Musician Melissa Bishop.

“We take the Navy on the road to places  Country Current tours nationally every year

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on this new job,” Johns said. “At ETSU, we had a lot of amazing opportunities to learn from some of the best people in the field.”

Like those whose paths they follow, these three ETSU alumni hope to spend their careers right where they are until their paths diverge at retirement. At this point, Stiltner’s dream for retirement is to move to Carter County, which she has grown to love. Johns sees himself doing a lot of fly fishing in Montana or Wyoming, and Stewart wants to return to Tennessee, where he hopes to continue playing music and return to teaching.

Until then, they will continue entertaining and spreading goodwill by doing what they do best.

“One of the things I really like about this opportunity is the service aspect, like getting to go play for the kids,” Johns said. “I don’t even know if the kids liked bluegrass or not, but if one kid in that Children’s Hospital smiled hearing Haley play the banjo, that’s the coolest thing.” where people don’t see folks in military uniforms, or, more specifically, Navy uniforms,” she said. “It’s a great way for us to get out and show what a sailor looks like. We do a different job than most people who are on-board ships or on shore duty, but we demonstrate the same level of professionalism.”

Stewart says such outreach includes playing music in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Washington, D.C., area, as well as armed forces retirement homes. The day before Country Current’s recent visit to the ETSU campus, the band visited the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville.

Stiltner, Stewart, and Johns all say they were prepared well for their spots in Country Current by their involvement in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies at ETSU. “I learned more as a musician coming through this program than I ever learned in any other bluegrass setting,” Stiltner said.

“I was pretty much self-taught throughout high school, and when I came here, I came

here to learn, to become a better musician, a better banjo player. I see how it prepared me for this job—how to work a microphone, when to play, when not to play.”

“Working around the one-mic situation with a bluegrass band was helpful,” Stewart agreed. “Just traveling and doing gigs and learning how to act with each other in a band setting was helpful, too, as well as a lot of the chart writing and theory. We haven’t done a recording since I’ve been with the Navy Band, but I know that when we do, I’ll be very confident and comfortable doing that because of what I’ve learned from ETSU.”

“It’s nice to wear the uniform and play all these places and recognize the people who have gone before us,” Stewart said.

“A lot of people come up to us, shake our hands, and tell us their stories of when they were in the Navy, or the Marines, Air Force, or Army, and it’s just nice to visit and shake hands with them.”

Jennifer Hill is Assistant Director of Communications at ETSU Photos by Larry Smith

“I actually filled in on banjo when we were waiting on Haley, in the five- or sixmonth gap after our former banjo player retired. So they were stuck with me on banjo for those months, and taking lessons with all the great instructors and faculty at ETSU one-hundred percent prepared me for that.”

“I just graduated, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I’m taking everything I’ve learned at ETSU and putting it into practice FALL 2017 x 5

ETSU PALEONTOLOGISTS CELEBRATE THE CENTENNIAL OF DIGGING IN SALTVILLE

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One hundred years ago this year, a salt well owned by the Mathieson Alkali Works chemical company collapsed in Saltville, Virginia. What was bad for the company became a boon to paleontologists. An ancient layer of fossils was revealed, and a paleontologist from the Carnegie Institution paid Saltville a visit.

The year 1917 wasn’t the first time that the secrets in the Southwest Virginia earth had been noticed. In a 1782 letter, Arthur Campbell wrote to Thomas Jefferson about the discovery of “a large jaw tooth of an unknown animal lately found at the Salina in Washington County.”

Building on the work of the Carnegie Institution, researchers from Virginia Tech, Emory & Henry College, Radford University, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and other organizations slowly pieced together the story of this valley, where a river once flowed thousands of years ago.

That river eventually dammed up, about 17,000 years ago, to form a large marshy lake during the Pleistocene epoch.

The story now is largely in the hands of East Tennessee State University and is an outgrowth of its burgeoning programs of study in paleontology, which began with the discovery of the Miocene epoch fossil site in Gray, Tennessee, in May of 2000. Dr. Blaine Schubert is Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Paleontology at the Gray site.

Each summer, he, museum staff, and a host of volunteers head for Saltville. During the warm summers of Southwest Virginia, Schubert and his team immerse themselves in the Ice Age, recreating the lives and habits of the enormous creatures who once populated that area, and the very small ones, too.

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 Drs. Blaine Schubert and Chris Widga spend summers thinking about the Ice Age. Photo by Charlie Warden.

For the volunteers who sift through the sediment in Saltville, the experience is like summer camp. They stay at a place they’ve come to call The Palace, with more than a touch of irony. “It’s a palace compared to sleeping on the ground,” Schubert jokes.

Mastodons, mammoths, and giant short-faced bears once roamed that picturesque valley. “What we found out this year, that we didn’t know before, is that we are getting incredibly preserved ancient DNA,” Schubert says. “We have sent specimens to labs and are getting reports back that this is some of the most amazing preservation of ancient DNA from southeastern North America.”

In fact, Saltville is one of the most prominent mastodon localities in the eastern United States, and is probably the most southeasterly occurrence of mastodon DNA. “We have an extraordinary abundance of mastodons in Saltville, of all different ages,” Schubert adds.

When the lake was formed and water filled in, deposits of clay accumulated, capping over the top of bones and sealing them, as Schubert says, “like a zip-lock bag.”

Those conditions made the preservation of animal proteins and DNA possible.

Underneath the area is a deposit of shale that is hundreds of millions of years old. “And because it was an ancient sea beneath there, it’s actually preserving salt material within those rocks, and

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it’s seeping up to where the fossils are,” Schubert says. “And it actually makes the water salty. You get salt-loving plants and animals even occurring there today that are somewhat coastal.” The Museum of

It’s a mid-20th-century fieldhouse that Virginia Tech once used as a geology field camp and is now leased to the town of Saltville. Workers attempt to clean out the mice and snakes before the ETSU crew moves in, but Schubert says those efforts are not entirely successful. Black snakes often return in search of mice.

“Some of us like snakes, and some of us don’t,” says scientist Schubert. I ask him if most people handle that okay. “No,” he quickly answers, with a laugh. “Last year one student ended up climbing on top of a table in a bit of a panic.”

Equipped with a full kitchen and bunk beds, “The Palace” is host to night-time

“IF YOU WORK IN THE ICE AGE, IF YOU’RE A PALEONTOLOGIST WHO THINKS ABOUT ICE AGE ANIMALS, SALTVILLE POPS UP, BECAUSE IT’S ONE OF THE FEW SITES THAT HAS A DIVERSITY OF PRESERVATION OF LARGE CRITTERS.” Chris Widga the Middle Appalachians, located not far from the dig site in Saltville, features an exhibit of salt-loving birds and plants.

Because of the area’s high water table, Schubert and his colleagues are constantly pumping out water in order to dig. Turning on the pump is a daily morning ritual, along with relocating any live fish, turtles, and snakes that get in the way.

discussions about scientific papers and an occasional fiddle tune by students like Davis Gunnin, who added Geosciences as a major, in addition to his work in ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program. Locals stop by with guitars and banjos, and sometimes the music moves down the road to a neighbor’s front porch. On some nights, the weary paleontologists relax with live music at The Coon Club, an old building

that once accommodated raccoon hunters. Volunteers will often take the short walk over to Buck’s Drive-In, which has been in business since 1961, for footlong hot dogs and handmade milkshakes. “Then we may go on a creek

“We’re spoiled in this part of the world because we have sites like Gray, like Saltville, where you have all those pieces of the picture that are there and preserved there together. You can deal with these different fossil assemblages as biological

“WHAT WE FOUND OUT THIS YEAR, THAT WE DIDN’T KNOW BEFORE, IS THAT WE ARE GETTING INCREDIBLY PRESERVED ANCIENT DNA.” Blaine Schubert walk, looking for critters,” Schubert says.

“I love going up there because of the constant flow of people coming in from Interstate 81 and other places to see this dig.”

One volunteer drives all the way from Buffalo, New York, to take part in the dig, while another treks across the country, from Oregon. They aren’t professionals— just hobbyists who love the science. This past summer, in addition to students from ETSU, Saltville hosted students from Vanderbilt University, Penn State University, and Virginia Tech. Schubert says the field experience and camaraderie are unmatched.

communities. Most of the fossil record is not like that. It’s little bits and pieces here and there.”

Although an entire mastodon skeleton has not been found at Saltville, just a tooth, or even a piece of a tooth, can reveal volumes of information. The average Ice Age mastodon weighed in at eight or nine tons and stood nine to ten feet tall at the shoulder. It was a long, low-slung animal with thick tusks, and parts of tusks have been uncovered at Saltville.

Another Ice Age denizen of the lake banks and salt licks of Southwest Virginia was the giant short-faced bear, much leaner

than a mastodon at only about a ton but upwards of 12 feet tall standing on its hind legs. The Saltville paleontologists are on the hunt for ancient short-faced bear DNA, as part of their larger goals of understanding more about the habits of the fauna in the Saltville area and figuring out why species became extinct. Schubert says the cool climate at Saltville nurtured not only mammoths, mastodons, and short-faced bears but also giant ground sloths, caribou, musk ox, and dire wolves.

The Ice Age climate also made possible the growth of plant species like spruce and pine trees.

On this 100th anniversary of the first fossil research at Saltville, Schubert and Widga turn their attention to human habitation— the time when early Americans made their way into what is now Southwest Virginia.

They’ve found a few artifacts, like a scraper to remove hair from animal hides, but any direct association so far eludes the professors. Knowing these intrepid paleontologists, though, that connection may be imminent. As Blaine Schubert optimistically puts it, “The timing is right.”

Fred Sauceman is Executive Editor of ETSU Today and News Director for WETS-FM/HD.

Mammoths and mastodons lured Dr. Chris Widga from his job as Curator of the Illinois State Museum, where he had worked for ten years overseeing a collection of mammoth and mastodon fossils and trying to determine why those animals met extinction in the Midwest. The Nebraska native is now Head Curator of the Natural History Museum at ETSU’s Gray Fossil Site and a frequent Saltville digger.

“A lot of times in paleontology, we’re working with museum collections that may have been excavated decades ago or 100 years ago,” Widga says. “But Saltville is active research. It’s being excavated to modern standards. If you work in the Ice Age, if you’re a paleontologist who thinks about Ice Age animals, Saltville pops up, because it’s one of the few sites that has a diversity of preservation of large critters.

The Saltville, Virginia, dig draws volunteers  from across the country.

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O T R E T N E C S T R A Y T I Die L t o A N d E Di R t u b d A e BE Deferr s

a w m a e The Dr

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“As long as I’ve been associated with ETSU, I’ve heard about dreams of an arts center. Moments ago, during the third quarterly meeting of the ETSU Board of Trustees, we voted unanimously to name the James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts.”

Shortly after Board Chairman Scott Niswonger made that announcement, shovels plunged into dirt on West State of Franklin Road in Johnson City, across from the ETSU campus and next to the Centre at Millennium Park.

On the afternoon of September 8, under an almost cloudless sky, the $53 million facility got its long-awaited start.

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“This is an historic day for ETSU as we realize a dream that began more than a quarter-century ago,” said ETSU President Brian Noland. “It is also a day that we honor the legacy of members of the Martin family and the powerful way in which they have transformed the arts on this campus and in this region.

The James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts will showcase the artistic talents of our students, faculty, and staff as well as performers from across the region.

“We are grateful to Sonia King, the late Jim Martin, the City of Johnson City, and the hundreds of other donors who have partnered with us to create this worldclass home for our arts programs.”

The need for an arts center was documented in “Turning Toward 2011,” a 1986 report by the Commission on the Future of ETSU, established

by University President Dr. Ronald E. Beller as a coda to the university’s 75th anniversary celebration.

Funding for the new arts center was made possible through a state appropriation, private donations, and

a partnership with the City of Johnson City. ETSU President Emeritus Dr. Paul E. Stanton, Jr., who spoke at the groundbreaking, headed up private fund-raising for the project, with some 540 donors contributing almost $10 million thus far.

guests was made possible through a partnership with the City of Johnson City, which is providing an investment exceeding $9 million into the arts center project. The investment includes the land where the site will be built.

“WHAT THE BUILDING BEING ERECTED HERE WILL ULTIMATELY SYMBOLIZE IS AN IMPORTANT SYNERGY.” Bert C. Bach The late James C. Martin pledged the lead gift of $3 million in 2013, as fundraising efforts were getting underway. His daughter Sonia King, who attended the groundbreaking, gave an additional $1 million.

With a target date to open in 2019, the center will include performance, instructional, and teaching space, as well as a performance hall with seating for 1,200 guests. The ability to have a seating capacity of 1,200

“Throughout its history the arts have been central to ETSU’s mission, to its educational programs, and to the lives of its students,” said ETSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bert C. Bach, a longtime advocate of the arts. “It is thus immensely rewarding that we can all gather this afternoon literally to witness the beginning evolution of a dream into an imminent reality.

“The Center for the Arts that will emerge in this space will ultimately be the centerpiece of an arts initiative, one that changes the lives of students and the community through instruction and performance. For years all of us have recognized the quality and vitality of the university’s individual programs in the arts. What the building being erected here will ultimately symbolize is an important synergy—one in which old and new and expanding programs are housed in a space that will expand the minds and hearts of our students and our community.”

To leaders from Johnson City and Washington County, Noland added, “Thank you for not giving up on us.”

Before ground was broken that day, ETSU Student Government Association President Keyana Miller proclaimed, “What a time to be a Buccaneer!”

Fred Sauceman is Senior Writer at ETSU and News Director for WETS-FM/HD. Jeremy Ross and President Noland prepare to break ground with Sonia King.

Photo by Ron Campbell.

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DATELINE: ETSU

May 19: ETSU alumni Steven Jasinski and David Moscato gain national and international attention for a newly identified ancient species of snake from the Gray Fossil Site. Their discovery was published in the Journal of Herpetology.

May 30: The new Archaeology Museum and ETSU Field Research Station at Pickett CCC Memorial Park in Jamestown, Tennessee, opens.

May 5: Dr. William N. Duncan, Chair of Sociology/Anthropology, co-edits Studies in Forensic Biohistory, published

by Cambridge University Press.

June 7: Andrea Di Fabio, Chief Information Security Officer and Associate CIO at ETSU, is selected by the Australian Information Security Association to present an international webinar highlighting how radio signals are being forgotten in security today.

June 27: ETSU President Brian Noland is elected to the American Council on Education (ACE) Board of Directors.

May 10: Dr. Sarah Melton, Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the Gatton College of Pharmacy, receives the Generation Rx award from the American Pharmacists Association for her work related to prescription drug abuse.

July 7: Management and Finance students at ETSU completing internships at Northwest Mutual Financial Network – Tri-Cities are among the top-performing nationwide, placing 10th out of 467 colleges in the company’s financial representative internship competition and receiving the 2016-17 Goal Post College Team Award.

August 22: ETSU alumnus Scott Carter is the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. A former football standout, he previously served the Bucs as Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer. Carter, who played fullback and was a team captain for the ETSU football team from 1998 to 2002, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from ETSU. He went on to spend 10 years working in the athletic development offices at the University of Tennessee before returning to the Bucs’ program in 2014. Since that time, he has had responsibilities for the operation of the athletic department while also helping lead many initiatives such as the rebirth of the football program in 2015, the construction of the new on-campus football stadium in 2017, and directing multiple corporate and philanthropic fundraising efforts for the overall athletic department.

August 25: ETSU bestows its highest honor—the Distinguished Faculty Award—to three faculty members: Dr. Susan Epps (Service), Dr. Robert Beeler (Teaching), and Dr. David Harker (Research).

May 12: Seven individuals are honored by the ETSU Staff Senate in the presentation of the 2017 Distinguished Staff Awards: Julie Blevins, Tina Brown, Darlene Carroll, Jessica Houston, Susan Rogers, Leisa Wiseman, and Robin English.

August 10: The new engineering program in the College of Business and Technology receives a $250,000 contribution from Eastman Credit Union. The donation will be used to support classroom technology equipment for the university’s joint bachelor’s degree with Tennessee Technological University.

September 2: The ETSU Buccaneers play their opening football game in the new William B. Greene Jr. Stadium (see related story).

September 8: The ETSU Board of Trustees approves the naming of the James C. and Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts, with a groundbreaking ceremony held the same day (see related story).

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ATTACKING AN EPIDEMIC

ETSU Takes Regional Lead in Fighting Opioid Abuse

It’s difficult to open up a newspaper or tune into a news broadcast without the issue of opioid abuse being featured in some way, shape, or form. From more and more newborns being born into withdrawal because of mothers’ drug use to increasing overdose death rates, the opioid epidemic is at an all-time high across our nation.

The never-ending coverage of the issue, while troubling, has been expected by Dr. Robert Pack, Executive Director of ETSU’s Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

“I wish this wasn’t an issue the nation was facing, but it is hitting us hard, especially in East Tennessee and Central Appalachia as a whole,” Pack says. “Seeing it in the news every day makes it harder for people to put it out of their minds. I hope that results in people internalizing the risk of opioid misuse and that they avoid ever falling into that trap. I also hope that it results in people bringing creative solutions forward and demanding that policymakers work hard with good data to do the same.”

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Pack has spent the better part of a decade working alongside an interprofessional team of pharmacists, physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals that is conducting research on the opioid epidemic. The team is working diligently to identify solutions to the problem, and with good reason.

“Tragically, the epidemic has now reached a point where overdose is the leading cause of death for people younger than 50,” Pack says. “The overdose death numbers continue to rise across the

In the spring of 2016, under Pack’s leadership, the ETSU Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment was established. Since its creation, the center has continued to strengthen and expand the efforts of faculty, staff, and students as well as the work of dozens of community members and health care professionals. While the center is housed in the College of Public Health, it is one of few in the country that features work on the role that pharmacists can play in changing the

“MY GREATEST WISH . . . IS THAT OUR CENTER AND CLINIC WILL SOMEDAY CLOSE THEIR DOORS FOR LACK OF NEED.” Robert Pack nation. The U.S. has lost 300,000 people to overdose in the past 15 years and (it is forecasted) that the U.S. will lose 300,000 more in the next five years unless we do something drastically different.”

scope of the epidemic, thanks largely to the work of up-andcoming and established scholars in the Gatton College of Pharmacy.

