About the College

Welcome to the Clemmer College and East Tennessee State University!

If you want to impact lives and help people in realizing their potential, we have the degree for you. For over 110 years, Clemmer College has prepared highly educated teaching professionals from early childhood, elementary through secondary education, and across all areas including special education, physical education, and the next generation of educational leaders. To further realize our mission, our programs in counseling, human services, kinesiology, sport and recreation management, and sport science and coach education, expand our focus on the whole person. Our 9 distinct undergraduate programs, 16 minors, 20 master’s degree programs, 14 graduate certificate programs, 3 educational specialist (Ed.S) programs, and 6 doctoral degree options, focus on improving lives through teaching and learning, physical and mental health, and leadership, management, and coaching. And we constantly look to the future – recently adding budding programs in eSport management, trauma and resilience, and nature-based therapy.

The college is also home to four centers focusing on applied scholarly research that supports our communities: The Center of Excellence in STEM Education, Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development, Center of Excellence in Sport Science and Coach Education, and the Center for Community College Leadership. Our Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning leads the way in our focus on rural education and wellness. As the genesis college of ETSU, we remain rooted in our history while also on the cutting edge in our focus on developing the potential of the whole person and our communities.

At Clemmer College, we are committed to being part of our students’ journeys through to graduation and beyond. Every student is guided through their program by a professional advisor or faculty mentor. In each of our degree programs, we offer a hands-on approach through a mix of instruction, mentorship, and extensive opportunities for research, service learning, field experiences and internships. Whether students work in one of our on-site clinics or laboratories, our K-12 University School, early child care program, with one of our many local education, medical, community agency, or business partners – or provide services in your own community – Students gain valuable on-the-job experiences while applying your knowledge and skills – You start making an impact before you earn the degree. Join our alumni network who work in diverse settings from teaching in rural communities to private practice to major league sports teams to fortune 500 companies and everything in between.

I could talk all day about national rankings, award-winning programs, internationally recognized faculty, and the success of our students and over 20,000 alumni, but instead – I invite you to connect with us. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, alum, or a community partner, check out our website, register for an open house opportunity, call or write to talk with us (423- 439-7626 or clemmercollege@etsu.edu), or come visit.

You have unique questions and ideas – let us help you find your answers. Our professional advisors, faculty, and staff are here to welcome you.

Dr. Janna Scarborough
Dean of Clemmer College

Vision

Enhancing the lives of students, faculty, staff, and community members through quality programs to shape the future.

Clemmer College of Education and Human Development is a college where everyone belongs, collaboration is the heart of our operation, innovation permeates our work allowing for dynamic leadership resulting in outstanding scholarship.

Mission

The Clemmer College of Education and Human Development provides a student-centered community of learning and development, reflecting high standards, and promoting a balance of education and professional practice through continuous improvement. The college conducts a wide array of academic programs, clinical, and community services including research and practice Centers and one of the nation's leading K-12 laboratory schools. Relationships are essential to our work as we provide the foundation to advance the level of educational attainment, healthy development, and well-being in the multi-state region, nation, and globally based on our core values of:

Collaboration: Encourage teamwork built on relationships that are professionally and personally rewarding and enhances partnerships throughout the region and globally

Belonging: Cultivate a culture of care that prioritizes the well-being in all individuals, honors diverse experiences, advocates for voices, and promotes equity

Leadership: Promote courageous leadership through shared governance, celebrating achievements, and fostering creativity and resourcefulness

Scholarship: Connect theory to practice through the integration of teaching, research, and service

Innovation: Foster innovation by creating opportunities for enhanced learning experiences and support sustainable practices with integrity

Clemmer College Accreditations

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

The College programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Tennessee Department of Education, Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).

Visit our College Data and Reports page for more information. 

College Data and Reports

Clemmer College Educational Preparation Data and Reports can be found here

Clemmer College Counseling and Human Services Data and Reports can be found here

Claudius Greer Clemmer * '34 1995 Outstanding Alumnus

Mr. Claudius Greer Clemmer was born in 1911 – the same year that East Tennessee Normal School (now East Tennessee State University) was established.

Mr. Clemmer was a Greene County and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and History from what was then East Tennessee State Teachers College in 1934 and later his master's degree from the University of Tennessee. Mr. Clemmer’s career has spanned several areas - from working in his father's general store in various capacities to teaching in a one-teacher school and later in the Kingsport City School System. He began part-time employment with Slip-Not Belting Corporation in 1937. Then, in 1946, he began selling pumps for the company full time. This business later became Jefferson Sales Corporation. Mr. Clemmer served as the company's president until his retirement at 80 years of age. He then served as chairman of the board emeritus of the company and continued to visit the business frequently. Claudius Clemmer established a proven record of business success and community involvement. He and his wife, Katherine, have held a lifelong interest in education. In 1985, they established the Claudius G. and Katherine Earnest Clemmer Endowment for the ETSU College of Education. Mr. Clemmer served as a member of the ETSU Foundation board of directors through 1994 and was a member of the ETSU Foundation, the ETSU President's Trust, and the ETSU "Committee of 1000." An active participant in community affairs, civic organizations, and regional concerns, Mr. Clemmer was a Mason, former Executive Club president, elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and a Kingsport Rotarian where he has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Mr. Clemmer was received the ETSU Alumni Association Award of Honor in 1987 and was recognized as the ETSU Outstanding Alumnus in 1995.

In 2004, the then ETSU College of Education was named in honor of Mr. Clemmer to become the Claudius G. Clemmer College of Education. In 2017, the name of the college changed to become the Clemmer College.

According to a statement from Dr. Richard Manahan, former Vice President of University Advancement, “The naming of the College was beyond just dollars. It also was Claudius Clemmer as individual and his commitment to students and people, and his involvement as a volunteer effort and being an effective part of growing the Foundation…. HE helped this institution in many, many ways that didn’t have anything to do with just dollars….”

In 2005, just 6 months before Mr. Clemmer would die at the age of 94, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from ETSU by President Dr. Paul E. Stanton.

In a statement made by Dr. Nancy Dishner, a 3-time alumni of the Clemmer College at ETSU, she said, “the name Clemmer on the College…is, to me, an incredible legacy. Because you have a name that, inperpetuity, people can look at that name, and say, ‘I am honored that I am part of that person’s life.’ I think that is very special”.

Note: Information for this page was taken from:

Claudius Greer Clemmer, Doctor of Human Letters January 4, 1911 – November 20, 2005 (2007), a dissertation written by Sheila Breen Agen Pedersen Smith in fulfillment of her Ed. D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, ETSU.

ETSU National Alumni Association page regarding Claudius G. Clemmer

Here, you can find Clemmer Student Resources for exactly what you need to succeed in your chosen disclipline! From just starting out, applying for Scholarships, and Academic Advising, to on and off-campus help with Counseling, Housing, Food Assistance, International Aid and more, it's all here at Clemmer!

Academic Advising
Clemmer College Scholarships
Dean’s List
Access Student Committee
SOLVE (Supporting Online Learning and Virtual Engagement) Student Committee
STRIVE Student of Color Mentoring Program
Student Success Sessions: Time Management Tips
Student Success Sessions: Study Skills

 

-and many more!