Foundation Annual Report | Fall 2023

GOING BEYOND Exceptional

ETSU FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard Storey, Chairman

Renee Lockhart ’87, ’89, Vice-Chair

Stephen Dixon ’95, Treasurer and Chair, Audit Committee

Tracy Fleenor ’07, Secretary

Tommy Greer ’86, Chair, Investment Committee

Pamela Ritter, President and CEO

Jeff Bedard

Dr. Virginia Bieber ’90, ’93, ’03

Josh Gibbons

Christy Graham, ETSU Chief Financial Officer

Andy Hall ’95

Kim Hall ’91

Margaret Ingram

Jennifer Keller

Steve Kilgore

Clarence Mabe ’67, ’71

Doug Martin ’98

Kathy Mullins ’73, ’85

Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU President

Peter Raber ’06

Grant Summers

Sandy Thomas

Joe Trujillo

Matt Wilhjelm ’01

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom Tull ’95, President

Dr. Virginia Bieber ’90, President-Elect

Ken Bailey ’92, Secretary/Treasurer

Bryan Daniels ’95, ’97, Past-President

Whitney Goetz ’05, Executive Director

Dr. Gaurav Bharti ’02

Jan Brown ’69

Becky Buller ’01

Dr. Kyle Colvett ’92

Pauline Douglas ’84, 87

Michael Fishman ’88

Andrew Hall ’95

Tammy Hawes ’83

Dr. Dorsha James ’05

Robyn Ivester ’91

Brian McCormack ’05

Tammy Morreale ’89

Brooke Patterson, SGA Executive Vice President

Dr. Melanie Stanton ’92, ’95, ’22

Trent White, SGA President

Paul Bashea Williams ’03, ’06

ETSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. Linda Latimer ’95, Chair

Steve DeCarlo ’80, Vice-Chair

Charles Allen, Jr. ‘82

Janet Ayers ’86

Dr. Steph Frye-Clark, Faculty Trustee

Dorothy Grisham ’74

Ron Ramsey ’78

Aamir Shaikh ’20, Student Trustee

Melissa Steagall-Jones ’91

Tony Treadway ’77

The Mission of the ETSU Foundation is to maximize sustainable philanthropic support for East Tennessee State University by building relationships and obtaining, elevating, and investing private giving for the institution.

“The tremendous success of ‘The Campaign for ETSU’ is a testament to the confidence and trust the graduates of this institution and the people of this region have in East Tennessee State University. We are deeply grateful to every person who participated in this record-breaking campaign. With each gift, a new chapter is written and a new legacy begins.”

RICHARD K. STOREY Chairman | ETSU Foundation

“ETSU began with a gift – a gift of land from businessman George L. Carter more than 100 years ago. Upon receiving that gift we made a bold promise: to improve the quality of life for the people of the region. We have done more than just keep that promise; today, it is our mission. The generosity of our alumni and friends has propelled that mission forward, positioning us as one of the region’s greatest drivers for education, health care, business, science, and the arts.”

DR. BRIAN NOLAND President | East Tennessee State University

“Our people are our greatest assets. Creating new opportunities for our students and faculty and helping them make a place in this world are at the core of the work our team does every day. Your support means that cost is not a barrier to a college degree, that our academic and outreach programs can be bolstered, and that the dreams of our students and faculty can be realized.”

PAMELA S. RITTER Vice President for University Advancement | President/CEO of ETSU Foundation

BEYOND ORDINARY NUMBERS

Numbers tell a profound story of how your gifts advance the mission of ETSU. The 2022-2023 story includes:

NEW GIFTS AND PLEDGES FOR 2022-2023

$14,200,000

$145,969,015

Total Assets

$5,548,906

$151,517,921 $3,589,440 Foundation Balance as of June 30, 2023

Distributed in foundation-funded scholarships

9,803 GIFTS IN 2022-2023 FROM 4,946 DONORS (19.7% ARE FIRST-TIME DONORS)

974 FIRST-TIME DONORS IN 2022-2023

20% INCR EASE IN AVERAGE ANNUAL GIVING PRODUCTION PER YEAR DURING THE PAST SEVEN YEARS

91 NEW INDUCTEES OR ADVANCING MEMBERS IN THE DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT’S TRUST (OCTOBER 2022)

74

$126,518,387 FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO VALUE

N EW CARILLON MEMBERS (GIVING OF $10,000+) INDUCTED TO DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT’S TRUST IN MAY 2023

** These are preliminary numbers at the closing of the 2022-23 fiscal year; numbers subject to change.

BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS

Several years ago as the ETSU Foundation tossed around possible themes for its soon-tolaunch comprehensive campaign, a brief stroll through history yielded the winning pitch. After all, residents of the Appalachian Highlands have been boldly campaigning for ETSU for the past century. It was a campaign for stronger public schools that, in fact, led to

the establishment of East Tennessee State Normal School in 1911. A campaign for more rural primary care doctors paved the way for the landmark approval of the Quillen College of Medicine. The community campaigned for years to bring back football and to build a performing arts center. Students campaigned for – and even funded – a major multi-million-dollar renovation of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

A new chapter in “The Campaign for ETSU” was about to begin.