The center, now a critical resource in addressing the region’s opioid abuse epidemic, is an outgrowth of the ETSU Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse Working Group. That group, an informal network of interested researchers, health care providers, community residents, and students, was established in 2012. The

database of information related to infants and families who have delivered children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Researchers are extracting retrospective data from previous NAS cases and collecting data from current and ongoing cases to analyze an estimated 80 variables—from the type of drugs used to

“BY WORKING CLOSELY WITH AND LISTENING TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, MANY OF WHOM ARE WORLDCLASS EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS, WE’VE FOUND THAT WE CAN DO GOOD RESEARCH WHILE ALSO APPLYING EVIDENCE-BASED TOOLS FOR IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY.” Robert Pack group meets monthly and has more than 225 members.

The center itself aims to partner with affected communities in Central Appalachia to advance the sciences of substance abuse prevention and treatment. “We have to come at this from all sides if we want to make real improvements,” Pack says. “That is the only way we’ll see success in reducing the problem of opioid abuse.” For those involved with the center, that means providing everything from educational efforts to treatment options as well as furthering research related to opioid use disorder.

Since its inception, the center has facilitated the development of an anti-drug coalition in Carter County and has since written four proposals to fund the coalition for a total of $125,000. The coalition aims to employ evidence-based strategies to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. It convenes all the community stakeholders—parents, youth, schools, businesses, media, law enforcement, treatment providers, faith organizations, and more—to work together to establish community-wide strategies for prevention.

Leaders at the center are also involved in a grant-funded project to create an NAS

where the mother received prenatal care to any services involved in treating the children. The goal is to better understand what worked in treating the infants as well as problems these children may begin to encounter in later years.

Additionally, the center has formed a partnership with the First Tennessee Development District and Washington County government that aims to increase substance abuse prevention programs in the regional workforce. Center members also have actively participated in a regional Naloxone task force that focuses on branding and disseminating a Tennesseefocused “Volunteer to Save a Life” Naloxone training program for health care providers through a partnership with the Department of Health and the ETSU chapter of Generation Rx. Those involved with the center have published a dozen peerreviewed papers focused on prescription drug abuse research in Tennessee and Central Appalachia in the past five years and have given well over 50 presentations on the topic. Since 2013, nine proposals submitted by the faculty and staff of the center have been funded for more than $2.5 million.

Over the past year, the center entered into a partnership with Mountain States Health Alliance and Frontier Health to open Overmountain Recovery, a one-of-akind non-profit outpatient opioid treatment program that delivers medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in a best-practice environment. The center is coordinating research components for the clinic, developing protocols to study a variety of outcomes that will monitor patient success, from engagement in treatment to long-term behavioral outcomes and overall quality of life.

Many research opportunities, such as the benefits of using medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder, may be informed by external agencies like the National Institutes of Health; however, the guiding mission of Overmountain Recovery is to create a therapeutic environment that utilizes and measures strategies supported by research to reduce the burden of this disease in the community. The research staff will also pursue funding opportunities to explore new strategies for the treatment and prevention of opioid abuse and misuse.

“We started the center with the vision that it would become a central clearinghouse for up-to-date information, research, and training about the best tools to use to fight the problem of opioid use disorder. By working closely with and listening to our community partners, many of whom are world-class experts in their fields, we’ve found that we can do good research while also applying evidence-based tools for impact in the community,” Pack said. “We believe that showing up, staying engaged with the community, and focusing on the very best evidence for our actions is going to be the key to success.”

“My wife and I grew up in East Tennessee and we’re raising a family here now. My greatest wish for them is that our center and clinic will someday close their doors for lack of need. Our kids deserve better and our great region deserves better. Until then, we’ll be doing this work.”

Kristen Swing is Director of Communications at ETSU

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Donna Fox Noland is listening.

During dinners at Shelbridge, university events, and community board meetings, East Tennessee State University’s First Lady soaks in each and every moment with those who make ETSU—and the surrounding community—a “best kept secret.”

“I must have heard that 100 times within the first couple of months of being here,” Noland says. “My goal has been to share those secrets and educate others on ETSU’s accolades, and what our university has to offer its students and this community.”

While Noland may not scribble tidbits of her interactions on the lines of a yellow notepad like her husband is well known for, she’s just as passionate about learning all she can about ETSU and experiencing each program, department, and college.

“I never thought I would be in the field of education, and while my husband’s passion for education is overwhelming for a lot of people, it is hard not to believe in the power of higher education and the doors and opportunities it opens up,” she says.

The Nolands moved to Johnson City more than five years ago when Dr. Brian Noland became the ninth president of ETSU. Relocating from West Virginia to become first lady brought Mrs. Noland full circle. Being from Greeneville, she has plenty of ETSU alumni in her family tree.

ETSU’S FIRST LADY

Partnering for Excellence 16 x ETSU TODAY

“Because I am from this area, I’m very passionate about making an impact on campus and the community,” Noland says. “I always keep in mind what Scott Niswonger tells the Niswonger Scholars: ‘learn, earn, return.’ It’s a tremendous honor to be first lady and an ambassador for the university, its faculty, staff, and students.”

During her upbringing, Noland fondly recalls shopping trips to Johnson City.

She mentioned visits to Masengill’s Specialty Shop downtown with her sister and was saddened to see the closing of the longtime family-owned business. Noland was raised in a family

Alumnus Dr. Brandon Farmer (left) and Kathy Calhoun (right) participate in a Partners in Excellence event with Mrs. Noland at the Gatton College of Pharmacy.

“You’re there for action and to make a difference and have impact, not just to take a seat,” she says. “Life is short and we must make a positive impact in the time we have.”

business setting and says she felt nurtured by the employees or “extended family” at the funeral home where her father worked and operated.

“It was always interesting when people asked what my parents did for a living,” Noland laughed. “And I would respond, ‘Well, my mother is a teacher and my father is a mortician.’”

Much like her parents, Noland chose a profession that requires compassion and the ability to listen. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Noland says going to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner wasn’t the obvious choice. She always planned to be in the field of health care, but had not expected that career to be in nursing.

“I never even considered becoming a nurse,” she says. “As you get older, you reevaluate how you want your life to lay out and experiences occur that make you refocus or take a look at where you’re heading. I reevaluated and decided that I wanted to become a nurse practitioner.”

Mrs. Noland recently started working at the Johnson City Community Health Center, which opened in 2012, the same year the Nolands arrived in Johnson City.

“To see the transition of the JCCHC building from the brick and mortar phase to the present and now being a part of its mission to care for the community is exciting,” she says. “For the last five years, education has been my primary focus, but I felt a void, which led me to the desire to practice again in the field of women’s health care.”

It’s probably no secret that as first lady of ETSU, Noland’s to-do list is impressive. She believes that if you devote your time to something, you should give it your all. She strives to make a difference on and off campus through her work at the JCCHC, University School, Bucky’s Food Pantry, Buccaneer Family Association, Crumley House, Johnson City Development Authority, and others.

When Noland came to ETSU, she started “Partners in Excellence” to better understand what programs and activities ETSU offers. The group consists of partners of ETSU’s senior administration, deans, and associate deans who meet quarterly. They’ve tried aerial dance, recorded a song with Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies, made lip balm at the Gatton College of Pharmacy lab, and visited the shooting range with the Military Science Department.

During these visits, some of ETSU’s “best kept secrets” are exposed.

Partners in Excellence members interact with students in their programs of study, giving Noland another treasured opportunity to listen.

“We’ve had so much fun. We are not only visiting these programs, we are connecting with faculty, staff, and students,” she says. “I appreciate their willingness to share with us and help tell the story of our university.”

Recently, Noland was reminded of just how much impact these programs make as she used a spare hour in between meetings to work at Bucky’s Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food for students, staff, and faculty in need.

“NOT ONLY ARE WE GETTING TO KNOW OUR STUDENTS …BUT WE’RE LEARNING FROM THEM AS WELL AND HOW WE CAN IMPROVE AS A UNIVERSITY.” Donna Fox Noland FALL 2017 x 17

The annual Shelbridge “Egg Hunt”

she says. “Not only are we getting to know our students at those roundtable discussions, but we’re learning from them as well and how we can improve as a university.”

The first lady is impressed by the ultraactive high schoolers she meets and encourages them to get immersed in campus culture because active students become engaged alumni who continue to be ambassadors for ETSU.

“A student came in looking for a box of food. He was grateful for that availability because he was having a really hard time making ends meet,” Noland says. “The goal is ensuring that our students’ basic needs are met so they can be successful while they are earning their degree.”

Noland recently helped extend the reach of Bucky’s Food Pantry by establishing Bucky’s Career Closet through a partnership with the food pantry, ETSU Career Services, and the College of Business and Technology to provide professional attire for students.

“The goal is to allow students the opportunity to be prepared for interviews and to represent themselves and the university with the utmost pride,” she says.

Another key to student success is family involvement, so Noland and ETSU Student Affairs teamed up to create the Buccaneer Family Program to keep parents connected to the university.

Enrollment in the program exceeded expectations in the first year, thanks to the leadership of Heather Levesque, Director of New Student and Family Programs, and the support of Dr. Joe Sherlin, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Noland has also been heavily involved with the rebranding of the university and initiated the communitywide effort to establish an official tartan. And through her work with the University School 18 x ETSU TODAY

Foundation, where her son Jackson attends middle school, she assisted in creating an alumni database with other foundation members.

Noland is also a member of the Johnson City Development Authority board. With the support of Downtown Development Manager Diana Cantler, she continues to find ways to connect the university to downtown.

This level of involvement as ETSU’s first lady was something Noland never felt like she was being forced to do because of her title. Instead, she excitedly embraced the opportunity to give back and make a difference in the community she had always called home.

“Mrs. Stanton was very gracious during my transition to first lady,” Noland says.

“She allowed me the space to become first lady in a way that worked for our family. In fact, both she and Dr. Stanton continue to provide guidance and support in a manner that is appreciated.”

Part of the Nolands’ passion has been to embrace the campus and the community by opening their home.

Hosting events for current students at Shelbridge is one of Mrs. Noland’s favorite responsibilities as first lady, probably because it offers prime opportunities for listening and learning.

“We hear from them on how we excel and how we can improve because it comes from the eyes of a student,”

“The students I see today are amazing,” Noland says. “They are active in so many different aspects of life and I encourage them to continue to be involved. College is what you make of it.

If you get involved you are going to have a better experience, because you have made the university connection.”

Despite the fact that there is never enough sand in the hourglass each day to complete every item on both the Nolands’ lengthy to-do lists, Mrs. Noland somehow manages to balance time between her family, career, and first lady responsibilities.

“One of my biggest challenges is getting my schedule and my husband’s schedule to align,” she laughed. “I haven’t come up with a solution yet on the easiest way to make that happen.”

There’s a lot of work that goes on behind-the-scenes, but Noland says her family does its best to make the most impact in the time available.

“I feel like we have grown tremendously as an institution while we have been here. I know I’ve grown personally and professionally, but I still have more to learn,” Noland says. “I’m excited to see what the future holds. This university opens the doors for so many things for the region in terms of jobs, economic impact, growth, and culture.”

Amanda Marsh is Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Relations Photos by Larry Smith

WHO’S TEACHING AT ETSU?

THREE MINUTES OF FREE TIME A DAY The life of Jason Moore

If he needed to, Dr. Jason Moore could teach his class on pediatric sports injuries using x-rays solely from his own children’s broken bones over the years.

“That’s what happens when you have seven kids,” says Moore, a physician at ETSU Family Physicians of Bristol and faculty member at the Quillen College of Medicine. “I actually got interrupted teaching that class once when one of my kids got injured.”

Ranging in age from 21 to 4, Moore’s children—Andrew Jason, Anna Joy, Aidan Jeremiah, Alex Joshua, Abram Josiah, Addi Janae, and Avenly Jayne—have taught their father many things about life.

“They’re a blessing. Each one teaches me something new,” Moore says. “I’ve learned a whole lot more from them than they’ll ever learn from me.”

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Moore moved to the Tri-Cities serendipitously after graduating from medical school at The Ohio State University.

“I came down to the mountains of East Tennessee to interview for my residency

because I wanted to see the fall colors,” he says. “I had no intention of actually coming here for residency.”

tapestry that makes up my patients’ lives, I’m just a little thread in there. Their lives are so much more than medicine, too.”

But after interviews at several other locations across the country, Moore says his mind kept returning to the Quillen College of Medicine. Soon, Moore and his wife, Tawnya, along with their “two and a half kids” at the time, packed up their things and came to East Tennessee. And they’ve been here ever since.

Finding a life balance as a doctor, Moore recognizes from his own experiences, can be extremely challenging.

“I’m on year 18 of my three-year plan for living here,” Moore says with a chuckle.

“We feel like we have family here now.

Those I work with and those we have come to know, they are our family here.”

Moore says he has several goals in life and, with his strong faith both guiding him and keeping him humble, he works every day to achieve those objectives.

Following his three years of residency, Moore was hired on as a faculty member at Quillen and as a practicing physician at the clinic in Bristol.

“When I was deciding what to do with my life, I knew I wanted to either teach, be a doctor, or be a minister,” Moore says. “I get to do all of that now in this job. I love what I am doing and I don’t see myself wanting to do something different.”

In addition to seeing patients, Moore spends a good portion of his time working with students ranging in education level from pre-med to residents.

“I love working with the students to show them the beauty and art of medicine,” Moore says. “I’ve been very blessed to be able to get the time with the students to develop relationships.”

His own relationships—those with his children, his wife, his colleagues, and God—help him to teach his students so much more than medicine.

“Medicine is not your whole life. It is not everything. It is very important to recognize that and to have a life outside of your medical bubble,” Moore says. “It is also really important to realize that in the

“Saying no to stuff is hard because I would like to do it all,” he says. “I get a kick out of being with the students, but at this point I still want to be seeing patients, too.”

“My goals are to see my students do a whole lot more than I do, to take care of my patients, to stay happily married for the rest of my life, and to let my kids know that their dad loves them more than his job,” Moore says. “Ultimately, it is hearing what God wants me to do and doing it on a daily basis.”

But don’t bother showering him with accolades for everything that he fits into each day, which, among all the other things, includes serving as the math and science teacher for his homeschooled children, running the kids to their soccer games, and a million other errands.

Despite the action-packed days—he says he averages about three minutes of free time per day, from 11:45 p.m. to 11:48 p.m. when he falls asleep—Moore doesn’t see himself as doing anything particularly grandiose or worthy of praise.

“I’m just an average guy from the Midwest who got transplanted here by the grace of God and I get to do what I love on a daily basis,” he says.

Kristen Swing is Director of Communications at ETSU

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AN OPUS FOR DR. ALOIA

ETSU’s New Education Dean Knows the Life-Changing Power of a Great Teacher

e power of a believes in th Dr. Greg Aloi Warden Photo by Charlie

Dr. Greg Aloia was moments away from giving a speech at a civic event when he heard the person providing the introduction make a comment, the “you know, they say those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach” remark.

It wasn’t the first time Aloia had heard this, and, of course, he knew the intentions were completely harmless.

It was only meant as a joke and it drew laughs from the crowd.

But the comment resonated with him differently on that day 15 or 16 years ago, Aloia recalls. He folded up the speech, put it in his pocket, and walked up to the microphone.

20 x ETSU TODAY

“I thanked him for the introduction and even made light of his comment, but then I told those in the audience to pause, sit back, and think about that one teacher they had while in school who made such a tremendous difference in their lives,” Aloia said. “It may have been a first-grade teacher or a seventhgrade teacher. Everyone has at least one teacher who absolutely inspired them.”

For Aloia, it was Ms. Cantwell, his firstgrade teacher in Avondale, Arizona.

He then told the crowd: “Now think about how that teacher would feel if he or she heard that remark, especially considering how that teacher had inspired your life and the lives of hundreds of others.”

teaching.

That became the focus of his speech that day.

“Those who can, do because a teacher taught them. Those who can’t, need a teacher to educate them. Those who teach make those who do successful,” Aloia told the audience.

Today, those very words are framed and displayed in the lobby of Aloia’s office at ETSU where, this past July, he was named Dean of the Clemmer College of Education. The college’s new leader is a distinguished and widely respected educator who has spent more than 40 years working in higher education.

Along the way, he has held appointments at colleges and universities in

Georgia, West Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas and has served as a faculty member, department chair, dean, administrator, and, on two occasions, a college president.

And it was during his second stint as president, this time at College of Coastal Georgia, where he thought about retiring. “And that lasted about six hours,” Aloia laughed. “My days as a dean of education were the ‘sweet spot’ of my career. I loved being a faculty member and an integral part of diverse academic programs for not only future teachers but also counselors, educational leaders, special educators, early childhood specialists, exercise science and sport management professionals. So, when I learned about the opportunity to possibly be in that role again, it was something I wanted to explore further.

“There were two things that really impressed me about ETSU,” he said.

“One was the high integrity of the College of Education, and that was further affirmed after I visited and met with the faculty, staff, and students.

And secondly, this institution is in great hands under the leadership of Dr. Noland and Dr. Bach. I am honored to have the opportunity to take this wonderful college and be a part of it moving to the next level.”

One of the things Aloia says he is looking forward to doing in his new role is talking to prospective students about a career in education.

“At ETSU we have first-generation students, we have students from rural areas…what a great way to affirm the American dream! I tell students that if you want to have an impact and to make a difference in the life of someone else where, someday, that person comes back to you and says, ‘Wow, you changed my life,’ then this is the journey for you,” he said.

