The program at East Tennessee State University has multiple teams competing in Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, VALORANT, and iRacing seasonal competitions.
Mission statement:
- We provide value to East Tennessee State University through being a quality, exciting, and innovative esports program that grows and improves along with the student athletes.
Vision Statement:
- ETSU Esports aims to grow our student athletes into the top performers in the nation, bringing national championship trophies back home to ETSU.
How are we organized?
The ETSU Varsity Esports program is student-focused and allows for additional opportunities for student engagement, teamwork, and leadership development.
The teams are overseen by Captains - one student per game - who assist the Head Coach in practices and ensuring team morale is maintained.
Jeff Shell (They/Them)
Head CoachEsports Division- Information Technology Services
- shellja@etsu.edu
- 423-439-3776
- Culp 142D
Leigh Nutter (He/Him)
Production CoordinatorEsports Division- Information Technology Services
- nutterla@etsu.edu
- 423-439-3776
- Culp 142D
How is competition organized?
ETSU Esports is a proud member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)!
NACE is a nonprofit membership association organized by and on behalf of member institutions.
Our teams primary competition season is hosted by the NACE Starleague with our Blue
Rosters competing in the Varsity Premier Division and our Gold Rosters competing in
the Varsity Plus Division. Our Iracing team competes in eNASCAR Collegiate Series
and Collegiate Iracing League.
Additionally, teams compete for qualification in various developer ran tournaments such as CRL and CVAL.
Esports Management Online Graduate Certificate
Learn and gain practical experience in the business of esports. This certificate will help the careers of any esports business-aspiring professionals, esports athletes/coaches, and any athletic administrators interested in expanding into esports. Be a part of this fast growing industry.
Why Us?
- Affordable, quick entry point into the esports industry.
- Entirely online and asynchronous, meaning you can learn from wherever, whenever.
- Flexibility to focus on the area of esports you care about. 2 required courses, and 2 electives from an approved list.
- Classes focus on project-based learning, giving you opportunities to work with esports professionals.
4 Courses (12 credit hours)
- Esports Governance & Management
- Esports Performance Management
- Choose 2 more courses from an approved list (SALM 5225 - Facilities & Events Management in Sport and Recreation, SALM 5232 - Sport Communication and Media Relations, SALM 5243 - Sport, Esport, and Recreation Marketing, or SALM 5430 - Administration of Sport, Esports, & Recreation)
Flexible Start: Applicants can enter in the Fall, Spring, or Summer and finish in two semesters - guaranteed!
Cost: $10,392 out-of-state; $7,512 in-state (approximate, depending on semesters enrolled)
Contact: Dr. Natalie L. Smith - smithNL4@etsu.edu or 423-438-4392