A silent phase of the campaign began in January 2017 with the ultimate goal of raising $120 million. By the time President Brian Noland announced the public kick-off in spring 2019, nearly $50 million in commitments had already been made. And despite a global pandemic that landed right in the middle of the campaign, the campaign crossed its June 30, 2022 finish line with the $120 million goal reached… and surpassed… to just over $163 million.

“There is tremendous faith and respect for East Tennessee State University and for our mission to improve the quality of life of others,” said Pam Ritter, Vice President for University Advancement and President/CEO of the ETSU Foundation. “With ‘The Campaign for ETSU,’ we invited each donor to reflect upon their dreams and aspirations for ETSU and to write their own story for what they want the future of our institution to be.

“Our initial goal of $120 million was certainly ambitious, and the fact that we not only met that goal but surpassed it by such a distinct margin demonstrates the support our alumni and this community have for ETSU,” she added.

“The Campaign for ETSU” pursued funds to support four distinct focus areas: student scholarships, faculty opportunities,

programmatic support, and new and renovated campus facilities (see pages 8-15).

“We invited people to write their own story, and those ‘stories’ will have a profound impact on ETSU for generations to come,” said Lt. Gen. Ron Hite, who chaired the campaign. “For many of our donors, this was an opportunity to renew or upgrade their commitment to ETSU, but we also welcomed a number of first-time donors to the university during the campaign.

“The people of this region have spent the past century campaigning for this institution in many ways, and those efforts have defined and transformed who we are today. We appreciate everyone who took part in ‘The Campaign for ETSU,’ and we look forward to all that is to come,” Hite added.

Lt. Gen. Ron Hite, pictured with his wife, Becky, chaired “The Campaign for ETSU.”

The Campaign for ETSU: $42.8M for Student Scholarships

Helping ease the cost of an education and funding once-ina-lifetime enrichment opportunities for students has been a principal goal of the ETSU Foundation since it was established in 1977.

Thanks to the tremendous success of “The Campaign for ETSU,” the pathway to a college degree has been paved by new funding for scholarships, graduate student stipends, and travel abroad experiences. This support also makes it possible for ETSU students to attend national conferences where they hear from keynote speakers, network with employers in their fields, and even present their scholarly research.

The prestigious Roan Scholars Leadership Program began with a gift from ETSU benefactor Louie Gump. The program started in 2000 with just four students; in fall 2023, there are now 33 Roan Scholars on campus, and at Commencement in spring 2024, the program will surpass 100 Roan alumni. Also this fall, the Roan will realize two key elements of Mr. Gump’s initial vision as (for the first time) it selects an entering class of 10 Roan Scholars and expands so that students across all of Tennessee - as well as the surrounding states of Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia – are eligible to apply. Today, Roan alumni are making a positive impact as business owners, teachers, doctors, nurses, attorneys, public servants, published authors, scout troop leaders, military officers, nonprofit directors and board members, and more.

The Campaign for ETSU: $24.5M for Faculty Support

Great minds are shaped by great educators. At the heart of every ETSU student’s journey are the faculty. They mentor. They inspire. They transform. They challenge students to find solutions. They push them toward success.

Their lessons shape a lifetime.

Funding from “The Campaign for ETSU” will help create opportunities that support and elevate the academic, research, patient care, and public service activities of the university faculty.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” ― Albert Einstein

Founded in 2019 through a gift from Ballad Health along with a state appropriation, the Center for Rural Health Research serves Appalachia and the nation through research and evaluation projects designed to improve the health and well-being of rural residents. During the past year, the center – under the leadership of Michael Meit –has published more than 20 articles in national research journals such as the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice, Journal of Community Health, and Journal of Appalachian Health. Center faculty have also presented research at more than 60 conferences and events, such as the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Annual Conference, Council of State Governments and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Conference, among several others. Since its opening, the center has secured more than $20 million in funding from national, state, and regional partners to research issues that impact our communities.

The Campaign for ETSU: $70.6M for Programs and Centers

Needs of the workforce are constantly changing. Technology and equipment costs continue to escalate. Opportunities to fill emerging employment gaps are landing on the doorsteps of academic institutions.