“You may not die rich,” Aloia said, “but you will be enriched in ways you never imagined.”

Aloia’s own journey in education began with aspirations of being a history teach-

er and football coach. While in college, his work study assignment was cleaning bathrooms, a job that paid $1.33 per hour. He later was offered a position working as a counselor within a residential program for severely emotionally disturbed children. “I was thrown into a briar patch, but I knew that I had found what I wanted to do,” he said.

Less than two years later, he was enrolled in a doctoral program in special education.

“I was the middle of seven children, and I had a brother who had spina bifida,” he said. “My mom treated him the same ways as the rest of us, and there was no separation caused by his disability.

“I never thought of him being different,

“There’s a movie, called Mr. Holland’s Opus, that, in the last 10 minutes, shows you what teaching is all about,” Aloia said.

He pauses for a moment, unable to continue.

“I always have a hard time getting through that,” he said, fighting back a few tears.

In that final scene, Mr. Glenn Holland has reached his last day of school following a 30-year career as a music teacher. As he is leaving the school, he is led to the auditorium where he is surprised to see students from throughout his career who have gathered to celebrate all he has done and to thank him for making a difference

“EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE TEACHER WHO ABSOLUTELY INSPIRED THEM.” Greg Aloia but when we went to restaurants or other places, I noticed that there were people who did see him differently, and I never could understand why. And that is why I love to see people overcome the odds or the limitations that others place on them. It’s the greatest fourth-quarter comeback story!”

Aloia holds a B.A. in History from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California, and a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of California, Riverside.

Prior to coming to ETSU, he spent four years as President of College of Coastal Georgia and five years as President of Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. From 2001 to 2008, he was Dean of the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University.

in their lives. He is handed a baton and asked to direct one last song.

“That…that is what teaching is all about.”

And it is also why Aloia encourages his students to write their former teachers and say thank you. “Even if that teacher has died, I tell them to write the family and tell them what a difference that teacher made,” he said.

“Give them the mini-Mr. Holland’s Opus they deserve.”

Joe Smith is Executive Assistant to the President for University Relations at ETSU

While on faculty at Illinois State University, he was named “Educator of the Year” by the Student Education Association. He also helped write regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

FALL 2017 x 21

WHO’S GOING TO ETSU? college. It’s just such a supportive group of people. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through. You can go inside the Honors House and sit down next to someone you’ve never talked to, and just have a random conversation. It’s a special bond between the students, and the faculty, as well.

“I hope to just be supportive and be helpful to any student on campus,” she continued, “because I feel that’s what makes us unique. From the professors to your fellow students—wherever you turn—everyone’s cheering you on, like they want you to succeed. That’s such a great environment to be in. I couldn’t have asked for a better undergraduate experience. I hope to contribute to that environment, and also spread the word about our Honors College.”

ABEER CHAUDHARY EVERYONE’S CHEERING YOU ON Abeer Chaudhary knew of ETSU from living in Johnson City and having two older siblings who had been University Honors Scholars. But it was the personal touch of a former Honors College administrator that convinced her to follow in her siblings’ footsteps.

“I applied for the same scholarship my senior year,” said Chaudhary, who recalled the day she and a fellow future Honors Scholar were called to the counselor’s office at Science Hill High School. “I don’t think either of us was expecting Dr. Joy Wachs, who was the University Honors Scholars director at that time, to be on the phone with our counselor, extending a scholarship invitation to us to come to ETSU. Her warmth and excitement that you could feel through that phone call— that was what ‘sealed the deal.’”

Chaudhary, now a senior, hopes to contribute to the environment in both the Honors College and ETSU as a whole that has nurtured her as a student.

“I really enjoy being a part of the Honors College,” Chaudhary says. “It’s become my second home, my second family. I really wasn’t expecting to find that in

22 x ETSU TODAY

Born in New Jersey, where her parents settled after moving from Pakistan for her mother’s medical residency, Chaudhary is majoring in microbiology and plans to enter the medical field herself.

She is active in the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and the new Muslim Student Association at ETSU and has been busy this past summer, studying for the MCAT and applying to various schools.

Amid all her activity, she has found that she loves her minor as much as her major.

Chaudhary took up the violin as an 11-year-old at her parents’ encouragement.

Near the end of her fifth-grade year, the Johnson City School System’s middle school orchestra performed at her school.

“That’s how my interest was sparked, just seeing how these kids could learn so much within the span of a year,” she said. “That was something I felt I could do, as well, and I wanted to give it a try. I never realized how invested I would become in it and how big a part of my life it would become.”

PHYLLIS CORNETT A FIRST-GENERATION, NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT FINDS HER PLACE Phyllis Cornett has a soft spot in her heart for America’s veterans. She has volunteered and job-shadowed at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. And after graduating from ETSU next May with a degree in Social Work, she plans to apply for the university’s Master of Social Work program in hopes of opening a shelter for homeless veterans. The shelter would not only provide a roof over their heads, but also help them receive the mental health care and skills training they need to reintegrate into the community.

“I’ve always thought our veterans deserve our respect and care, because without them, we would not be able to attend school, or have the freedoms that we have,” she said. “They fought for our freedom.”

Caring for others is a big part of who Cornett is. In many ways, it’s why she is at ETSU today, as a first-generation, non-traditional student. She says she always wanted a college degree, but had “a lot of starts and stops along the way.” Some of those “stops” came while

guy come back and talk. Look at all the cool and exciting things he’s doing and positive changes he’s making in the world.’ I hope one day to make a decent amount of money and be able to give back to ETSU and continue to make it a place that’s on the rise.”

caring for her parents. First, her father passed away, and then her mother began to need more assistance.

Cornett began pursuing a degree in Nursing at Northeast State Community College after working as a patient care technician in the adult cardiac intensive care unit of a local hospital. But when results from several career aptitude tests linked her strongly with the field of social work, she took an introductory course on the topic. Her involvement with the No Veteran Dies Alone program, which provides end-of-life companionship for veterans without a strong support system, cemented the knowledge that social work was the field for her.

Cornett transferred to ETSU and pushed toward her goal. “When I got to ETSU in the fall of 2016, I felt overwhelmed, coming from a smaller campus where everyone knew everyone to a larger campus where I knew no one,” she said. “I’d been at Northeast State long enough to make relationships, and I knew where to go if I needed anything. Here, it was a little scary, because I didn’t know anyone, and I was an adult commuter, a non-traditional student in my late 40s, with a job, and caring for an aging parent.”

She worked with ETSU Financial Aid to make sure she had the monetary resources she needed, and found transitional and ongoing support in the Office of Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services and the Department of Social Work faculty. She also found a solid source of strength in her family.

Cornett is passionate about suicide prevention and has volunteered for Suicide Prevention Month activities sponsored by the ETSU Counseling Center’s THRIVE program.

Outside ETSU, Cornett is an active volunteer for numerous community organizations. She is also an avid runner who has completed races from 5Ks to half-marathons, keeping in mind her favorite Bible verse: “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us….”

Herink, an academic senior, will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management in December and has already started taking graduatelevel classes toward a master’s degree in the field, planning to remain at ETSU for his final year of eligibility to play football for the Buccaneers.

AUSTIN HERINK SETTING THE CULTURE FOR ETSU FOOTBALL Austin Herink believes in leaving things better than he found them. That’s what the redshirt junior quarterback for the Buccaneer football team is working hard to do for East Tennessee State University.

Herink, who transferred to ETSU three years ago to be part of the new football team, wants to have a positive impact on the university both now and in the future, just like he did for Cleveland (Tennessee) High School.

“My buddies and I made a lot of positive changes at the high school I went to, and now they’ve got new athletic facilities. I think that with the new program starting up here, the class I’m in has been given the unique task to set the culture for this football program. We’ve all felt a special duty to act the right way off the field, in the classroom. Treat people with respect, and stay attentive in class to make a positive impact on the university and a good impression on the faculty, because we want those people to support us.”

“And also, when I leave ETSU and look back, I would like to be someone about whom they say, ‘I’d like to have that

When he’s not on the field or in the classroom, Herink enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, yoga, and reading. He says he’s really interested in history, specifically the early 1960s and the Kennedy administration, and has probably read over 10 books on the late John F. Kennedy and his late brother Robert Kennedy.

ETSU Alumni Membership Program We are building your legacy. ETSU Alumni membership gives you insider information and opportunities. It shows you are a leader in the effort to reach alumni, recruit students, celebrate traditions and raise your university in the world around us.

As a perk, you have “Exclusive Access” to thousands of national discounts and savings provided by our partners at Access Development · America’s Largest Private Network of deals and discounts · Exclusive savings at over 350,000 locations nationwide · Reduced pricing for ETSU National Alumni Association events and activities

For more information, visit etsualumni.org FALL 2017 x 23

IT TAKES A VILLAGE 24 x ETSU TODAY

Sydney Burchell will be the first one to tell you she grew up fairly privileged. It is that lifestyle, and its stark contrast to her learning experiences thus far at ETSU, that have led her toward the path of helping others.

You’ll often find the junior Public Health major knee-deep—literally—in the handson learning opportunities provided at The Niswonger VILLAGE at Valleybrook.

The real-life simulation lab for ETSU’s College of Public Health puts students right in the middle of third-world countries and forces them to address problems faced by the native people of those regions.

“Our job here is to create the kind of situations that challenge our students to use creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation to really make a difference in people’s lives,” says Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of the College of Public Health. “We ask them to go into this house and make it safer for a toddler; go into that house and reduce the risks of an elderly woman falling; go into the village and do a door-to-door malaria education campaign.”

Sydney Burchell’s time at The Niswonger VILLAGE has been life-changing.

Burchell is one of dozens of ETSU students to take part in building the VILLAGE—Virtual International Living: Learning Across Global Environments— from the ground up. Using images, measurements, and experiences of other students and faculty members who have traveled to various third-world countries, the students built replica low-resource homes representing life in different countries.

FALL 2017 x 25

as the Chairman of the ETSU Board of Trustees, donated funds for the creation of the VILLAGE, recognizing its ability to take higher education to the next level.

“The Niswonger Foundation has a long and successful history of working with ETSU overall and with the College of Public Health,” he said. “The Niswonger Scholars have received training from the College of Public Health here on the Valleybrook campus, and I was privileged to be able to contribute thoughts and ideas about the VILLAGE as it was being conceived.”

“I came right out of general education classes so this was very new, being able to have hands-on experiences, not in a lab setting but in a real-world situation. Out here, I’ve learned how to measure, how to use a hammer and nails,” Burchell says.

“It’s really neat to see that real people live in this mud shack that we are working on and people live in that scrap metal house.”

Building the low-resource homes has given Burchell and her classmates many of the skills needed to help others, not just in third-world countries but right in Southern Appalachia, too.

“Throughout our careers, we are going to come across people who live in, maybe not mud shacks, but very low-resource homes here,” she says. “They are not going to be very healthy and they’re not going to have access to the best health care.

The experiences at the VILLAGE—being in a setting that has no running water, no bathroom, no actual sleeping area—will allow us to better help people in the long run.”

Both graduate and undergraduate Public Health students spend educational time at the VILLAGE, where they discuss health systems and health challenges, both domestic and international, then try to develop interventions and programming 26 x ETSU TODAY

to improve health outcomes and change environments and policies.

“Our students must be able to impact health in low-resource settings, following a disaster or in rural areas both domestically and abroad,” Wykoff said. “The VILLAGE

For Burchell, the educational opportunities she is receiving at the VILLAGE are invaluable.

“Working at the VILLAGE has really helped me visualize helping people in a real-world setting. It has helped me think harder and longer about how to approach a problem,”

“OUR JOB HERE IS TO CREATE THE KIND OF SITUATIONS THAT CHALLENGE OUR STUDENTS TO USE CREATIVE THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING, TEAMWORK, AND INNOVATION TO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.” Randy Wykoff ensures that our students don’t just have skills they need, but can apply them.”

A special launch of the VILLAGE took place in the spring, giving people the opportunity to see the site for themselves and discover how students and others are learning from the experiences offered there.

Through the Niswonger Foundation, Scott Niswonger, a businessman and wellknown philanthropist in the region as well

she says. “The experience is helpful for whatever career path I choose and I am so glad to have this opportunity.”

Kristen Swing is Director of Communications at ETSU Photos by Larry Smith

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LEADING THE JOURNEY TOWARD TEAM-BASED HEALTH CARE  Drs. McKenzie Calhoun, Brian Cross, Wilsie Bishop, and Larry Calhoun with ETSU get a history lesson from Mr. Matthew Lynch with RCSI, at St. Stephen’s Green.

between ETSU’s Department of Family Medicine and the Gatton College of Pharmacy. Bishop also spoke, focusing her presentation on interprofessional education, while McKenzie Calhoun gave attendees a glimpse into her everyday life working as part of an interprofessional team at her practice site, ETSU Family Physicians of Kingsport.

Several members of East Tennessee State University’s Academic Health Sciences Center spent 12 days in Ireland and Scotland this past spring, serving as experts in interprofessional health care practice and education. They spent much of their time teaching providers and educators there how to create a team-based approach to health care that incorporates multiple health professions.

ETSU’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy first established partnerships and affiliation agreements in 2013 with four colleges of pharmacy in that part of the world: the University College Cork (UCC) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Scotland, and Debrecen University in Hungary.

Since then, ETSU has hosted representatives from these institutions and continues to offer a one-month student exchange program that allows students from those universities to come study here and Gatton students to go study there. In all, ETSU hosted 29 exchange students and sent 33 Gatton students abroad to these locations between March 2014 and June 2017.

This year, the partnership took another step through an ERASMUS grant that provided funds for both student and 28 x ETSU TODAY

faculty exchanges. Four students from Gatton and four from RCSI spent three months in each other’s homelands to learn. Meanwhile, four RCSI faculty, practitioners, and administrators spent a week in Johnson City.

And in May, six representatives from ETSU’s Academic Health Sciences Center went to Ireland as part of the faculty exchange. The team also received an invitation from RGU to travel to Scotland at the end of their time abroad for an International Symposium on Interprofessional Learning. Those attending were Dr. Wilsie Bishop, Vice President for Health Affairs; Dr. Debbie Byrd, Dean of the Gatton College of Pharmacy; Dr. Larry Calhoun, Dean Emeritus of the Gatton College of Pharmacy; Dr. Brian Cross, Gatton College of Pharmacy Associate Professor; Dr. McKenzie Calhoun, Gatton College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor; and Dr. Reid Blackwelder from the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine.

While in Ireland, the focus of the visit was to present a masterclass for individuals across the country. The title of the event was “The Journey to Team-Based Healthcare.” Blackwelder and Cross gave the keynote address, focusing on teambased health care and the relationship

“I was humbled by going there and hearing their response to us talking about what we do,” she said. “From the moment I started my career, I walked into a practice site that was interprofessional so I took it for granted that this is the way things are done. It wasn’t until going there that I realized how unique this is in some regions.”

While in Ireland, the team also made presentations to a meeting of accreditors representing various professions, including pharmacy, medicine, and nursing, as well as the heads of schools and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. Some team members participated in a national podcast at the Irish Institute of Pharmacy, where they discussed the barriers to implementing team-based health care.

Following their time in Ireland, the ETSU team traveled to Scotland to present on interprofessional learning at a one-day symposium where they shared best practices and identified challenges to implementing and improving interprofessional education at universities.

“We went over there to teach them something, but I feel like I learned a lot more than I taught,” McKenzie Calhoun said. “There’s just so much opportunity to learn from the health systems and academia in different countries. This is just the beginning.”

Kristen Swing is Director of Communications at ETSU

A LEGACY OF SERVICE WILLIAM B. GREENE, JR. Just days before the university opened its new football stadium on the southwest corner of campus, the ETSU Board of Trustees approved its name as the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium.

According to Dr. Brian Noland, this naming recognizes the longstanding and generous support of William B. Greene, Jr., Dr. Linda Latimer, and the Bank of Tennessee. For over four decades, Greene has been a tireless champion for supporting students and student athletes through scholarships as well as enhancing facilities.

The Warren-Greene Golf Center at ETSU, which opened in 2004, was dedicated in honor of Greene in recognition of his support of the ETSU golf program.

“Bill Greene is a longtime supporter of East Tennessee State University,” Noland said. “He is a keen businessman with a true vision for the success of our students, our athletics programs, and this university as a whole. For years, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to that vision through his generous contributions of both time and funding. We are extremely grateful to have Mr. Greene as a friend of our institution, and it is only fitting that his name will adorn the football stadium—a facility here at ETSU that symbolizes not only Buccaneer spirit and ETSU pride, but also serves as a venue for community engagement and regional camaraderie.”

Construction for the new football stadium began in 2015. This phase of the project was built at a cost of approximately $26 million and features a total seating capacity of 7,694. The east side entry arch, the west side tower, the south end videoboard, and the north end grass berm are just some of the features that give the new facility a unique feel for fans.

The stadium opened on September 2 when the Bucs faced Limestone College.

“All of us at ETSU would like to say a tremendous ‘thank you’ to Bill Greene,” said Head Football Coach Carl Torbush. “Mr. Greene has invested much of his time, energy, and resources into our community and university. Our team is proud, excited, and honored to be the first to play inside William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium.”

The stadium was designed by McCarty Holsaple McCarty and was built by BurWil Construction Company.

“East Tennessee State University, under the leadership of Dr. Brian Noland, is rapidly becoming one of the premier universities in the South,” Greene said. “Dr. Noland has raised the bar, and now it is time for us to raise the bar. That is exactly what we set out to do. There is no looking back now.”

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FOOTBALL RETURNS TO CAMPUS A Pictorial Essay

by Dakota Hamilton

The Bucs touch the traditional E Rock located in the south end zone of Greene Stadium before entering the field. The E Rock—one of two rocks on the stadium grounds that came from the foundations of the facility—represents a connection between the team and fans, as well as past ETSU football teams.

ETSU fans gather pregame for a festive tailgate party.

Each game, three ETSU players are selected to lead the Bucs on the field carrying the flags of the United States of America, the state of Tennessee, and the university.

30 x ETSU TODAY

The Marching Bucs cheer on the team.

Junior quarterback Austin Herink prepares to pass the ball downfield.

The ETSU Dance Team cheers during the season opener.

A sellout crowd of nearly 10,000 took in the inaugural game at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium.

The team stands with helmets high to sing the ETSU Alma Mater along with the Marching Bucs.

A 15-minute fireworks show capped a successful first game in Greene Stadium, as the Bucs defeated Limestone College, 31-10.

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SOCON CHAMPION BUCS FACE SOME OF THE NATION’S BEST THIS SEASON The 2017-18 ETSU men’s basketball schedule is highlighted by road games at national powers Kentucky and Xavier, seven non-conference home games, and traditional rivalry matchups with Southern Conference foes such as Chattanooga, Furman, Wofford, and Mercer.

Several of the Buccaneers’ non-conference opponents made postseason play last season, with four of those teams participating in the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Steve Forbes—whose team won 27 games a year ago, captured both the SoCon regular season and tournament titles, and made the program’s 10th appearance all-time in the NCAA Tournament—said the schedule will once again test his team and prepare the Bucs for conference play.

“Our non-conference schedule the past two years prepared us for the rigors of league play and this year is no different.

We will be challenged early and often,” Forbes said. “Over half of our nonconference games are against teams that played in the post season a year ago and five of those games are against teams that played in the NCAA Tournament.”

In particular, Forbes said he is excited for the team to have the experience of playing in two of the country’s best college basketball venues.

“Kentucky and Xavier are nationally ranked and historically they both have two of the best home court environments in all of college basketball,” Forbes said.

The non-conference schedule features road games with Kentucky (November 17), Xavier (December 16), Northern Kentucky (November 10), Fordham

32 x ETSU TODAY

(November 29), and Detroit (December 19), along with home games against Fort Wayne (November 25), Troy (November 22), Delaware State (November 20), and Georgia Southern (December 22).

ETSU will open the season with three straight games on the road at NKU, Savannah State (November 13), and Kentucky, before returning to open its home schedule November 20 against Delaware State.

The team will then follow the same pattern when it begins Southern Conference play, as the Bucs face games at Mercer (December 31), Samford (January 4), and Chattanooga (January 6), before returning to Johnson City for the SoCon home opener January 11 with a rematch of the league’s tournament championship matchup, as the UNCG Spartans invade Freedom Hall.

Top league matchups at home will follow throughout the year, with Mercer (January 24), Samford (February 1), Chattanooga (February 3), Wofford (February 23), and Furman (February 25) visiting Johnson City.

Following regular season play, the Southern Conference Tournament is scheduled for March 2-5 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Michael White is Associate Athletic Director for Communications at ETSU.

EZELL CONTINUES TO INSPIRE BUCCANEER NATION WITH “A DAUNTING SCHEDULE” Fifth year ETSU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Brittney Ezell has put together a schedule that features 30 total games, one tournament, and 13 home games inside Brooks Gym. “Obviously we set another incredibly difficult schedule for our program this year,” she said. “A huge part of our program’s growth relies on our willingness to stretch and grow by playing the best competition possible. This year is no different with home matchups against Cincinnati, Michigan State, and Duquesne.”

The Bucs open up the 2017 campaign at home against the University of Cincinnati on November 10. The Bucs have only played the Bearcats three times, the last time being in 2015. Throughout all three meetings, the Bucs were unable to pull out a win, so they are eager to do that this year.

The next two non-conference games are repeat opponents from last year. First is 19th-ranked Tennessee. The Bucs fell to the Vols but recorded a new all-time attendance record inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center last season. Appalachian State is the next opponent, a team the Bucs lost to last season by a score of 7168. Both games will be played on the road.

“Road challenges at Tennessee, NC State, and in the Gulf Coast Showcase will present us with challenges that will prepare us for SoCon play,” added Ezell.

Next up for the Bucs are Tennessee Tech and Duquesne, with both games being played at home. ETSU and Tennessee Tech have not met since 2011 after playing each other 23 times in the past. A new first-time opponent is Duquesne. The Bucs will host Tennessee Tech on November 17 and Duquesne on November 19.

with Notre Dame and will either play Washington State or South Florida following the Notre Dame game.

A four-game traveling stint faces the Bucs after Thanksgiving, beginning with Murray State. The Bucs played Murray State last season and won 79-60. Winthrop is also on the schedule, a team the Bucs defeated handily last year.

A big trip for ETSU is at Houston on December 10. The teams have only met once, back in 1994. Before returning home, the Bucs match up against 39th-ranked NC State, a team ETSU faced for the first and only time in 2014.

A six-game home stand is in store for the Bucs at the end of December and the beginning of January. To close out the year, the Bucs will play three more nonconference games, including number 42 Michigan State, Northern Kentucky, and first-time opponent North Greenville.

To begin the new year, ETSU will open conference play with Western Carolina.

ETSU has won the last seven contests against WCU. UNCG is the next opponent, and that series stands at 18-9 in favor of the Bucs. Wrapping up a six-game home stand is Chattanooga, a perennial opponent since 1971.

Education Day is planned for February 15 against Wofford, and Senior Day is set for February 17 against Furman. To close out the regular season, the Bucs travel to Samford and Mercer. The SoCon Tournament is set for March 1-4 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Marissa Avanzato is a Graduate Assistant in Athletic Communications

For Thanksgiving, the Bucs will compete in the Gulf Coast Showcase in Fort Myers, Florida. They open up the tournament

FALL 2017 x 33

MEET NEW HEAD BASEBALL COACH JOE PENNUCCI Pennucci has proven to be a workhorse on the recruiting trail, as he brought in 32 players over his tenure as recruiting coordinator at Stony Brook who have either been drafted to the MLB or have signed professionally.

The new ETSU head coach said he plans to pick up where he left off in the recruiting department.

“Recruiting is the foundation of your program and the lifeblood of your program,” Pennucci said. “So as a head coach or as an assistant, you have to have some passion. I think I’ve hired some guys who have that same passion—almost like a three- or four-headed monster—out there recruiting.”

After spending the last six years as a collegiate associate head coach and many more as an assistant coach, Joe Pennucci was eager to lead his own program.

He has found that opportunity at East Tennessee State University.

Pennucci was hired as ETSU’s new Head Baseball Coach on July 10, replacing longtime Head Coach Tony Skole. The Loveland, Colorado, native spent 12 seasons with Stony Brook and helped coach the Seawolves to the NCAA Division I College World Series in 2012, along with numerous appearances in the NCAA tournament.

Prior to Stony Brook, the now 39-yearold coach spent his early years as an assistant on the Division II level at Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York.

“Working under the people I’ve worked under for the last 13 or 14 years in college—and even prior to that—I feel like I have a good foundation from watching leaders lead a program,” Pennucci said.

“I’m fortunate to have learned from some really good people, and now it’s my turn.”

34 x ETSU TODAY

Pennucci inherits a baseball program that finished 30-29 last season and 9-15 in Southern Conference play. Despite a losing record in the SoCon, the Bucs made a run in the postseason tournament, which saw the team fall in the conference championship game against Furman.

It appears Pennucci already has support from numerous coaches and administrators across the country, including former ETSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Richard Sander.

“Joe Pennucci personifies the work ethic and commitment to excellence that we have developed at ETSU,” Sander told media members after announcing the hire.

“He has been one of the key ingredients in developing a mid-major program that has had incredible success. Advancing to the College World Series plus numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament demonstrates the type of success that accompanies Coach Pennucci.

“When I talked to head coaches and those who understand mid-major college baseball, they said Joe Pennucci is a star and is going to do great things. The word is he is a tireless worker, an incredible

recruiter, a dynamic relationship builder, and a great baseball man.”

When it comes to short-term and longterm goals for the program, Pennucci said every detail will be evaluated one step at a time.

“I think what we need to do first is meet each other, trust each other, communicate with each other, and get on the same page,” Pennucci added. “That stuff transitions toward the weight room, conditioning, and making adjustments.

Those building blocks are the foundation that will lead us through situations where our backs are against the wall.”

Pennucci said he has enjoyed his time so far in Johnson City. “The people in Johnson City have been awesome.

Whether it’s going to Home Depot or Lowe’s or out to a restaurant, the people have been supportive and welcoming. It’s a fun place to live and a good place for my daughter to grow up.”

When all is said and done, Pennucci believes relationships will be the most rewarding part of coaching for him.

“When you’re with your players for three to four years—depending on the draft—you build that relationship,” he said. “You go through so many ups and downs, wins and losses, and family things. It really turns into a family.

“Even after they graduate, you start to see their family and people are getting married. It’s a really cool dynamic that develops, and that goes beyond the wins and losses. The memories of the games can fade away, but the relationships with people … you’ll always have those bonds.”

Mike Ezekiel is a Graduate Assistant for Sports Information

MEET NEW DIRECTOR OF TENNIS MARTIN STIEGWARDT with the women’s. “On the women’s side we want to become the team to beat in the SoCon and compete for conference championships year in and year out.”

“Our main goal is to win the conference tournament and to make a push at NCAAs by having depth in our lineups. I also want to make sure that we represent ETSU in the individual NCAA Championships. We certainly cannot be successful without the help of others, and we want to invest our efforts in ETSU and the Johnson City area by staying involved in the community.”

On June 22, Martin Stiegwardt joined the Buccaneer tennis program as the Director of Tennis and Men’s Tennis Head Coach, taking over a program that has built a unique tradition of championship success.

“It is certainly a new role for me that I am very excited about,” said Stiegwardt, who comes to ETSU after stints as an assistant coach at both Auburn and LSU. “I get to spend most of my time with the men’s team, but I will also help and support Coach Ricky Rojas and the women’s team throughout the year. This position gives me the advantage to bring both teams together and have more cohesion within the student-athletes and coaches. We will have a family between both teams and make sure they are here to support each other and be successful together.”

The men’s tennis program has a long history of success consisting of many conference championships and NCAA berths.

“We have an 11-year conference championship run to defend, and we are excited about that challenge and opportunity,” added Stiegwardt, who hopes to continue the men’s achievements along

Stiegwardt plans to have discipline on the court and teach his athletes the understanding of what it means to play for ETSU. “If we do things right on the court and we prepare with a lot of hard work, we can certainly compete for the conference tournament.”

Stiegwardt has a long history of being around the game of tennis. He began his collegiate career at the University of Florida in 2003 but transferred to Georgia State University and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management after playing at number one in both singles and doubles for two seasons. The two-time team captain helped lead the Panthers to their highest team ranking in school history at number 33.

Stiegwardt received multiple awards athletically and academically throughout his time as a student-athlete, and he even competed at Wimbledon and the French Open Junior events.

As a former collegiate athlete, Stiegwardt understands what it takes to be successful.

“When you combine sports and education, I think you get the best of both worlds, and we need to keep reminding these young student-athletes that this is a one-time experience,” he said. “We also need to trust our coaches because we have been there before and we know how it feels to wake up early, go to class, practice, do conditioning, and study.

“We want what is best for the studentathletes and prepare them for their next chapter in life. If I could do it all over again, one of the things I would have done differently would be to use the resources around me a lot more. People are in place and willing to help and make our lives easier.”

Being an ETSU Buccaneer is something special. Stiegwardt is honored to be entrusted with the Bucs’ tennis program and is thrilled to have this opportunity.

He has been here for just a short time but is quick to express how much he has enjoyed his time as a Buc already.

“I have been amazed to see the support the tennis team has within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and all the people who have helped me with the transition,” Stiegwardt said. “Everyone is very proud to be a Buccaneer, and that’s why there’s so much longevity within the coaches and administrators. To be a Buccaneer means to be tough and have grit. We can compete with almost any team out there, but we have to do it with hard work and determination.”

Marissa Avanzato is a Graduate Assistant in Athletic Communications

“I know that the word ‘process’ gets thrown around a lot, but it has been a wonderful process to go from a studentathlete to assistant coach and now to head coach,” he said.

Stiegwardt believes there’s something special about the student-athlete experience.

FALL 2017 x 35

Besse Brown Cooper ETSU Class Ring Ceremony

O Are you ring eligible?

Students who have completed 60 + hours or graduated and are now ready for a class ring

You Earned It! Wear It!

The College Class Ring is your way to show the world your achievement. This is a grand success that is with you forever. It’s your personal championship! We offer several choices of style, material, and fit to your budget. And we have a special ETSU Custom Ring for you to consider filled with elements that take ETSU with you.

Custom crafted for East Tennessee State University, the designs of the official rings are based upon ETSU’s legacy of values and traditions. Each time you look at the intricate ETSU official ring you will find yourself back on campus, once more in the shadow of the mountains.

Prominently featured on the top of the ring is the official ETSU seal with “East Tennessee State University” spelled out around it. A diamond, blue sapphire, or a cubic zirconium can be incorporated into the ETSU seal.

The right side of the ring features the front steps of Gilbreath Hall, the first building on campus and named for Dr. Sidney G. Gilbreath, the first ETSU president. The words from the Alma Mater, a banner inscribed with In the Shadow of the Mountains that flies above the original university building representing our university’s debt to the regional setting, traditions, and heritage of the Appalachians are also incorporated into the design. Pictured in the distance from the Hall is the Amphitheatre, built in 1936 and designed by Dr. Charles C. Sherrod, the second president. Embracing the amphitheatre is your degree.

The left side of the ring features the Charles C. Sherrod Library, built in 1999, with your year of graduation above. All these elements come together to symbolize the university’s past, present and future—an ETSU graduate ready to carry on the ETSU legacy with PRIDE.

Pick your style!

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Because you can’t wear your diploma!

ur university has had the good fortune of having an alumna be recognized as the oldest living person in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records and other sources. Part of the story of her life and legacy was her love of East Tennessee State Normal School. She named her son Sidney in honor of Dr. Sidney G. Gilbreath, our first president. With her throughout her years, her 1916 class ring was worn with distinction.

Twirling it on her finger over the years made the ring almost smooth.

At 115 years old, age and illness did not allow Cooper to wear the ring, but for 94 years, the ring was her tie to ETSNS and her college education.

Besse Brown Cooper was the oldest living graduate of our original institution until her death in 2012.

She symbolized this achievement in the wearing of her class ring for all to see. In honor of this significant life achievement and in tribute to her steadfast love of her alma mater, the ETSU National Alumni Association has honored Ms. Cooper with the renaming of the Class Ring Ceremony, portraying the class ring legacy she so fondly exemplified.

TREASURES

REMEMBERING A MID-20TH-CENTURY FOOTBALL TRADITION: THE BURLEY BOWL

Thanksgiving Day 1945 was different for the Tri-Cities than for the rest of the country. Although President Truman had proclaimed the fourth Thursday as the official national holiday date only a few weeks earlier (falling that year on November 22), Johnson City was preparing for the inaugural Burley Bowl to be held at Memorial Stadium on the 29th. Thus, the Burley Bowl trumped a presidential proclamation in 1945. Only after the game’s festivities subsided did families trot home to enjoy their Thanksgiving feast.

On the field in 1945, High Point (North Carolina) met Milligan (Tennessee) where they tied 7-7 in front of a crowd of approximately 3,500. For the next several years, this newly created Appalachian football tradition continued to grow. By 1950, the Thanksgiving afternoon game brought around 12,000 fans to Johnson City where Emory & Henry (Virginia) defeated Appalachian State (North Carolina) by a score of 26-6.

Well into the mid-20th century, burley tobacco was big business in Appalachia, and Johnson City was home to a number of tobacco auction houses. The Chamber of Commerce—searching for a way to drum up early Christmas sales by bringing in people from all over the area to downtown—decided a post-season bowl game for regional schools would assist the businesses it represented. The idea also gained support from the local tobacco warehouses and trade boards as the timing of the game fell right at the beginning of the tobacco market season.

Promoted as a connection between the city and its “rural friends,” the Burley Bowl became more than just a game followed by a big meal: there was also a parade with floats featuring young women representing communities in Washington County; a festival celebrating the farm work accomplished that year; and of course, a dance chaperoned by East Tennessee State College’s Dean of

Women, Ella Ross. The Burley Bowl led off the Christmas season with a bash that ended not only with the appearance of St. Nick but also that year’s Miss Tobacco Queen.

The next few years, schools like West Chester (Pennsylvania) played Carson-Newman (Tennessee); Emory & Henry played Hanover (Indiana); and Charleston (West Virginia) played Lebanon Valley (Pennsylvania). In 1952, East Tennessee State College finally had its own chance to represent Johnson City on its home turf when the Buccaneers defeated Emory & Henry 34-16. ETSC played in the bowl each year from then to the last game in 1956, when Memphis won 32-12.

In the final years of the Burley Bowl, declining attendance and disagreements sealed the game’s fate. Many “rural” supporters were discouraged by the proposed discontinuation of the Farm Festival and Union Religious Service. And students seemed less interested in the game.

In the collection of ETSU’s Reece Museum, a badge and a ticket from 1952 are among the few reminders of this once vibrant fall tradition.

Amy Steadman serves as the Reece Museum’s Collections Manager. Jean Rushing, Library Assistant in the Archives of Appalachia, helped with research.

FALL 2017 x 37

L-R: Margaret Leaman, Gail Skeens, Wanda Willingham, Marlene Taylor, Donnia Kestner, and Sharon Zapka.

BACK IN THEIR OLD ROOMS AGAIN

Carter Hall Alumnae Reunite and Remember “It was random pairing when they put you in a room with someone,” recalls Gail Skeens of Abingdon, Virginia. “And we all made such good friends. This is where we made all the different friendships.”

That place is Carter Hall, one of the original buildings on the campus of East Tennessee State University. Built in time for the opening of East Tennessee State Normal School in October of 1911, the building retains much of its original 38 x ETSU TODAY

appearance. And it retains its initial purpose, to house women students, who remain loyal to their college home for the rest of their lives.