Thanks to the success of “The Campaign for ETSU,” funding is available to ensure that ETSU’s academic programs are current, offer real-time knowledge and best practices, and are aligned with job market demands. Gifts from donors are used to support ETSU programs and centers in a variety of ways, including technology upgrades, experiential learning, outreach, and expansion. In some cases, it was the support of donors that helped launch academic programs like pharmacy, social work, and brewing and distillation studies (see photo cutline) as well as major research centers like the Appalachian Highlands Center for Nursing Advancement.

Financial gifts go beyond just support for academic programmatic offerings. Donor funds help elevate ETSU’s intercollegiate athletics programs, expand Greek life on campus, and – for more than 45 years – have kept public radio station WETS-FM on the air.

Donor support continues to elevate ETSU’s ability to address emerging workforce development needs. A new Brewing and Distillation academic program at ETSU was made possible through the support of local entrepreneurs Stephen Callahan and Scott Andrew. Callahan is founder and president of Tennessee Hills Brewing, and Andrew is Tennessee Hills’ CEO. Students can now earn a certificate in Brewing and Distillation Studies as well as an academic minor. The programs provide students with the knowledge and practical skills for success in various career areas in the craft beverage industry. These interdisciplinary programs are built on foundations of scientific thinking, business, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles, and on an understanding of legal, ethical, social, and historical aspects of alcohol consumption and its impact on communities and economies. Through classroom work and internship experiences, as well as other experiential learning opportunities, students learn to apply creativity and scientific knowledge to become well-rounded and responsible practitioners in the craft beverage industry.

The Campaign for ETSU: $14.6M for Facilities and Equipment

Once a farmland owned by George L. Carter, the ETSU campus offers a distinct beauty and richness that is unsurpassed. From the original buildings like Gilbreath Hall or Carter Hall, to the newly renovated Lamb Hall and Greene Stadium – and don’t forget the soon-to-break-ground Academic Building – the campus confers a strong feeling of community for the ETSU family and a place for all Buccaneers to call home.

Donor support has made it possible for ETSU to have firstclass facilities, where students can build connections with classmates and receive exceptional instruction with state-ofthe-art learning tools. These facilities are campus-wide hubs for students across many majors and also serve as host sites for many public events and activities.

Since its opening in 1960, Lamb Hall has stood as the main campus’ principal health sciences building. A major $26.1 million renovation project was completed in summer 2023 for this site, which is home to the College of Public Health and the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences. A portion of the renovation costs was covered by private support.

BEYOND OUR DREAMS Three New Building Projects on the Horizon

The years following 2012 have been called an unprecedented era of campus expansion at ETSU in terms of the number of new building and renovation projects.

It began in summer of 2012 with the groundbreaking for the new student parking garage. As the years turned by, so did the soil in the ground, resulting in a new Data Center, the Johnson City Downtown Day Center, the Campus Quad, William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium, University Commons, and the Martin Center for the Arts, as well as overhaul renovations for Bishop Hall, the D.P. Culp Student Center, and the recently completed Lamb Hall.

But the “Under Construction” signs are not going away anytime soon. The 2023-24 academic year will see significant work toward not one nor two, but three new major building projects.

These include the construction of a new Academic Building, the creation of an Integrated Health Services Building, and a major renovation to Brown Hall.

The Academic Building will rise in the heart of campus adjacent to the Quad and Sam Wilson Hall. This work will be done in view of Brown Hall, where a renovation on the north side of the building commences in 2024.

The 62,000 square-foot Academic Building will provide state-of-the-art instructional space, flexible classrooms, learning laboratories, student gatherings and collaboration atria, and study spaces for undergraduate and graduate students in Literature and Language, Mathematics and Statistics, and Communication and Performance. The project will also allow for renovations to Burleson and Gilbreath halls.

The work in Brown Hall will be done in two phases, with the first beginning during the 2023 fall semester with $47.7 million in planned enhancements to academic and research space on the north side of the building. ETSU is seeking approximately $45.9 million in funding for the second phase to provide needed renovations on Brown Hall’s south side.

The Integrated Health Services building will be a training facility that focuses on team-based learning for students and residents across many health sciences programs and will allow for interprofessional collaboration and discussion. The $43.9 million building will also be a patient care facility in areas such as family medicine, addiction medicine, diabetes management, physical and sports medicine, dental hygiene, and social work.

“This has been a remarkable era for the ETSU history books, and there is more to come,” said Pam Ritter, Vice President for University Advancement and President/CEO of the ETSU Foundation. “The recurring theme through all of this has been the loyal support of our donors whose lead and matching gifts made this expansion possible.”

Ritter noted that all three of the projects will have a private fundraising requirement: Academic Building ($3.9 million), Brown Hall –North Side ($1.9 million), and Integrated Health Services ($3.1 million).

To discuss a gift and/or naming opportunity in one of these facilities, contact Pam Ritter at ritterp@etsu.edu.