That random room pairing took place nearly 50 years ago. Distance and the passage of time have never weakened the bonds that were formed among a convivial group of Carter Hall residents who began attending ETSU in the late 1960s.

Donnia Kestner, Margaret Leaman, Gail Skeens, Marlene Taylor, Wanda Willingham, and Sharon Zapka checked into their rooms late one spring afternoon in 2017. This time the assignments were not random. The rooms were the very same ones these Carter Hall alumnae had occupied as students beginning in 1968 and 1969.

Staying in their old rooms has become a tradition, a ritual, and a reunion for them.

After the initial hugs that afternoon, the deluge of memories began. And they came nonstop. One recollection triggered another and another, lasting most of the night over a game of Trivial Pursuit.

Bradshaw, quarterback for Louisiana Tech.

On the following Sunday night, Sharon and her roommate were awakened in the middle of the night because someone had set the float on fire.

Now equipped with smartphones, the alumnae looked back on the time when rooms in Carter had no telephones. “There was just a pay phone in the hallway,” says Margaret. “When someone got a call, you had to scream down the hall.”

Firemen often made trips to Carter Hall back then. Many women in Carter used juice cans to curl their hair. A bomb threat was called in one night, and the women had to evacuate as they were, with no time to remove the cans. Marlene said one fireman was overheard commenting that he had never seen such homely girls.

Those members of the group who entered college in 1968 were not allowed to have cars and could not wear pants. Curfew for first-quarter freshmen was 7:50 p.m.

Yet it was a time of transition on college campuses across the country, and by the following year, those restrictions had been loosened at ETSU. Overseen by a “dorm mother,” Carter Hall itself had a set of rules, including no hot plates, a ban the alumnae all admit to violating. “Sometimes all the lights would go out on a floor or a wing because we were popping popcorn or toasting a sandwich,” Marlene remembers.

Popcorn poppers and hot plates were quickly hidden away when word spread that an unannounced room check was impending. Looking back on those days of surreptitious in-room cooking, Wanda says she hates tuna casserole to this day.

Wanda adds that despite those rules, she and her friends felt an enormous sense of freedom at ETSU. Bus service for shopping downtown was easy and inexpensive. And there was always someone willing to offer a ride, although in one case it was a one-way trip. Marlene says she and several friends piled into a Mustang to go see the movie Easy Rider downtown. “But the driver was so upset by the ending of the movie that he drove off and left us.”

The spring of 2017 marked the third Carter Hall reunion for these lifelong buddies. But they don’t restrict their meetings to once a year. They take vacations together—to places like Niagara Falls and Chicago. And they take weekend trips, staying in state park cabins.

No matter where they go, though, ETSU is not far from their minds. They look back on those Carter Hall years as the times of their lives, when the campus was hopping with activity, including concerts by the Tams, the Temptations, the Fifth Dimension, and Ray Charles and an appearance by President Richard M. Nixon on the steps of Dossett Hall.

And while working on their degrees, the women did a little educating of their own.

Donnia recalls Nancy, a “city girl” who could not understand where butter came

from. “I came back with a gallon of cow’s milk and made Nancy some butter, with a churn, so she would know where it came from,” says Donnia.

Teacher, surgical technician, naturalist, writer, accountant, ophthalmic nurse, and missionary—those are the career fields that were opened up to these Carter Hall alumnae because of their education at ETSU. Donnia even returned to school years later, in 1990, to pursue a second degree in Spanish, so she wouldn’t have to use a dictionary when visiting Mexico for mission work. Gail Skeens says she’ll be teaching “until they put a toe tag on me.” And Wanda Willingham works within a short walk of Carter Hall, managing Precision Tune Auto Care, a neighbor to ETSU. As we finish our interview, Marlene takes a seat at the grand piano in the inviting Carter Hall parlor and plays the “St. Louis Blues” as her ETSU sisters smile and sway. Their lifelong bond is testament to the unifying power of higher education.

Fred Sauceman is Executive Editor of ETSU Today and News Director for WETS-FM/HD.

Photos by Charlie Warden.

A friend of Marlene’s from Morristown offered frequent chauffeur service to the Dairy Queen, at the wheel of an old red ambulance.

Sharon recalls constructing a float in anticipation of ETSU’s appearance in the 1969 Grantland Rice Bowl football game.

It was a huge cereal box emptying its contents into a bowl. The Bucs won the historic game, against the likes of Terry FALL 2017 x 39

A FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE Pamela Ritter. Photo by Larry Smith.

are led by alumni, and the members want to connect with as many graduates within their cities as possible. I’m very pleased with how this is going, and we look forward to forming additional clubs in the future. Bob has also created an ETSU Alumni Membership Program. Funding from the membership program, along with the renewal of alumni outreach in communities and the engagement of alumni in service and leadership roles, will allow us to build our Alumni Association.

ET Today: Many of our alumni and supporters are now part of the new President’s Circle. Tell us more.

Just over two years ago, Pamela Ritter arrived at ETSU to take the helm of the Office of University Advancement and the ETSU Foundation. Ritter, a veteran fundraiser, came to ETSU from Purdue University where she spent 28 years as a senior-level fundraiser working in major gifts, corporate relations, alumni relations, and administration. She has brought this energy to ETSU and has spent the first two years focusing on growth and infrastructure. Last year, private funding to ETSU was the highest ever.

ETSU Today sat down with Ritter to talk about her first two years on campus and hear about new initiatives in her areas of responsibility.

ET Today: Looking back since your arrival, what have you enjoyed most about being at ETSU? Ritter: Most definitely it has been the enthusiasm and attitude of the people.

Everyone has been so welcoming and is eager to help. We have a wonderful team in University Advancement, and we have been fortunate to hire a talented team of development directors within the colleges.

The level of support ETSU receives from

40 x ETSU TODAY

the community is absolutely amazing! In fact, 40 percent of our total giving is from non-alumni.

ET Today: In a previous issue of ETSU Today we highlighted the increased presence of development officers within the colleges.

Ritter: Yes, during the past two years we have placed a Director of Development within every college at ETSU as well as the School of Graduate Studies, the School of Continuing Studies and Academic Outreach, University Libraries, and the Division of Student Affairs. Each director works with the respective dean to identify needs and priorities within the college and also engages with the alumni.

ET Today: Speaking of alumni, can you update us on the creation of the alumni clubs?

Ritter: I am grateful to Bob Plummer, who leads our alumni efforts, for helping introduce me to our graduates all across the U.S. We recently launched alumni clubs in five cities—Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.—and they are off to a great start. These clubs

Ritter: This past summer our ETSU Foundation Board of Directors participated in a strategic planning process that looked at overall membership opportunities for our donors. We wanted a program that was more inclusive and was not by invitation only. Through that planning process we built the idea for the ETSU President’s Circle. Any donor who contributes a minimum of $500 annually, either as a single gift or through combined giving, is a member of the President’s Circle. The response has been very positive. Our first event was a pre-game tailgate prior to the opening football game in the new William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium. The event was very well attended, and we will continue with these events throughout the remainder of the football season. We are also planning an academic-focused event where alumni can register to take classes in areas of their interest. This will be called the President’s Circle Academy, and alumni will hear more about this soon.

For more information on the Alumni Membership Program, visit etsualumni.org.

CLASS NOTES 1950s

School after 40 years of coaching.

He coached the girls’ program for over 37 seasons, winning 581 games and four state championships. He also coached the boys’ program for 12 seasons and won a state title. He earned his degree in Physical Education.

Col. Carl Kincheloe (BS ’55) and Nancy Kincheloe celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 1, 2016. Col. Kincheloe served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. The couple has five children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Michael Yaniero (BS ’82, MA ’98) was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. As Police Executive, Yaniero is one of eight members tasked with advising state leaders on how to spend federal grants aimed at criminal justice and law enforcement.

1960s Dr. Robert Welch (BS ’60) and Judy Hunnicut Welch (BS ’61) celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2016. They are the parents of three children.

They have five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Marjorie McNeese Bullen (BS ’65) and her husband, Dr. Jack E. Bullen, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016.

They were married on August 7, 1966, at New Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.

Dr. Kathryn Wilhoit (BSN ’69, MSN ’81, PhD ’12) has been named Special Assistant to the Dean for Healthcare Management at Tusculum College. She joined the college in May of 2017 and is responsible for providing vision, leadership, and oversight of the program.

1970s Steve Lewis (BS ’71) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He earned his degree in Industrial Technology. He is General Manager for DoubleTree

by Hilton in Johnson City.

Daniel Ragan (BS ’72) was honored at the 2016 KOSBE Awards for business excellence at Edwards Ragan and Associates. He earned his degree in Marketing. He is an ETSU ROTC Commissioned Graduate.

Dr. David B. Stout (BS ’73, MA ’77) retired as the State Director of Adult Education and as State GED Administrator for the South Carolina Department of Education. He served nearly 30 years in the Office of Adult Education. He served as State GED Administrator for 24 years and State Director of Adult Education for almost 10 years. He earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Zeta Omega Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Dorothy Grisham (BSW ’74) was named to the ETSU Board of Trustees. The newly formed board aims to help facilitate the movement and growth of the institution in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Dorothy is an active member of the ETSU Alumni Association, having held several leadership positions, including President, and she is an ETSU Outstanding Alumna honoree.

Dr. Richard Charles Shelton (BS ’75) has been named CEO of Centerstone Research Institute and Chief Medical Officer of Centerstone. He has served on the faculty of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University Medical Center for nearly three decades. He was the James G. Blakemore Research Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Psychiatry as well as a professor in the departments of Psychology and Pharmacology. In 2012, he joined the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as the Charles Byron Ireland Professor, Vice Chair for Research, and head of the Mood Disorders Research Program. In 1994 and 2012, he earned the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. He also received the Dorothea Dix Professional Service Award from the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Centers in 2007 in recognition of his impact on the state’s psychiatry practice. He earned his ETSU degree in Biology.

Charles Shanks (BSN ’76) has authored Wisdom of the Father, a mystery and suspense book. The book touches on controversial issues relevant to political and ethical standards presented from a conservative point of view.

Alan Cantrell (BS ’77) retired from his position as Head Basketball Coach at Floyd County High

Marshall Wilkins (BS ’77) received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ETSU College of Business and Technology. Marshall began working for Chick-fil-A in 1981 and today is the owner and operator of the Chick-fil-A franchise at Turkey Creek in Knoxville.

Mike Baker (BS ’78) has a new position as a Credit Analyst at HomeTrust Bank. He graduated with honors in Accountancy.

Charlie Morgan (BS ’78) retired from his position as Head Basketball Coach at Dobyns-Bennett High School after 17 years. His coaching career has spanned five decades. He first began coaching as a junior in high school where he coached his school’s eighth grade team. In 1979, he joined the coaching staff at Science Hill High School and was the Assistant Coach for the 1990 state championship team as well as the 1991 state runner-up team. A year later, he accepted his first head coaching job in Salem, Virginia.

He coached state championship teams in 1994 and 1999. He came to Dobyns-Bennett in 2000. During his 17-year tenure, he amassed 359 wins, five conference titles, three district tournament championships, five regional tournament titles, and took four teams to the state tournament. He was selected as conference Coach of the Year four times and Northeast Tennessee Coach of the Year three times. He passed the 500win mark for his career this past January. He earned his degree in Physical Education.

Former Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey (BS ’78) earned his degree in Industrial Technology.

He started a small business, a surveying company, three years after graduating. It has grown into a real estate and auction company. Recently he was named to the ETSU Board of Trustees.

The board aims to help facilitate the movement and growth of the institution in the competitive landscape of higher education. He is an ETSU Outstanding Alumnus honoree.

Fred Sauceman (BA ’78, MA ’80) is the author of the newly published book The Proffitts of Ridgewood: An Appalachian Family’s Life in Barbecue. The book tells the story of the iconic Bluff City, Tennessee, restaurant that has been in business since 1948.

Ray Flynn (BS ’79), a former ETSU and Olympic athlete who broke the four-minute mile, runs Flynn Sports Management, from his home in Tennessee. He has been featured in The Irish Independent.

1980s Shari Pearman (BS ’80) married Stephen Shupe (BGS ’06) on October 1, 2016, in Rancho Mirage, California.

William K. Rogers (BBA ’80, MBA ’82) was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Judicial District, which serves Sullivan County in Northeast Tennessee.

Chris Meyer (BS ’83) received the Excellence Award from the ETSU College of Business and Technology. After graduation, Chris went to work for IBM developing mainframe operating system software.

For over 30 years, he has worked in software development, testing, architecture, and management for IBM. He has been issued numerous patents and published many papers and articles.

David Harrison (BS ’84) was named Interim Chief of the Johnson City Fire Department on June 2. Prior to that he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations.

David earned his degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science. He was commissioned through the early commissioning program as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry branch at age 19. He was later reassigned to the Military Police branch.

David spent 13 years in the U.S. Army Reserve obtaining the rank of Captain. His last assignment was as Company Commander of F/2/319/2/ 80th Div (TNG). He joined the City of Johnson City in December 1984 as a Public Safety Officer and transferred to the Fire Department in May 1990.

Janet Ayers (BS ’86), who earned her degree in Health Care Administration, has been named to the ETSU Board of Trustees.

The newly formed board aims to help facilitate the movement and growth of the institution in the competitive landscape of higher education. She is a business leader and philanthropist and has over 20 years of service in health care administration. She is an ETSU Outstanding Alumna honoree.

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David Musick (MA ’86) is the new Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He became Assistant Dean for Faculty Development for the medical school in 2013. He also serves as Director of the Office of Continuing Professional Development for Carilion Clinic. Prior to joining Virginia Tech Carilion, he worked in medical education at the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. He earned his ETSU degree in Sociology.

Dr. Karen Gibbs (BS ’88) co-authored the just released White Paper: The Role of Physical Therapists in Wound Management.

She earned her degree in Health Education and is an adjunct professor in ETSU’s Physical Therapy program.

for small businesses. He has over 20 years of business lending experience and will oversee underwriting and portfolio servicing.

He earned his degree in Finance.

Harvey Mitchell (BGS ’90) received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ETSU College of Business and Technology.

Harvey retired in June 2016 as Market President of the Tri-Cities Region for HomeTrust Bank after a 45-year career in the finance industry.

Dr. Steve Barnett (BS ’92, EDD ’13) was unanimously named Superintendent of Johnson City Schools. He had been Principal of Towne Acres Elementary School.

He graduated from ETSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership.

Kim Kirk (BS ’93, MEd ’98) has been chosen as the next Principal at Tennessee High School in Bristol. She has worked in education for 24 years, first as a teacher, then as an assistant principal.

Chad Whitfield (BS ’93) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He earned his degree in Political Science and was a member of the ETSU men’s tennis team. He works as an attorney at Hunter Smith & Davis.

Katherine Madison (BS ’94) has been selected by the Southern Regional Education Board as an SREB-State Doctoral Scholar.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from ETSU and a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Milligan College. She previously spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher in Louisburg, North Carolina. She is now in her third year as a doctoral candidate in ETSU’s Clemmer College of Education.

Dr. Casey Carter (BS ’94, DPT ’06) has been named as the Certified Head Athletic Trainer for the Washington Valor, an Arena Football League team in its inaugural season.

John W. King (BS ’88) has joined the University Advancement team as an Associate Vice President.

Before taking the ETSU position, he worked at King University. His degree is in Mass Communication.

Dr. Gerald Miller (MEd ’89) was named Principal of the Year by the Alleghany County, North Carolina Board of Education. He earned his degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Deanna Norungolo (BS ’89) spoke at The Eleventh Annual Intermountain Brain Injury Conference, “To Be Continued…The Story of Brain Injury” presented by ETSU’s Office of Professional Development.

She is a brain injury survivor and an empowered advocate. She is employed by Anderson Behavioral Health in Anderson, South Carolina. She is a certified rehabilitation counselor and recently achieved the status of nationally certified counselor. She earned her degree in Mass Communication.

1990s Billy Bowers (BBA ’90) has joined Acclivity Financial, a subsidiary of Citizens Bank, specializing exclusively in lending solutions 42 x ETSU TODAY

William Bledsoe (BFA ’92, MFA ’10) has been named Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Tusculum College.

He has been an art instructor for 27 years and a working artist for more than 40 years. Prior to joining Tusculum College, he worked in both the Art Department and Digital Media Department at ETSU, headed the Secondary Art Department at Providence Academy, and coordinated curriculum and art instruction for the Mary B. Martin Foundation in conjunction with the McKinney Art Center in Jonesborough. He was recognized as one of the 100 Outstanding Artists of Tennessee by the Tennessee Arts Council in 1991-92 and as a Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts at ETSU in 2012.

Scott Pratt (BS ’95) has released a new book: Justice Burning.

Former defense attorney Darren Street is desperately trying to put his life back together after spending two years in a maximum-security prison for a murder he didn’t commit. He’s rebuilding his law practice, reconnecting with his son, and falling more deeply in love with his girlfriend, fellow attorney Grace Alexander. But the past casts a long shadow, and for Street, there’s no outrunning it.

Edward Ho (BS ’99) received the Horizon Award from the ETSU College of Business and Technology. Edward has been working in technology in Silicon Valley since graduating from ETSU. He currently works for social media giant Twitter, Inc.

Brittany Maynor Fortier (BS ’02) and Chris Fortier welcomed a daughter, Ansley Kallyn Fortier, on February 28, 2017, at 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Mom and dad are greatly enjoying Ansley’s company.

Dr. Aaron Polichnowski (BS ’99) has been hired by the Quillen College of Medicine to serve as an Assistant Professor and Researcher in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. He comes to the medical school from the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois, where he served as a Research Scientist since 2011.

He also worked as an adjunct Assistant Professor at Loyola University in Chicago during that time. He earned his ETSU degree in Physical Education.

Ryan Stanton (BS ’99, MD ’03) spoke at The Eleventh Annual Intermountain Brain Injury Conference, “To Be Continued…The Story of Brain Injury,” presented

by ETSU’s Office of Professional Development. He graduated from ETSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Quillen.

He works as an Emergency Room Physician.

2000s Dr. Linda Latimer (MD ’95) received her medical degree and completed her pathology residency at ETSU. She holds medical licenses in Tennessee and Virginia. She has been named to the ETSU Board of Trustees.

The board aims to help facilitate the movement and growth of the institution in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Dr. Richard Bales (MED ’97, EDD ’04) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

He earned a Master of Education degree and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from ETSU. He recently retired as Superintendent of Johnson City Schools.

Melissa Chapman Williams (BBA ’98) married Curtis Williams, also of Morristown, on September 18, 2016. The ceremony took place at Camp John Speer.

day management of the Credit, Special Assets, and Underwriting Teams. She served as Senior Credit Officer/VP for Greenbank until 2010 when she joined Carter County Bank as Special Assets Manager/VP. She earned her degree in Finance.

Mike Elbers (BBA ’00) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He earned his degree in Management. He is an ETSU Foundation member and is Chief Operating Officer at KatzAmericas.

Mark A. Stevens (BS ’01), an award-winning communications professional for more than 25 years, has been named Chief Marketing Officer for Strovis Holdings and its subsidiary companies.

Angela Vachon (BS ’00) was honored at the 2016 KOSBE Awards for business excellence at Hibbert-Davis Urban/River Brews. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in General Psychology.

Scarlett Dale (BBA ’02) has been promoted to Senior Vice President at Bank of Tennessee. She had previously assumed the role of Credit Officer for East and Middle Tennessee as well as the day-to-

Callie Neas Short (BSED ’02) married Adam Short on May 28, 2016, at Mountain Valley Church of the Brethren in Greeneville. Callie is working in the Greene County School System as an elementary education teacher.

Dustin Walters (BBA ’02) has been named Executive Vice President of Friendship Automotive Enterprises. He has previously served as GM/VP/Operating Partner for Friendship Hyundai of Johnson City and Bristol. He earned his degree in Marketing.

James Patrick Cronin (BS ’04) recently narrated the book Justice Burning, a criminal drama, on Audible. This is James’ first narration to be recorded and widespread.

Cheryl McHone (BSED ’04, MEd ’08) was appointed Principal at South Central School. She comes to the position with 13 years of educational experience.

Lindsay Moore Carmical (BS ’05, MA ’08) married Casey Carmical at First United Methodist Church in Johnson City on July 9, 2016.

Lindsay is a kindergarten teacher at Boones Creek Elementary.

Julie Willett Oakes (MEd ’05) married Thomas Oakes on October 15, 2016. The ceremony took place at the General Morgan Inn. Julie is employed by the Greene County School System as a teacher.

Ashley Rymer Crowder (BS ’06, MS ’10) married Daniel Crowder on January 30, 2016, at The Foundry in Knoxville.

With degrees in Psychology and Communicative Disorders, Ashley is now employed by Quality Home Healthcare.

Jeremy Ross (MS ’07) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He earned his degree in Engineering Technology. He is a Pirate Club Past Board Member.

He has served as Chief of Staff for External Operations at ETSU and most recently interim Chief Administration Officer.

LaFrancis Gibson (BS ’06, MPH ’08) was featured in the Knoxville News Sentinel’s 40 Under 40 for her work as a Health Education Specialist Project Manager at Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

She is a certified health education specialist and also served as the project leader for the NLM’s AIDS Community Information Outreach Program. She earned her degrees in Public Health. She was a 2012 Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Leadership graduate and Tennessee Achieves mentor. She also co-founded an after-school tutoring program for at-risk Knoxville youth known as Hope for Tomorrow.

Samantha Fry (BS ’07, MA ’09) is the Assistant Manager of Safety and Facility Readiness at Bristol Motor Speedway. She was honored with the Mary Kenner Sadler Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016 for her work with the Speedway Children’s Charities.

Julia Winters Strom (BSED ’07, MA ’13) married Justin Strom on March 26, 2016, at Sunnyside Baptist Church in Kingsport. She is a first-grade teacher at Ketron Elementary in Sullivan County.

Jennifer Vicars (BA ’07) was honored at the 2016 KOSBE Awards for business excellence at The First Lady Day Spa. She earned her degree in English.

Curt Collins (BA ’08) has opened a new law firm in Greeneville, Collins Shipley PLLC. He earned his degree in Mass Communication. He was Vice President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at ETSU and helped create and found the TN Gamma Balanced Man Scholarship.

Ashley Daugherty (BBA ’08) has a new position at Blue Ridge Medical Management/MSHA as a Human Resource Generalist. She earned her degree in Management.

Brittany Robinson Russell (BS ’08) married Wesley Russell on September 9, 2016, at Gate City United Pentecostal Church. After earning her degree from ETSU, Brittany went on to work for Healing Hands Health Center. The Russells live in Kingsport.

Michael Garland (BBA ’13) has a new position as President of the Johnson City Area Homebuilders Association. He is Owner and Developer of Garland Farm Estates.

He earned his degree in Finance.

Jordan Bray (BS ’09) married Marah Kilby on August 30, 2015, in Catawba, Virginia. Jordan graduated summa cum laude from ETSU. Lindsay McKnight (MD ’09) married Michael Hemmert on September 24, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Lindsay is employed as a Trauma/Critical Care Surgeon at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Mark Merriman (BS ’09, MEd ’16) has been appointed Principal at Fall Branch School. After graduation, Mark started his career teaching music in inner-city Cincinnati before moving back to Washington County, Tennessee, in 2012 to continue his teaching career.

Cory Parsons (BS ’09) received the Masters Ruby Award from C21 Corporate for his efforts in his real estate career at Century 21 in Knoxville. Cory is currently ranked number 73 in the southern region.

2010s Taylor Jefferson (BSED ’10, MA ’13), Assistant Director of Athletics at Emory & Henry College, has been honored with a pair of awards for excellence in promotional materials by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators. Taylor won a silver medal award for Promotional Schedule Poster as well as winning a bronze medal for a video he created for the men’s basketball team.

Jessica Billings McCann (BS ’10, MS ’13) and Tyler McCann (BS ’10) were married June 25, 2016, at Villa Nove Vineyards in Butler. Jessica is employed as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Carter County School System.

Tyler works at Wells-Fargo Bank.

Sarah Taylor Bielinski (BA ’11) married Connar Bielinski on September 17, 2016. Sarah is an Administrative Assistant at the Clarksville Regional Airport in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Lindsey Witherspoon Caperton (BA ’11) married Holden Caperton on June 18, 2016, at the Allendale Mansion in Kingsport. Lindsey is employed as an English teacher at Knox Powell High School.

Jacob Elkins (BS ’11) and Whitney Kane were married September 3, 2016, in an outdoor ceremony in the courtyard at Grandview, Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Whitney works as an interior designer in Novi, Michigan. Jacob works for 3D IGNITE as a Team Leader and 3D Digital Artist.

Brandy Barton Marshall (BSW ’13) married Ryan Marshall on May 10, 2015. Brandy is employed by the Department of Children’s Services.

McKenzie Calhoun (PHARMD ’11) has been named to the 2017 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

She now works as an Assistant Professor at the Gatton College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice at ETSU. Lindsey Hayes (BBA ’11) married Ricky Presley on June 25, 2016, at Harvest Acres Farms in Limestone. Lindsey is employed at Forward Air Freight in Greeneville.

Jace Kuhbander (BS ’11) married Jade Mickles on September 3, 2016, in a private wedding ceremony at the Blackthorn Club, located at The Ridges in Jonesborough.

Jens Holtzclaw (BS ’12) and Heather Justus Holtzclaw (BFA ’14) married on September 10, 2016, at Still Hollow Farm in Knoxville.

Christopher Mowl (BS ’12) married Emilee Harbin on April 19, 2016, at The Millstone in Limestone. Christopher works for Wellmont Health Systems. The couple resides in Kingsport.

Amanda Osborne Shelton (BS ’12) married Paul Osborne, Jr., on May 7, 2016, at the Wedding Barn in Beck Mountain in Elizabethton.

Amanda is currently employed by Mountain States Health Alliance.

Nathan Whitehead (BS ’12) married Stephanie Cornett on May 28, 2016, at the Blackthorn Club in Jonesborough. Nathan is the owner and operator of Alliance Construction Services, based in Johnson City.

Brittany Bolton Adams (BS ’13, MPH ’16) married Jacoby Adams in May 2016 in a private ceremony.

Eric Dyer (BS ’13) and Alyssa Shelton Dyer (BS ’15) were married on April 2, 2016, at Fairview Baptist Church in Greeneville.

Eric went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and Alyssa is employed as a Respiratory Therapist at Johnson City Medical Center.

Justin Brinkley (BBA ’14, MACC ’15) married Julia Clabough on October 8, 2016, in an open ceremony on the beach. Justin is employed at Eastman Chemical Company.

Ryan Gouge (BS ’14) married Kayleigh Elsea on October 1, 2016, in an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of Unaka Baptist Church. Ryan works for Health Fitness of Kingsport and is also a personal trainer at ETSU. Amanda Justus (MS ’14) married William Bentley on February 15, 2016, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Amanda earned her degree in Mathematics.

Heather Banks Lee (BGS ’14) married Robert E. Lee II on August 20, 2016. Heather is employed at Cabin Chiropractic Clinic and is a member of Unicoi United Methodist Church.

Sarah McCary (MD ’14) married James Baker in June 2016. After graduating from ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, Sarah is in her second year of residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Colorado.

Whitney LaFollette Nave (BSED ’14) married Matthew Nave (BS ’15) on June 11, 2016. Whitney majored in Elementary Education while at ETSU; Matthew studied History.

Shelley Clark Patterson (DPT ’14) married Adam Patterson on December 10, 2016, at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City.

Guillermo Mendoza (BS ’14, MA ’16) has been selected by the Southern Regional Education Board as an SREB-State Doctoral Scholar. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. He is a former graduate assistant in the ETSU Alumni Office and has been a recipient of the university’s James H. Quillen Scholarship and Dissertation/Thesis Summer Scholarship. He has finished his first year in the ETSU doctoral program in Early Childhood Education.

Emily Early Swinney (BS ’14) married Cody Swinney on January 16, 2016, at Brown Springs Baptist Church in Mosheim. Emily is employed as a kindergarten teacher by the Greene County School Board.

Jordan VanHoy (BS ’14) and Megan Bare VanHoy (BA ’16) married on June 4, 2016, in a private beach ceremony in Siesta Key, Florida. Jordan is employed at Business Information Systems.

Megan is employed at Valley Forge Elementary School.

Lindsey Owen Bailey (BSN ’15) married Lance Bailey on September 24, 2016, at Rosewood Chapel in Gainesboro, Tennessee.

Lindsey is a Registered Nurse at Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Amber Brooks Long (BS ’15) married Dustin Long on May 28, 2016, at Still Hollow Farm. Amber is working on her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Megan Smith Messer (BS ’15) and Jarod Messer (BS ’16) married on October 22, 2016, at Grace Meadows Farm in Jonesborough.

Megan earned her degree in Physical Education and is working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at ETSU. Jarod also earned a degree in Physical Education.

Seth Miller (BBA ’15) and Bethany Dyer Miller (BS ’16) were married during a private ceremony on Boone Lake June 10, 2016. Bethany earned a degree in Special Education. Seth is employed at Northeast Community Credit Union.

Alex Smyth (BS ’15) and Macy Parham (BSN ’17) were married June 4, 2016. Alex works as a math teacher at West Greene High School.

Melinda Bowman Taylor (BBA ’15) and Cody Taylor (BBA ’15) married on June 23, 2016, at the Gallery Event Center in Johnson City. Melinda received her degree in Accounting. Cody graduated with a degree in Finance and is currently employed by Cisco Systems, Inc., in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Michael Wallace (BS ’15) recently received his master’s degree in Student Affairs. He is Orientation Advising Programs Coordinator at the University of California, Davis.

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Paula Jo Beets Knight (BBA ’16) married Bronson Knight on May 21, 2016. Paula Jo earned her degree in Accounting. She works as a Local Government Auditor for the state of Tennessee.

Javan Wilhoit (BS ’16) and Joseph Tillery III (BBA ’16) were married on December 17, 2016, in Greeneville. Javan earned her degree in Early Childhood Education.

Joseph is a Pal’s Owner-Operator in Rogersville.

Maisie Cox Holt (BS ’17) married Zachary Holt on September 10, 2016. Maisie received her degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Zachary is scheduled to graduate from ETSU in December of 2017.

Rachael Rambo Davis (BS ’17) married Andrew Davis on May 26, 2016, at Crooked River Farm in Hiltons, Virginia.

A.J. Merriweather (BS ’17), former ETSU men’s basketball standout, was drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters. As a senior, A.J. averaged 8.6 points per game and finished as runner-up in the 2017 College Slam-Dunk Contest.

Bri Morelock (BS ’17) has been hired by Creative Energy as a Graphic Designer. Fresh out of the ETSU Digital Media program, Bri has won several awards at the student level through the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition.

Sean Ochsenbein (MD ’17) received a national award for his dedication to emergency medicine. Dr. Ochsenbein was honored with the Dr. Alexandra Greene Medical Student Award from the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association. The award recognizes a 3rd- or 4th-year student who displays a significant dedication to emergency medicine.

Natalie Sorah Vaughn (BSED ’17) married Dustin Vaughn on May 28, 2016, at Rose Hill Chapel in Johnson City. Natalie earned her degree in Elementary Education.

OBITUARIES 1940s Inez Burchfield (BS ’42) of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, March 5, 2017. Her teaching career spanned 31 years until her retirement in 1985. She earned her degree in General Science.

Nola B. Clow (BS ’43), January 20, 2017. She earned her degree in Home Economics. She was a retired teacher and owner at Briggs Schools.

Lucille G. Reed (BS ’46) of Sneedville, April 26, 2017. She worked in public education for 39 years as a teacher, supervisor of instruction, supervisor of special programs, and as the first female Superintendent of Schools in Hancock County. She was an active member of Sneedville First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and served on many committees. She was active in the Hancock County Retired Teachers Association, Sneedville Women’s Club, Production Credit Association, and was a leader in the Democratic party in Hancock County. She moved to Regency Retirement Village in Morristown in 2008 to recover from a fall and decided to make it her home. There she served on the Residents Council and Regency Church Committee, led a weekly Bible study, and enjoyed special events and outings.

Warner B. Sizemore (BS ’46) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 11, 2017. Warner earned his degree in Secondary Education. He went on to become ordained as a Presbyterian minister, serving for many years in Malvern, Pennsylvania. In the mid-1960s he left the ministry to move to Princeton, New Jersey, and become an assistant to Immanuel Velikovsky, the controversial author of Worlds in Collision. He retired as Associate Professor of World Religions at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey.

Freda J. Lowry (BS ’47) of Knoxville, February 9, 2017. Freda earned her degree in Education.

She started the Red Cross swimming lessons in Madisonville in 1959 and continued to give lessons until the early 1980s. An avid hiker, she helped start the Sequoyah Hiking Club. She worked for many years at the Madisonville Clinic alongside her late husband Dr. Houston Lowry.

44 x ETSU TODAY

Sara D. Tannewitz (BS ’47), January 9, 2017. She earned her degree in English. At the outbreak of World War II, she joined the U.S. Navy and served in Washington, D.C., as a secretary until the end of the war. She worked in the Johnson City Schools for many years, teaching typing and shorthand in the Adult Vocational Program and substituting at Science Hill.

Jacob Wine, Jr. (BS ’47) of Millersville, Pennsylvania, March 12, 2017. He taught psychology for 18 years at Millersville State University and worked independently as a clinical psychologist.

Throughout his life he served the Church of the Brethren in various capacities through pastoral leadership.

Margaret H. Hampton (BS ’48), January 11, 2017. She taught art and elementary school (5th grade) in the Elizabethton City School system until retirement.

Herbert King (BS ’49, MA ’54) of Johnson City, June 25, 2017.

During his time in college, Herbert founded the Young Republicans Club. He served in various teaching and administrative posts for Washington County Schools for nearly 40 years. He retired at the age of 79 as a Social Studies Teacher and Girls’ Basketball Coach at Boones Creek Middle School. He was a proud WWII veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of Central Baptist Church.

Alfreda S. McAfee (BS ’49), December 17, 2016. She earned her degree in Music.

Betty Phillips (BS ’49) of Jacksonville, Florida, March 12, 2017. She earned her degree in Spanish.

1950s Samuel Henley (BS ’50) of Knoxville, March 23, 2017. He served in WWII and worked for TVA his entire adult life. He earned his degree in Industrial Arts.

Jack A. Maxey (BS ’50) of Johnson City, June 6, 2017. During his time in college, Jack played basketball and was captain his senior year. He went on to receive both his master’s and doctoral degrees. In 1959, he returned to East Tennessee State to teach and coach basketball. He retired in 1981. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.

William E. Roberson (BS ’50, MA ’52) of Jonesborough, November 2, 2016. He served in the infantry in Europe in WWII and was employed at Tennessee Eastman Company for 36 years. He was a member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church.

proudly served and retired from the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and had the opportunity to travel the world. Upon retirement, he began employment with the U.S. Postal Service. He retired again to begin a third career working on various projects.

William F. Brotbeck (BS ’51) of Bristol, Virginia, February 23, 2017. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and retired as a Colonel in 1972.

Richard K. Burk (BS ’55) of Bristol, Tennessee, March 22, 2017.

Richard earned his degree in Secondary Education. He served in Korea and later was assigned as an instructor in the Weapons Department of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his military service, he was employed as a teacher in the Science Department at Tennessee High School where he taught for 35 years. At the time of his retirement, he was the Coordinator of the department.