BEYOND JUST AN ORDINARY DAY The Magic of 24 Hours

Another ETSU Day of Giving is in the books. The history books, that is.

During the 24-hour online fundraiser held on April 18, ETSU raised $358,000 for various programs and initiatives across campus – an increase of 12% from the previous year.

“On Day of Giving, our donors have the opportunity to give to whatever area they wish,” said Tyler Gaby, Assistant Director of Annual Giving. “Many gave to one of our scholarship programs or to the program where they graduated, while others supported initiatives such as Esports, Bucky’s Food Pantry, the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund, or the Marching Bucs, who have been invited to appear in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” (For more on the Marching Bucs and the Big Apple, see page 22.)

While the amount raised was a major feat, another triumph, Gaby says, was the level of participation. The 2023 event welcomed 1,060 gifts.

“During Day of Giving, we hear from students who have received scholarship support while at ETSU who want to give back,” Gaby said. “From the Class of 2023 alone, we received nearly 100 donations from our graduating seniors.”

As always, the Day of Giving created great synergy across campus. The ETSU Esports team casted with guests on the platform Twitch throughout the day talking about the impact of donor support. Colleges pushed out their own campaigns and various challenges were issued. Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Joe Bidwell agreed to take a pie in the face from the department with the highest participation, a victory bestowed to the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Mark your calendars: the 2024 Day of Giving will be held again on April 18. Do you want to be part of the 2023 Day of Giving magic? It isn’t too late. Log on to etsu.edu/give and designate your gift wherever you choose.

During Day of Giving 2023, more than $11,033 was raised for the Marching Bucs.

BROADWAY ON the ETSU Campus

It was a landmark event for East Tennessee State University as well as a historical moment for the Northeast Tennessee region as the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts kicked-off its inaugural Broadway season in January 2023.

“Our campus and the people of this region spent more than a quarter-century dreaming of having a performing arts center,” said Jennifer Clements, Executive Director of the Martin Center for the Arts. “Led by the late James and Mary Martin, the community raised the private support needed to secure the state funding match, and in spring 2020, that dream was finally realized.”

The kick-off season included “Annie” sponsored by Bravissima!; “CATS” sponsored by Truist; “Riverdance – 25th Anniversary

Show” sponsored by News 5 WCYB; and “Chicago” sponsored by Bank of Tennessee.

“Our sponsors made it possible for these shows to make a stop in the Appalachian Highlands,” Clements said.

All Broadway shows were performed to soldout audiences.

In addition to Broadway, the past year lineup at the Martin Center included Michael W. Smith, Melissa Etheridge, Daughtry, Judah & the Lion, Straight No Chaser, Robert Earl Keen, Brit Floyd, Blue’s Clues, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

For ticketing information, visit ETSUMartinCenter.org.

Let’s have A PARADE!

It is official! For the first time in ETSU history, the Marching Bucs will appear in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ® representing Tennessee. The band was selected from more than 100 applicants to be one of the 10 bands to march.

“The East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs being selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dream come true,” said Dr. Joe Moore, Director of the ETSU Marching Bucs. “We are ecstatic about the opportunity to represent our university, our region, and the state of Tennessee as we share our passion for performance with Parade viewers on Thanksgiving morning.”

As part of the April announcement, the Macy’s team presented the ETSU Marching Bucs with a $10,000 gift to kick off fundraising for the trip. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events, which will not only bring the school and the community closer but also prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.

Major fundraising activities are taking place to help support the Marching Bucs in their journey to the Big Apple. Those interested in participating can contact Denise Asbury at asburyp@etsu.edu to learn more.

A highlight of ETSU’s Homecoming 2022 activities was the formal dedication of the fraternity and sorority life suite in the D.P. Culp Student Center.

The space now carries the name of Mary Lib Quarles White, a member of the Class of 1959.

Mrs. White studied home economics and health while a student on campus. A resident of Carter Hall and later Stone Hall, she was active with the ROTC, chaired Homecoming, and she recalls many wonderful experiences with faculty like Ella Ross and Mary Louise McBee. Among her favorite free-time activities were playing Bridge, learning the “twist,” and going caving on Sunday afternoons.

But it was her experiences with Kappa Delta sorority and the friendships she made that she will cherish for a lifetime. In fact, she remains in contact with many of her sorority sisters today.

Mrs. White and her husband have remained loyal supporters of the institution, and they are delighted to support the Greek experience of ETSU students. During the dedication, the Whites were able to tour the new facility which underwent an extensive renovation as part of the overhaul of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

DPT Welcomes Record-Number of Members

The much-anticipated Distinguished President’s Trust (DPT) Dinner held every year is an evening dedicated to celebrating the works and accomplishments made possible by the many donors and friends who share a collective vision for all that ETSU can be.

The DPT is comprised of more than 1,500 individuals, organizations, and businesses whose cumulative giving to ETSU is in excess of $10,000 each, usually the result of annual giving or combinations of significant major or realized planned gifts.

A highlight of the 2022 DPT event, held on October 7, was the announcement that “The Campaign for ETSU” had succeeded its $120 million goal and reached an epic $163 million (see pages 6-15).

“At ETSU, the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of our students and our faculty are achieved by the generous support of the members of the Distinguished President’s Trust,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “Because of our donors, scholarships, assistantships, and other financial assistance are made possible for our students, as well as new centers, which have been established to further elevate the teaching, research, and public service activities.

“The support of our DPT members have also made new facilities on the ETSU campus possible, such as the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium and the Martin Center for the Arts,” he added. “We are deeply grateful to our alumni, faculty, staff, friends, parents, and community members who have made these investments in the future of our students and this campus.”

Members of ETSU’s Roan Program, pictured here with Scott Jeffress (left) and Dessi Ford (right), presided at the 2022 DPT Celebration.

During the event, ETSU inducted new members into the Carillon Society which recognizes donors who have contributed at least $10,000. In addition, rising members who advanced into the Bronze ($50,000+), Silver ($100,000+), Gold ($500,000+), Platinum ($1M-$4M+), and Diamond ($5M+) societies were also recognized.

Inducted into the Platinum Society were William B. Greene, Jr., and Ballad Health (see page 30). Greene, who is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of BancTenn Corporation, is a longtime ETSU benefactor who has supported multiple athletics and scholarship initiatives at ETSU.

Sandra and the late Jim Powell were inducted into the Diamond Society (Level IV) which recognizes gifts to ETSU of $7 million and higher. The Powells too have been fervent supporters of the Buccaneers and have funded numerous scholarships programs. They are tremendous benefactors to the ETSU Department of Music.

A RECORD NUMBER OF INDUCTEES

At the close of the 2022 calendar year, a record number of individuals had earned membership as new inductees into the DPT for the new year. With this rise in the number of new inductees, the ETSU Foundation elected to have a separate luncheon in spring 2023 recognizing the new Carillon Society members.

During a celebration luncheon, the Foundation welcomed 74 new donors – the largest in the Foundation’s history –into the DPT.

“The Carillon Society recognizes donors of $10,000 or higher,” said ETSU student Pate Anglin, who co-presided over the luncheon. “That means that the individuals we are honoring today have donated nearly three quarters of a million dollars to ETSU in support of new opportunities for our students and faculty, our academic programs, and more.”

Roan Scholars Pate Anglin (left) and Sarah Mohammed (second from right) spoke at the Carillon Society luncheon and congratulated Roan supporters Mark and Lindy Kinser on their induction into DPT.

Daphne and Scott Andrew, with President Noland and Rick Storey

Drs. Gayatri and Devapiran Jaishankar (center)

BEYOND GRADUATION

The ETSU National Alumni Association presented its 2022 Alumni Awards on Friday, Nov. 18, during a special awards dinner. Pictured with the recipients are Bryan Daniels, 2022-23 Alumni Association President, and President Noland.

Distinguished Alumni/ Distinguished Alumnus in Public Service Award

Justice Jeffery S. Bivins

AN EVENING WITH ETSU

During the spring 2023 semester, ETSU President Brian Noland and members of the Alumni Association and University Advancement teams visited Atlanta and Charlotte to connect with alumni and friends.

Dinners were held at the Georgia Aquarium and NASCAR Hall of Fame where guests received an update on major university initiatives, met with deans from their respective colleges, and learned about the three new building projects on campus (see page 16).

(Top) Atlanta alumni and friends arrive at the Georgia Aquarium, and (bottom) President Noland gathers with the Husmillo family in Charlotte. The Husmillos recently established a nursing scholarship in memory of their mother.

George L. Carter Award William B. Greene, Jr.

Outstanding Alumnus Award Steve DeCarlo

Honorary Alumnus Dr. Brian Noland

Outstanding Alumna Award Lisa Carter

Distinguished Alumna in Higher Education Betsy Bowers

Award of Honor Lendward “Lenny” Simpson, Jr.

New Alumni Officers, Directors Elected

A new slate of officers and directors are leading the ETSU National Alumni Association.

TOM TULL, an M.B.A. graduate from the ETSU Class of 1995, was elected president. Tull has over 30 years of health care experience and is a longtime member of the Ballad Health team, where he currently serves as Vice President and Chief Experience Officer.

Serving as president-elect is DR. VIRGINIA BIEBER, a three-time graduate of ETSU whose degrees include an M.S. in clinical nutrition and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis. She has been active in numerous community service initiatives and volunteer opportunities in Knoxville.