Rebecca M. Lee (BS ’51), January 10, 2017. She earned her degree in Home Economics and worked as a broker and co-owner of Norman Lee Real Estate.

Eva F. Cromer (BS ’52) of Wichita, Kansas, June 12, 2017. She earned her degree in Home Economics before becoming a mother and teacher to three sons. She is survived by numerous friends and family members.

J. C. Hawk (BS ’52), January 12, 2017. He earned his degree in Business Education and was active in the ETSU National Alumni Association.

James Stephens (BS ’52) of Marietta, Georgia, March 8, 2017.

He earned his degree in Industrial Technology and worked as President of RJS Industries Inc. Marylee C. Stuart (BS ’52), January 19, 2017. She earned her degree in English and was a teacher in the Anderson County Schools system.

Dr. Helen Williams Taylor (BS ’52, MA ’57) of Athens, Georgia, July 7, 2017. She started her career in the public schools of Washington County, Tennessee, before eventually joining the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Georgia. She taught there until her retirement in 1988.

She was active in her church.

Bonnie L. Calhoun (BS ’53), January 3, 2017. She earned her degree in English and had retired from teaching in Wake County, North Carolina.

Betsy (Bettye) Armstrong Greene (BS ’53), of Leesburg, Florida, June 27, 2016. She earned her degree in English. She is survived by her husband, son, and many other friends and family members.

John G. Olson (BS ’54) of Bristol, Virginia, March 17, 2017. John earned his degree in History. He

Dr. Ronald E. Carrier (BS ’55), the fourth President of James Madison University, September 18, 2017. In 1971, the former economics professor took the helm of what would become JMU. He led the school for 27 years.

During his tenure, he shepherded the school’s transformation from Madison College to James Madison University. He also helped expand the athletics program into a national champion at the NCAA Division I level. The school saw the addition of 40 programs, five colleges and a graduate school, and programs in 37 countries.

Some of his many awards include three honorary doctorates, Virginian of the Year in 1991, and the 1991 Martin Luther King Public Service Award. Carrier was named by a national survey as one of the 100 Most Effective College Presidents in the United States.

He earned ETSU’s Outstanding Alumnus award in 1976 and was named Distinguished Alumnus in Higher Education in 1999. He served as a member of the Commission on the Future of ETSU. A native of Bluff City, Tennessee, he is survived by his wife Edith Johnson Carrier, two daughters, and five grandchildren.

Mary V. Dickerson (BS ’55) of Bermuda Run, North Carolina, June 12, 2017. After studying speech pathology, she received her Ph.D. and began teaching.

She and her husband moved to San Jose, California, where she accepted a position with San Jose State University. She taught there until her retirement in 1993. She was an active member of both the California Speech Language Hearing Association as well as the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Hollis W. Evans (BS ’55) of Summerfield, Florida, March 22, 2017. He earned his degree in Music. He worked many years as a Pharmacist while living in Knoxville and retired from Revco Drugs. He played the piano and pipe organ for many churches and was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church.

Kyle Edward Hart (BS ’55, MAT) of Watauga, Tennessee, June 20, 2017. Lt. Col. Hart attended East Tennessee State on an ROTC scholarship, earning his degree in Industrial Arts and later his Master of Arts in Teaching.

Warren Wattenbarger (BS ’55) of Rossville, Georgia, March 2, 2017.

Rev. Wattenbarger earned his degree in History. He lived in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, serving as a Minister in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, with 14 appointments.

His passions in life were serving God, his family, and his church, and he was an avid reader.

Virginia G. Ellenback (BS ’56), January 13, 2017. She earned her degree in Business Administration.

Glenn Anderson Hammond (BS ’56), in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, May 2, 2017. He earned his degree in Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Physics. He is survived by several friends and family.

Wilbert C. Schwartz (BS ’56), of Johnson City, May 29, 2017.

He was a teacher for 37 years in the Washington County area. He served as a Deacon for over 60 years at Unaka Avenue Baptist Church. He was a veteran and is survived by his wife, Delores, and many nieces and nephews.

Gay N. Christian (BS ’57) of Kingsport, March 12, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education.

Mary Lou Krause (BS ’57, MA ’66), June 21, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education and later received her master’s degree in the same field.

Aaron Osborne (MA ’57) of Castlewood, Virginia, February 24, 2017. He served as Principal of Castlewood Elementary School until his retirement in 2008.

Dorothy Ann C. Bethea (BA ’58) of Weaverville, North Carolina, February 14, 2017. She earned her degree in History. She was a retired schoolteacher from Buncombe County Schools.

Carl Gilson Collins (BS ’58) of Johnson City, May 17, 2017. Lt. Col. Collins served his country honorably for 26 years in the Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam and one in Okinawa.

He returned to Johnson City after retiring in 1983.

Eugenia D. Dorton (BS ’58) of Kingsport, April 1, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education and served for many years in the education field as a librarian. She also volunteered for many organizations, including Meals on Wheels. In 2000, she received a commendation from the White House for her community service in addition to many local awards and recognitions. She will be remembered as a mentor, teacher, school librarian, volunteer, faithful wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Walter Keith Hill (BS ’58) of Knoxville, June 24, 2017. He served in the U.S. Air Force before attending college. He spent much of his career in finance and vehicle sales. He died holding a deep affection for his family and an unfailing love and trust in his Savior.

Calvin C. Moseley Sr. (BS ’58) of Chesapeake, Virginia, February 8, 2017. He taught at South Norfolk Elementary and Indian River Elementary before becoming the Librarian at Oscar Smith High School for 31 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed spending time with his family and tinkering in his garage.

Michael Banyas (BS ’59), January 14, 2017. He earned his degree in Business Administration and was a member of the football team.

He was a Buc Connection member, former Alumni Board member, Foundation member, and an ROTC Commissioned Graduate.

John W. Breazeal (BS ’59) of Marietta, Georgia, January 9, 2017.

He earned his degree in Finance.

He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army following graduation and later worked as manager of General Motors Acceptance Corporation.

Jack S. Dennison (BS ’59, MA) of Bristol, Virginia, May 19, 2017.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After receiving his master’s degree, he taught at King University and Virginia Highlands Community College.

Edith Gasteiger Jennings (BS ’59, MA ’66) of Nashville, May 12, 2017. She moved to Nashville in 2006 upon retirement from teaching in the Johnson City Public School System. She attended Second Presbyterian Church.

Reginald D. Ward (BS ’60, MA ‘62) of Bristol, Virginia, March 13, 2017. He earned his degrees in Physical Education and History.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a high school football coach and educator in schools throughout the Southeast for over 30 years, including at his alma mater. He was recognized for coaching excellence multiple times but was proudest of being named Coach of the Year in the Lonesome Pine District in 1981.

Dr. Lloyd Story (BS ’59) of Winston Salem, North Carolina, March 16, 2017. He earned his degree in Chemistry with honors. He proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, on active duty from 1963 to 1965. Upon his honorable discharge, he practiced medicine for 48 years while serving on the staff of the Forsyth Medical Center and Forsyth Medical Park hospitals. He was Medical Director of The Convalescent Center and Silas Creek Manor for most of his career.

Robert H. Davis (BS ’61), January 12, 2017. He earned his degree in Physical Education.

1960s

Larry Ledford (BS ’61) of Johnson City, May 10, 2017. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours during the Vietnam War. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, following 26 years of service. Before returning to Johnson City in 2004, he worked for the U.S. Government as a consultant with Computer Science Corporation. He attended First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Jane L. Charles (BS ’60) of Kingsport, April 20, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education. She retired from the State of Virginia Department of Education, Fairfax County, in 2006 following 50 years of service.

She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved quilting. The first love of her life was her husband, and her second love was teaching.

Nile D. Mullins (BS ’60) of Kingsport, April 4, 2017. He was a member of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. He retired from Eastman in 1994 after 33 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Janis, their three children, and many other friends and family.

Helen G. Price (MA ’60), January 22, 2017. She earned her degree in Biology.

Charles E. Shockley (BS ’60) of Wytheville, Virginia, April 10, 2017. He was Vice President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was employed by State Farm Insurance for 40 years. He also served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, as well as his daughter and her husband.

Roy L. Smith (BS ’60) of Anderson, South Carolina, January 20, 2017. He earned his degree in English. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

Kenneth Porter Johnson (BS ’61) of Maryville, November 8, 2016.

He was a member of the football team during college and was also a 3rd Class Airman in the Air National Guard. Professionally, he owned the Delrose Motel for many years before becoming a contractor until his retirement. He is survived by many friends and family.

Ronald Eugene Quillen (BS ’61), of Hurricane, West Virginia, March 12, 2017. During his time in college, he was a Small College All American football player. After graduation, he played professionally in Canada before returning to the U.S. to serve in the Army. He later played professional football for the Charleston, West Virginia Rockets. He was known professionally as “Rocket Ron.” Following his football career, he worked in the wholesale food industry. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, their children, grandchildren, four brothers, and several nieces and nephews.

Dale H. Bailey (BS ’62), December 3, 2016. He earned his degree in Industrial Arts Education. He was the retired Assistant Director for Knoxville City Schools.

Helen K. Begley (BS ’62) of Kingsport, April 8, 2017. She earned her degree in Music. She lived in Florida for over 50 years and retired from the Orange County School System where she taught music for 50 years. She had a

kind and caring heart and was truly devoted to those she loved. She enjoyed traveling, antiques, all types of music and instruments, and spending time with her family and friends.

Janice M. Knipp (BS ’62), January 17, 2017. She earned her degree in English. She taught for many years, ending her career at Hixson High School in Chattanooga.

Dee Reece Lawson (BS ’62, MA ’76), December 17, 2016. He retired from Sullivan Central High School.

Kermit Rife (BS ’62), January 5, 2017. He earned his degree in History. He worked as President and part owner of Blankenship & Rife Inc. Duane Snodgrass (BS ’62) of Kingsport, April 17, 2017. He earned his degree in Social Science. He served in the Army as Legal Counsel for the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, then returned to Kingsport to practice law. In 1982 he became a General Sessions Judge until he retired in 2011.

Mary Frances White (BS ’62) of Kingsport, June 25, 2017. She taught, led, loved, and molded first- and second-graders for 30 years in Sullivan County. She was deeply devoted to the Lord and served and taught at various churches.

Thomas W. Hill (BS ’63) of Jonesborough, January 21, 2017. He earned his degree in Mathematics. He was a retired Systems Analyst at Eastman Chemical.

Kenneth Pew (MA ’63) of Keswick, Virginia, February 5, 2017. He earned his degree in Economics.

Vlada Potts (BS ’63), March 13, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education. She taught third grade at O.L. Kiser Elementary in Stanley, North Carolina, for 20 years.

Emma “Cricket” Riggs (MA ’63) of Elizabethton, March 30, 2017. She earned her degree in Guidance and Counseling. She taught in the Duval County, Florida, School System for many years. After graduation from ETSU, she moved back to Florida to become a Guidance Counselor at Englewood High School until her retirement.

After being in Florida for 50 years, she returned home to Tennessee in 2010.

William Hawkins Wood (BS ’63), September 28, 2015. He earned his degree in Social Studies and was a Golden 50s Club member.

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Jack Deaton Campbell (BS ’64), February 22, 2017. He earned his degree in Business after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961. He worked at Sam’s Club as an Associate for 25 years.

Jessie Jennie Day (BS ’64), March 2, 2017. She retired as Secretary to the Chief of Medical Services at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. She earned her degree in Management.

Charles M. Vaughan (BS ’64) of Homestead, North Carolina, November 12, 2016. Charlie worked for Nuclear Fuel Services in Unicoi County before accepting a job with General Electric in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1970. He retired as Manager of Facility Licensing after 37 years.

After that, he started his own consulting firm, CMV. He was actively involved in church and was a member of the Wilmington Flying Club.

James E. Brotherton (BS ’65), December 18, 2016. He earned his degree in Political Science.

He was a member of the ETSU baseball and football teams. He was a longtime Sullivan County Commissioner, serving on the commission for 12 years after retiring from Holston Defense, where he worked for 33 years. He also served on the county’s 911 board and the Tri-Cities Airport Authority.

Lynn V. Osborne (BS ’65) of Mountain City, February 2, 2017.

He earned his degree in Finance.

Berwyn Hamilton (BS ’66), March 9, 2017. He earned his degree in Chemistry. He served in the ROTC and in the 820th Station Hospital Army Reserve Unit. He worked for Sperry Farragut Company from 1956 until his retirement in 1992 as Manager of Employee Motivational Programs.

Ruth Stafford Letson (BS ’66) of Smyrna, Tennessee, May 9, 2017.

She worked as a librarian for over 30 years with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. She was a lifelong member of Smyrna Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband, Paul, children, grandchildren, and other family and friends.

Donald J. Marotta (BS ’66) of Roan Mountain, January 30, 2017.

He earned his degree in English.

Drawing from a range of personal experiences from teaching and counseling, he devoted himself to writing by focusing on the therapy of humor. His most widely read book, Prospecting for Old Furniture, was published in 1985.

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Jan S. Silver (BS ’66), December 21, 2016. She earned her degree in Elementary Education. She was a teacher for many years in the Sullivan County School System and retired from Miller Perry Elementary School in 2004.

Dr. Andrew J. Kuhaida, Jr. (BS ’67, MA ’71), December 26, 2016.

He earned his degrees in Geography. He was a Buc Connection member and was a retired Project Manager at Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Dr. Dennis G. Hamm, Jr. (BS ’67) of Johnson City, February 21, 2017. (See faculty and staff obituaries.)

Mary Joe Robinette (BS ’67), November 15, 2016. She earned her degree in Elementary Education.

Darrell V. Brown (BS ’68) of Gate City, Virginia, March 10, 2017. He earned his degree in Elementary Education. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a linguist and educator, having taught in local schools as well as in Vietnam, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. He loved exotic chickens, flowers and plants, travel, languages, music, his students, and people of all races and nationalities. Sensitive, kind, and caring, he was also humorous and talkative. He made friends far and wide.

Ezra R. Dewitt (BS ’68), December 30, 2016. He earned his degree in Health Education. He served as a U.S. Marine from 1962-66 and retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard in 2002 at the rank of Staff-Sergeant. He worked as a medical device sales executive for a career spanning over 30 years.

Otto Fred Horton, Jr. (BS ’68) of Greenville, North Carolina, June 4, 2017. He worked for Western Electric and traveled the world as a member of a team that installed submarine detection systems. He also worked for the Engineering Department at AT&T, where he was promoted to Engineering Department Head over a new systems development group. After 35 years of service, he retired from General Dynamics Corporation.

Dorothy “Penny” Mattice (BS ’68, MA ’70) of Arden, North Carolina, April 17, 2017. Penny was a former Professor at King College, where she chaired the Fine Arts Department and taught History, Theater, and Studio Art. King honored her by naming the campus art gallery the Penny Gallery. She was devoted to her family and to creating many new lifelong memories.

Jesse A. Edwards (BS ’69), January 2, 2017. He earned his degree in Health Education.

Donna A. Holbrook (BS ’69) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, May 11, 2017. After receiving her Elementary Education degree, she pursued a career in education, retiring in 2003. She enjoyed being on the beach and visiting with the people she loved. She attended First Baptist Church of Clinton, Tennessee.

Mildred Kozsuch (MS ’69), June 8, 2017. She received her Master of Library Science degree from ETSU. Left to cherish her memory are her friends and family. She left a legacy in her work helping to preserve families’ heritage, ancestry, and local history.

Richard Frank Terlep (BS ’69) of Delta, Ohio, June 10, 2017. Prior to his retirement, he worked with OSHA and for Owens-Illinois as an Industrial Hygienist. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing and almost anything outdoors.

1970s Carolyn W. Bailey (BS ’70) of Kingsport, March 8, 2017. She earned her degree in Education.

She was an active member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church for 40 years. She served the Lord by participating in the choir, children’s ministry, and by starting the Hearts and Hands Outreach ministry which created knitting, crochet, and sewing projects for the sick and elderly. Throughout her teaching career, she served at Temple Star Elementary School, the Tennessee Early Intervention System, and was also a CASA volunteer.

Paul Scott Foster (BS ’70) of Knoxville, March 21, 2017. He earned his degree in Industrial Technology. He retired from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Annie R. Hafele (MA ’70) of Kingsport, January 18, 2017. She earned her degree in Educational Administration and retired from the Scott County School System.

J. Dan Hall II (BS ’70, MBA ’72), December 5, 2016. He earned his degrees in Business Education and Business Administration.

While at ETSU, he was active in the Student Government Association. He was Senior Vice President at UBS Financial Services.

Archie C. McMillan (BS ’70), December 9, 2016. He earned his degree in Health Education and was a member of the ETSU baseball team. He was the owner of Archie McMillan Insurance Agency.

Jerry Roberts (BS ’70) of Greeneville, March 6, 2017. He earned his degree in Accountancy. He retired from General Telephone Electronics Data Services of Tampa in 1996 after 26 years of service.

Paul L. Rose (BS ’70) of Corning, New York, January 25, 2017. He earned his degree in Industrial Arts Education.

William T. Smith (BS ’70) of Chesterfield, Virginia, January 1, 2017. He graduated with honors in Social Work.

Thelma Mae Waites (MED ’70) of Church Hill, February 5, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary Education. She taught school at McPheeters Bend for 41 years and was a member of McPheeters Bend Missionary Baptist Church since 1945.

Lloyd Kyte (ASN ’71, BS ’74) of Elizabethton, March 2, 2017. He earned degrees in Nursing and Health Education. He served in the U.S. Army and was a retired Registered Nurse for the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

Patricia L. Monroe (ASN ’71) of Bristol, Tennessee, March 1, 2017.

She earned her degree in Nursing.

She was an active member of Central Christian Church, being in the choir and a Past-President of the Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Business and Professional Women and the Arthritis Foundation. She retired from Indian Path Hospital.