The HONORABLE KEN BAILEY from the Class of 1992 is secretary/treasurer. Bailey holds a B.S. in political science and has served as the Greene County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge since 2006.

BRYAN DANIELS from the classes of 1995 and 1997 is incoming past-president. Daniels, a champion and leader of economic development, serves as the President and CEO of Blount Partnership.

The newest alumni to serve four-year terms on the board as directors include Becky Buller, Dr. Melanie Steagall Stanton, Brian McCormack, and Robyn Ivester.

BULLER, a 2001 graduate, is a talented multiinstrumentalist, singer, and songwriter who has earned 10 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, including the 2016 Fiddler and Female Vocalist. When not on tour, Buller resides in Middle Tennessee.

A native of Elizabethton, STANTON holds three degrees from ETSU, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in executive leadership. A well-respected nursing and health care leader for Ballad Health, she presently is Chief Executive Officer at Franklin Woods Community Hospital.

MCCORMICK graduated from ETSU in 2005. While a student, he served on the Alumni Association board as a student representative and went on to earn his J.D. degree from the University of Memphis. Following a career serving in Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s administration, he now serves as assistant vice president at Fortitude Re in Nashville.

IVESTER is an educator in the Johnson City School System and has served as an adjunct professor with Clemmer College. She graduated from ETSU in 1991 with a B.B.A. degree and resides in Piney Flats, where she has served in a number of roles including four years as a member of the Sullivan County Board of Education.

Returning directors include Dr. Kyle Colvett, Tammy Morreale, Pauline Douglas, Jan Brown, Michael Fishman, Andrew Hall, Tammy Hawes, Dr. Gaurav Bharti, Dr. Dorsha James, and Paul Bashea Williams. Representing the SGA on the National Alumni Association board are Trent White, SGA President, and Executive Vice President Brooke Patterson.

BEYOND TOMORROW

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR PLANNED GIVING

Rebecca Muncy has been named ETSU’s new Executive Director of Planned Giving. Her appointment comes following the retirement of Bob Lange. Muncy has already been a valuable and highly productive member of the ETSU University Advancement staff since 2018, having served as Director of Development for the College of Business and Technology. During her tenure at ETSU, she collaborated in raising over $10 million, including multiple planned gifts and maintained an active portfolio of current and prospective donors. She also spent three years with the Laughlin Health Care Foundation and five years coordinating alumni and parent relations at another university.

In her new role, Muncy will be working with the Legacy Circle members as well as others who have a desire to include ETSU in their estate planning.

She looks forward to meeting our alumni and friends and hearing their vision for the future of ETSU. Contact: muncyrh@etsu.edu or (423) 439-4242.

$5,761,247 in new Planned Gifts (2022-23) $4,271,625 in Charitable Remainder Trusts $1,489,622 in Testamentary Commitments

194 ETSU Legacy Circle Members

THE BRINKLEY CENTER Planned gift from Brinkley family adds to legacy

The legacy of two individuals was commemorated with the dedication of a popular building on the north side of ETSU’s campus in late April.

Known for more than 20 years as the Millennium Center, the Brinkley Center is named in memory of benefactors James and Nellie Brinkley. The late James Brinkley attended University School on the (then) East Tennessee State College campus. It was there where he first met his future wife, Nellie.

He began his academic journey at ETSC; however, his education was interrupted by service in the United States Navy. After serving in the Pacific and receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to campus and completed his undergraduate degree in business administration in 1960.

For 25 years, James worked with the Social Security Administration in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida, and Nellie became a real estate agent. Together, the couple opened car washes and developed a manufactured home community in Orange Park, Florida.

The Brinkley Center provides classroom and academic office space for the ETSU Department of Computing and offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in computer and information science and a graduate certificate in data analytics. The department also partners with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to offer the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, where computing students

can earn a degree in 27 months and receive a job offer from the health care company.

“Acts of generosity, kindness, and service have fueled the success of this institution for the past 114 years,” said ETSU President Brian Noland. “These acts have made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of countless students and have helped advance the university’s mission to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond.

“Mr. and Mrs. Brinkley are among those who have helped build this legacy. Through their generous contributions, they have impacted many lives for the better by providing educational opportunities through scholarships. They have made the dream of a college education a reality for those who thought they could not afford it.”

(Left) President Noland with Jimmy Brinkley. (right) The late James and Nellie Brinkley.

Investment Committee “STAYS THE COURSE”

AND WINS

2022-23 INVESTMENT RETURN: 12.97%

Tommy Greer says the 2022-23 “story” from the ETSU Foundation’s Investment Committee is more than just a 12-month reflection. Yes, it was a promising 12 months, with the Foundation arriving at June 30, 2023 with a balance of $127 million – a return of nearly 13%. But Greer, who chairs the Investment Committee, says the story – just like the world of investing – is a lesson in time, specifically “time in the market.” It is a story that goes back to 2020.

2020…otherwise known as the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic came as a surprise to all of us and the market the last four years has not been for the faint at heart,” said Greer, a certified public accountant with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall. “But the leaders of the ETSU Foundation and specifically the Investment Committee prior to my tenure had demonstrated prudent management and the foresight to establish reserves years ago that made it easier for us to “stay the course,” weather the storm, and allowed us to continue to fund approximately $3.5 million dollars of scholarships annually the last three years. Our level of scholarship support to students never wavered despite the market losses.”

Greer says that the Investment Committee changed its overall investment allocation from a 60/40 (60% in equities and stocks and 40% in fixed income) to a 70/30 model in late 2021.

“This was a data-driven decision,” Greer said. “We used data from the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) which showed that most university foundations our size are following a 70/30 mix in addition to other benchmarking data. This is an excellent long-term strategy, and the move yielded good results this year.”

Greer commended the dedication and expertise of the other members of the Investment Committee, which meets throughout the year. Goldman Sachs oversees the management of all investment activities for the Foundation.

“The gifts made by our donors are in good hands,” he said. “Our donors can be assured that these funds are being handled wisely and that strategic decisions are being made on how they can best be invested and ultimately meet the donors’ goal of having the greatest impact on helping students and the university.”

GOING BEYOND… & BEYOND

Together, ETSU and Ballad Health are moving mountains

When did this relationship first take root? Early collaborations can be traced back nearly 70 years ago when the school – then called East Tennessee State College – began its nursing program in 1954. Prior to that time, aspiring nurses took their academic courses on campus and transferred to the hospital for clinical training.

But efforts to move nursing toward professional status led to the integration of the entire educational experience being offered at ETSC through a partnership with Johnson City Medical Center, known then as Memorial Hospital.

East Tennessee State University.

Ballad Health.

Two epic forces for positive change in their communities. And together, they have woven a partnership that has been nothing short of transformational, touching the lives of every member of the Appalachian Highlands for decades and counting.

Of course, Johnson City Medical Center became a viable partner with the university upon the 1974 authorization of the Quillen College of Medicine. Together, the two institutions started new residency programs, added numerous specialty services, and opened the Niswonger Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate, and other centers.

Johnson City Medical Center and other Ballad Health facilities are primary teaching sites for Quillen medical students, residents, and fellows as well as students in numerous other health professions programs, such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, radiology, and more.

With the formation of Ballad Health in 2018 following the merger of two large health systems, a new

President Noland presents a crystal “E” to Eric Deaton, Chief Operating Officer for Ballad Health, in recognition of the numerous investments made by the health system.

chapter continues to unfold. Ballad Health has made significant investments at ETSU that has resulted in the creation of new research centers, outreach enterprises, and training programs as well as scholarship support for ETSU students.

“Both ETSU and Ballad Health share a common mission of improving the lives of the people of this region, and together, we can magnify those efforts

CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH RESEARCH: Announced in 2019, the center engages rural communities to advance health and improve quality of life through innovative solutions that contribute to the expanding evidence base of successful models and processes in rural America.

even more, allowing us to strategically address major health issues facing our communities and also support the experiences of our students for generations to come,” said Dr. Bill Block, Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the Quillen College of Medicine.

According to Block, these recent investments from Ballad Health include:

CENTER FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH: A collaborative effort to broaden efforts to help better equip pharmacists to transform practice and to work with patient care team members across inpatient and outpatient settings to improve transitions of care on hospital admission, discharge, and overall health outcomes.

ADDICTION MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: This fellowship program offered through the ETSU Department of Family Medicine prepares physicians to become leaders in the care of persons with substance use and behavioral disorders in the rural communities of Appalachia.

APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CENTER FOR NURSING

ADVANCEMENT: Housed at ETSU, this center was created in October 2021 thanks to a generous investment from Ballad Health to create a center dedicated to bringing the region’s academic nursing, clinical nursing, and school systems together in order to increase the pipeline of opportunity and augment the supply of nurses and nursing support in the Appalachian Highlands. The center will address increasing nurses at all levels such as CNAs, LPNs and RNs.

ETSU/BALLAD HEALTH STRONG BRAIN INSTITUTE: This center works to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the negative effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and to promote a trauma-informed population and workforce in the region and beyond.

ETSU INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS: Known for decades as the Mini-Dome, ETSU’s primary athletic facility is named for Ballad Health who has been a tremendous supporter of the Bucs.

NOLAND FAMILY FIRSTGENERATION SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT: Ballad Health made one of the lead gifts to establish this scholarship upon President Noland’s 10th anniversary with ETSU. The scholarship aims to assist lowincome students who are the first in their families to attend college.