Kenneth W. Montgomery (BS ’71), December 9, 2016. He earned his degree in Instructional Communication.

Bobby Darrell Banks (BS ’72) of Ponte Vero Beach, Florida, May 9, 2017. He worked for Mason Dixon for 28 years before moving to Florida to work for Florida Rock Industries, the position he retired from after 18 years. Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Wanda, and many other family and friends.

Michael D. Query (BS ’72) of Johnson City, February 2, 2017.

He earned his degree in History.

After finishing college, he began his career at Power Tool Company as the Warehouse and Shipping Manager. He retired after 30 years of service. He enjoyed being on the water, and after retirement he was a first mate on the Haleyanna, sailing from Maryland to Florida.

David A. Wade (BS ’72), January 11, 2017. He earned his degree in History and was a member of the ETSU football team.

Terry Wayne Cundiff (BS ’73) of Roanoke, Virginia, May 9, 2017.

After completing his education, he returned to Rocky Mount to be the president of the family business, Cundiff Lumber, for 25 years. After that, he moved to Roanoke to pursue real estate, co-owning Park Place Realtors for 18 years. He enjoyed interacting in the community through various clubs and church.

Claude W. Greever Jr. (BS ’73) of Abingdon, Virginia, February 7, 2017. He earned his degree in Music. Known to his friends, family, and former students as “Greever,” he was beloved by old and young, rich and poor—a kind, true Renaissance man. He will be missed by all his family and friends. He was a great teacher, brother, and friend.

Paul E. Hargreaves III (BSW ’73) of Loudon, Tennessee, March 14, 2017. He earned his degree in Social Work. He was a member of Trinity Community Church.

Hugh J. King Jr. (BS ’73, MA ’75) of Church Hill, March 26, 2017.

Michael Byron Lady (BS ’73) of Bristol, Tennessee, June 10, 2017.

After graduating from ETSU, Dr. Lady went on to complete medical school at UT Memphis. Upon serving residency as General Duty Physician and Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to Bristol to practice Emergency Medicine. He is survived by many loving family and friends.

Archie T. Moore (MBA ’73) of Kingsport, February 1, 2017. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His hobbies included playing golf and scuba diving. He was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and attended Heritage First Church of God. Hal “Buddy” Pruitt (BS ’73) of Midway, Tennessee, June 7, 2017.

He spent many years working in education, employed by the Greene County School System. He taught and coached at St. James High School and South Greene High School and was Principal of West Greene High School. He was an active member of Sinking Springs Lutheran Church.

Pamela E. Reed (BS ’73), December 23, 2016. She earned her degree in Elementary Education.

She worked as a second-grade teacher at Townsend Elementary.

John Branton Roberts, Jr. (BS ’73) of Johnson City, January 24, 2017. He earned his degree in History. After retiring from East Tennessee Rent-All, he began volunteering at local hospitals.

Donald Shields (BS ’73) of Kingsport, February 17, 2017. He earned his degree in Chemistry.

He later became an electrician and was a retired member of IBEW Local 934.

William J. Snyder (BS ’73) of Kingsport, April 25, 2017. He earned his degree in Special Education.

David A. Amlin (BS ’74), January 18, 2017. He worked as a dentist in Dayton, Ohio.

Tony Andrew Helms (BS ’74) of Salisbury, North Carolina, April 20, 2017. Marine LTC Helms served his country for 28 years, including completing 350 combat missions.

He earned a Purple Heart while serving as a helicopter crew chief.

He also received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Meritorious Unit Citation. Following his service, he worked in public education for 30 years.

Ronald Gene Hillman (BS ’74) of Blountville, June 5, 2017. During his time at ETSU, he played tight end for the football team. After graduation, he served the people of Sullivan County as a Property Assessor. He was involved in many community organizations and was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church.

Larry W. Osborne (BS ’75) of Clinton, Tennessee, February 14, 2017. He earned his degree in Accounting. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Katheryn F. Snodgrass (BS ’75, MA ’77) of Piney Flats, April 24, 2017. Her Bachelor of Science degree was in Special Education.

Louise B. Wexler (MA ’75), January 5, 2017. She earned her degree in General Psychology. She retired from Johnson City Schools in 1998 as a School Psychologist.

Highlights of her professional career and accomplishments include being President of the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists, Tennessee School Psychologist of the Year, President of the ETSU Alumni Association, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society. Her social and community contributions include The Dilettantes Book Club, the Advisory Board of Seventeen magazine, Johnson City Service League, President of the Kingsport Junior League, Johnson City Garden Club Council, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, and Personalities of the South. She was also a

former Sunday school teacher and founded The Philosopher’s Class.

She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Wesley Foundation on the ETSU campus.

Patsy C. Allgood (ASN ’76), December 28, 2016. She earned her degree in Nursing. She had a long career in the medical profession, working as an RN at Holston Valley and an Occupational Health Nurse at AFG Industries and AGC glass plants.

Ronnie Berrios (BSN ’76), October 7, 2016. He earned his degree in Nursing. He was a Nurse Anesthetist for 33 years with the Greenville Hospital System, Jervey Eye Group, and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

James “Jim” Erwin (BS ’76) of Kingsport, April 19, 2017. He earned his degree in Microbiology.

He proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force and went on to retire as a Major in the Army Reserves. He played a major role as Chairman in helping establish the Kingsport Veterans Memorial. He was an avid UT fan and was fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren as “Daddy Jimmy.”

Kent W. Garland (BS ’76) of Unicoi County, February 18, 2017. He earned his degree in English. He was an attorney in private practice for 8 years and was a retired Assistant District Attorney of 16 years. His health never allowed him to hike the Appalachian Trail, although he loved to shuttle hikers and enjoy the trail through them. He loved feeding the birds and hanging with his faithful dog Chloe.

James W. Wilson (BS ’76), December 8, 2016. He earned his degree in Management.

Ada Elizabeth “Betsy” Barnes (BS ’77) of Fort Worth, Texas, May 11, 2017. She worked in Los Angeles and Dallas before settling in Fort Worth with her family. She enjoyed a career in real estate and was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Fort Worth Garden Club, the Circle Theater, the Jewel Charity Ball, and many others.

Bobby L. Briggs (BS ’77), December 23, 2016. He earned his degree in Geography and worked as System Administrator at Florida A&M University.

June McDavid Corley (ASN ’77) of Kingsport, June 10, 2017. She spent many years as a Registered Nurse, retiring from Holston Valley Community Hospital. She was a member of St. Luke Methodist Church.

Jeffrey L. Finney (BS ’77) of Elizabethton, April 15, 2017. He earned his degree in Elementary Education. He enjoyed being outdoors and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and friends and was looking forward to the birth of his first granddaughter.

Mary J. Moore (MA ’77), January 7, 2017. She earned her degree in Reading.

Russell D. Mays (BS ’78), December 18, 2016. He earned his degree in Political Science with honors and worked as an attorney in Greeneville.

Willie Tobe McKinnie (MA ’78), July 12, 2017. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. After graduating from ETSU, he went on to be a Guidance Counselor at Bolivar Middle School, retiring after 32 years of perfect attendance. He was active in city government and devoted much of his time to a radio broadcast as a way to share his faith.

Ruble L. Jeffers (BS ’78), January 11, 2017. He earned his degree in Management. He retired from a research design data laboratory.

Martha J. Jessie (ASN ’78), January 4, 2017. She earned her degree in Nursing and retired from the Hawkins County Health Department.

Judy B. Scherer (MA ’78) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, June 23, 2017. Judy was an example to many with her love for others, her life’s experience as an educator, and her deep faith. She was an active member of many organizations and gave back to the community in any way she could.

Her love for her family was her main driving force in life.

Edward R. Weber (BS ’78) of St. Louis, Missouri, April 20, 2017.

Michael F. Fouts (BS ’79) of Elizabethton, May 5, 2017. After completing his education, he became a Tennessee Registered Land Surveyor in 1983.

1980s Carolyn F. Helms (BS ’80, MA ’87, MED ’95) of Gate City, Virginia, April 19, 2017. She earned degrees in History, Political Science, and Education. She was employed as a Counselor at Gate City High School for nine years and as an Administrator and Counselor at Mountain Empire Community College for 19 years.

Norman E. Scott (AS ’80) of Jonesborough, February 10, 2017.

He earned his degree in Radiologic Technology. He worked at the

Johnson City Medical Center for 20 years in the Radiology Department as the lead technician of the Special Vascular Procedures Unit.

Clayton Arwood (BS ’81) of White Pine, Tennessee, February 16, 2017. He earned his degree in Microbiology. He served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years. After retirement from the military, he spent an additional 20 years working for Southern Railroad.

Karen W. McDonald (BSN ’81) of Fountain City, Tennessee, March 30, 2017. She was a member of Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and was a Home Health Nurse with Covenant Home Health Care.

William C. “Bill” Puckett, Jr. (BS ’81) of Elizabethton, March 23, 2017. He earned his degree in Engineering Technology. He went on to be an Engineer with Raytheon Corporation and Kennametal. He was a member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church. He was an avid golfer.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era.

John Bell Cox, Jr. (BS ’82), January 13, 2017. He earned his degree in Biology. He was a retired Gunnery Sergeant.

Mary J. Weaver (BS ’82, MED ’94) of Rogersville, March 29, 2017.

She loved the Lord and was an active member of Persia Baptist Church. She was retired from Rogersville City Schools and was a member of the Hawkins County-Rogersville Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, and traveling with family.

Gregory J. McConnell (BS ’83) of Meadowview, Virginia, April 9, 2017. He was Professor of Biology at Emory & Henry College.

He led many college trips for his students to Costa Rica where they learned his passion for herpetology. He was the proud author of the book A Field Guide to the Snakes of Costa Rica. He was a loving and caring son, brother, and uncle.

Mary B. Ross (BS ’83) of Elizabethton, March 26, 2017. She earned her degree in English. She was a member of the Elizabethton Church of Christ.

John W. Besing (RES ’84), January 15, 2017. He was a College of Medicine Resident completing his Internal Medicine Residency at ETSU. He was a Medical Physician at Emergency Medicine Associates in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Cleo Broyles (MED ’84) of Chuckey, March 21, 2017. She earned her degree in Elementary

Education. She retired after 30 years of service with the Washington County Department of Education. She was a member of Philadelphia Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she was involved with the Cumberland Presbyterian Women.

Sherry Ann Wheeler (BSN ’85) of Shady Valley, Tennessee, February 10, 2017. She earned her degree in Nursing. She loved her patients and enjoyed caring for them. She was a woman of great faith, truly loved the Lord, and was a good organizer for her church, Shady Valley Baptist.

Melissa “Leigh’ Mullins (BS ’86) of Leicester, North Carolina, April 11, 2017. She earned her degree in Mass Communications.

David B. Baker (BS ’87) of Cumming, Georgia, March 22, 2017.

He earned his degree in Computer Science. He worked in the field until moving to Georgia to join the team at Automation Direct.

Linda L. Long (MED ’87) of Rogersville, March 28, 2017. She was an influential part of the Hawkins County School System for over 35 years. Over the years, Linda enjoyed the fruits of her labor by way of former students and coworkers reaching out to her and sharing their life victories with her. She cared deeply about her students, felt blessed to be a part of their lives, and always tried to inspire them to see the potential within themselves.

Brenda K. Wilson (ASN ’87) of Butler, April 22, 2017. She earned her degree in Nursing. She worked for many years as a first assistant in surgery for the doctors of Johnson City Urology Clinic and later as a nurse in the operating room at Johnson City Medical Center.

She retired in 2005.

Timothy “Tim” W. Selfe (BS ’87) of Bristol, Virginia, June 14, 2017.

He was an engineer for Phoenix Medical Products. He enjoyed remodeling and refurbishing antique furniture and left behind many pieces for his family to treasure.

Roger C. Crowe (MED ’88) of LaFollette, Tennessee, January 31, 2017. In 1984, he began a 33-year teaching career at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville. This became the great challenge of his life, instilling his own love of learning in students preparing for careers in business management. His service and dedication to Pellissippi were recognized in 1995 with the Outstanding Fulltime Faculty Award, and again in 2007 with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

He retired in 2016 as Associate Professor of Management in the FALL 2017 x 47

Business and Computer Technology Department. Another important facet of his life was his commitment to his church.

He served as a United Methodist Lay Minister and taught adult Sunday school for decades.

Leslie D. Gilliam (MA ’88), December 9, 2016. She earned her degree in Physical Education. She was a retired management worker for Cumberland Resources Corporation.

Greg Whitehead (BBA ’88) of Pensacola, Florida, January 27, 2017.

Joseph “Andy” Thomas (BBA ’89) of Johnson City, April 19, 2017. He earned his degree in Accountancy.

1990s John M. Hall (BS ’90), January 14, 2017.

He earned his degree in Mass Communications. He was Vice President of Sales for Food Associates in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

Loura M. Tipton (MED ’90) of Kingsport, March 17, 2017. She was employed by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services for over 18 years.

Dewey Chandler (BS ’91) of Erwin, March 5, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Vietnam era. He earned his degree in Sociology.

Carolyn S. Stout (ASN ’91) of Butler, February 9, 2017. She earned her degree in Nursing. She retired from the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center where she worked as a Registered Nurse. She loved gardening and flowers and was of the Baptist faith.

Dwight J. Boles (AAS ’92) of Greeneville, April 12, 2017. He earned his degree in Instructional Technology. He became a building contractor, starting his career with his father’s business, O.V. Boles Construction, and he continued to operate the family business after the illness and death of his father until 2010.

Deborah S. Buchanan (ASN ’92) of Bristol, Tennessee, March 25, 2017. She earned her degree in Nursing. She was employed at Bristol Regional Medical Center for 20 years.

Robert W. Shumaker (BS ’93) of Bristol, Tennessee, March 8, 2017. He earned his degree in Engineering Technology. He loved hunting and fishing and was proud to be an organ donor.

Marshall T. Barrett (BBA ’94) of Johnson City, January 8, 2017.

Julie A. Ferguson (BBA ’94), December 2, 2016. She was a Senior Financial Sales Specialist for SunTrust Bank.

Helms M. Gilley (BS ’94) of Patrick Springs, Virginia, December 19, 2016. He graduated cum laude with a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

48 x ETSU TODAY

Shelley M. Sneed (RES ’94), March 18, 2017. Dr. Sneed completed her residency in Psychiatry at the Quillen College of Medicine. After taking her boards, she accepted a faculty position at East Carolina University School of Medicine. She spent a decade at ECU and was widely renowned as an expert on death row and sex offender court cases, often testifying in state and federal court. She retired to Asheville in 2004 and practiced parttime until diagnosed with early onset atypical dementia in 2012.

Larry W. Story (BBA ’98) of Erwin, February 3, 2017. He was of the Christian faith and worked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation until he retired after 30 years of service. He loved his family, spending time at the beach, and fishing.

FACULTY AND STAFF OBITUARIES Terry M. Alford of Gray, June 8, 2017.

He was an astronomy adjunct professor at ETSU for 15 years. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves.

Constance “Connie” Vaught Douglas of Johnson City, June 9, 2017. She was affiliated with the ETSU College of Nursing and provided healthcare for students at the ETSU Student Health Center.

Dr. Albert B. McCreary of Kingsport, February 20, 2017. He was a Professor in the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Family Practice residents voted to honor him in 1996 with the prestigious C.R.E.O.G. Award and the National Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, which he cherished for the rest of his life.

James Lee Moates III, February 14, 2017.

He was a member of the ETSU Facilities Management team after a 31-year career at Kennametal.

2000s Scott “Don” Sneed (BS ’00) of Unicoi, February 28, 2017. He earned his degree in Engineering Technology.

Tracy Hankins (BS ’01) of Greeneville, May 6, 2017. She earned her degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Michelle Adams Neal (BS ’01) of Bristol, Virginia, May 16, 2017. After graduating from ETSU, she worked for the Johnson City Police Department for 15 years.

Ashlee W. Dillon (AAS ’03) of Johnson City, April 5, 2017. She earned her degree in Allied Health. She was the lead tech in the CT department of the Johnson City Medical Center.

Caroline M. Eggers (BBA ’05) of Elizabethton, May 5, 2017. She worked for Mountain States Health Alliance as a Claims Processor.

John “Andrew” Hicks (MSW ’06) of Wichita, Kansas, January 23, 2017.

He graduated with a Master of Social Work degree. He was a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army and served in Iraq.

Dr. Martha Collins, April 2, 2017. She joined ETSU as Dean of the College of Education in 1993. After serving as Dean for 10 years, she remained on faculty as Professor of Reading in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction until her retirement in December of 2011.

Dr. Charles Edwards, March 6, 2017. He was Dean of the ETSU College of Education from 1981 to 1986. In addition, he was Dean of Education at Illinois State University. He served in the National Guard for over 20 years.

Dr. Murvin H. Perry, August 1, 2017, in Johnson City. He retired in 1988 after serving as Chair of the Department of Communication at ETSU. Diane Poarch, May 13, 2017. She was part of the custodial staff at ETSU.

Linda Ann Foister, September 11, 2016.

She was a retired employee of ETSU, having worked as an Account Clerk in the Bursar and Business Affairs offices.

Jennifer Church (BS ’07) of Kingsport, May 29, 2017. She earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Deidre L. Smith (BS ’08) of Roan Mountain, February 27, 2017. She earned her degree in Psychology.

Dr. Richard Skalko, Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, May 28, 2017. He served as Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology from 1977 to 2011.

2010s Marion Joe Baker (BGS ’12) of Greeneville, June 20, 2017. Stationed in Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-75.

Dr. Dennis G. Hamm, Jr. (BS ’67) of Johnson City, February 21, 2017. He earned his degree in Political Science. He served as a longtime Professor and Advisor with the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and a partner with ROTC. Dr. Richard N. Kinsley, Jr., December 31, 2016. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired ETSU professor.

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