NEW FACES

The ETSU Office of University Advancement welcomed many new faces to the team in 2022-23:

SARA ALLEN is Director of Sales and Marketing at the Martin Center for the Arts. She came to ETSU from Pharmacy Network Services and ProCompounding Pharmacy.

TYLER DAVIS is Technical Director at the Martin Center for the Arts. He most recently was Technical Director at Oak Ridge High School.

JENNY READLING FEDERICO is Director of Development at the Martin Center for the Arts. She began her career in the art world at Sotheby's in London before moving to the NYC office.

REBECCA HUDDLESTON is the new Director of Development for the College of Business and Technology. She spent the past 20 years with Bank of Tennessee and Carter County Bank where she was responsible for marketing, website development, events, public relations, and crisis communications.

CHRISTY GRAHAM is ETSU’s Chief Financial Officer. Before joining the ETSU senior administration this past winter, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Lincoln Memorial University.

SAVANNAH KERN is a Development Associate and 2023 graduate of ETSU. While an undergraduate, she was active on campus with a variety of student organizations, including the Preview Orientation Leadership Organization and as a Buccaneer Involvement Guide.

PAULA MAROONEY is the Box Office Manager for the ETSU Martin Center. Prior to joining the Martin Center team, she was box office manager for Jonesborough Repertory Theatre.

DESMOND PIERCE is Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics. Prior to returning home to his alma mater, he worked in major gifts at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a former ETSU student athlete.

ERYN SAMUELS is a former ETSU student athlete and is now Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics. She returns home from the University of New Mexico where she was Director/ Assistant Athletic Director of Development and Premium Seating.

JOE SMITH is Executive Director of Advancement Communications and Stewardship. He spent the past 25 years working at ETSU in communications and marketing.

ASHLEY WHITE is Events and Guest Experience Manager at the Martin Center for the Arts. Prior to her January arrival at ETSU, she worked for a local event/production company, The Goose Chase.

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

PAMELA RITTER

Vice President of University Advancement and President/CEO of the ETSU Foundation

DENISE ASBURY

Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

HOLLY BOOKER ’09 Director of Development, College of Public Health

JENNIFER DICECCO Gifts Processor

NICOLE DOWELL ’14 Technology Coordinator – Advancement Services

JENNY READLING FEDERICO Director of Development, Martin Center for the Arts

DESSI FORD ’00

Director of Development, Student Life and Enrollment, Roan Scholars, Honors College

TYLER GABY

Assistant Director of Annual Giving

ANNE GODFREY

Director of Development, College of Nursing and College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences

CODY GREENE Prospect Research Analyst

DONALD HARVILL ’92

Technology Manager – Advancement Services

REBECCA HUDDLESTON ’98

Director of Development, College of Business and Technology

JOHN KING ’88, ’22

Associate Vice President of University Advancement

REBECCA MUNCY ’23

Executive Director of Planned Giving

DESMOND PIERCE ’14 Director of Development, Intercollegiate Athletics

MONA SALYER Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

ERYN SAMUELS ’15 Director of Development, Intercollegiate Athletics

JON SEE

Executive Director of Annual Giving

JOE SMITH ’94, ’16 Executive Director of Advancement Communications and Stewardship

KAREN SULLIVAN Director of Development, Clemmer College and University-Wide Programs

MITZI WHITT ’13 Office Manager

BETH WILEY Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services

SUZANNE WILLIAMS Office Coordinator

ETSU NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

WHITNEY GOETZ ’05 Executive Director, ETSU National Alumni Association

KAREN CRIGGER ’90 Alumni Communications and Technology Coordinator

LEE ANN DAVIS ’91, ’09 Director of Alumni Programs

LEISA HARVEY ’94 Office Coordinator

SAVANNAH KERN ’23 Development Associate

CYNDI RAMSEY ’06

Associate Director for Alumni Services

CALEB TULL ’10 ’13

Assistant Director of Alumni Membership and Outreach

UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ACCOUNTING

CHRISTINA GRAHAM Chief Financial Officer

DAVID FINNEY ’17 Director of Fiscal Affairs

ANDREA JIMENEZ ’12, ’13

Executive Director of Foundation Accounting

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS/UNIVERSITY

EVENTS

JENNIFER CLEMENTS ‘11 Executive Director of the Martin Center/University Events

SARA ALLEN Director of Sales and Marketing

TYLER DAVIS Technical Director

TERESA FELTNER Office Coordinator

PAULA MAROONEY Box Office Manager

JASON ONKS Director of Facilities and Operations

CLAIRE SHOUN University Events Manager

ASHLEY WHITE Events and Guest Experience Manager