East Tennessee State University announced the newest members of the 1911 Society, an organization that honors some of the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
Named in commemoration for the year ETSU was founded, the 1911 Society recognizes students who have distinguished themselves for academic excellence, service and leadership.
One of the inductees, Dr. Opal Frye-Clark, was honored at ETSU’s December 2024 Commencement ceremony. The remaining 10 honorees will be recognized at ETSU’s May 2025 commencement exercises.
“The members of this distinguished group of graduates exemplify the commitment to service and excellence that has been the hallmark of our institution for more than 100 years,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland.
The selection committee evaluates applicants on academic achievement; sustained service; honors, awards, recognitions, publications and presentations; demonstrated leadership; work experience, such as study abroad, internships, externships and clinicals; and personal narratives.
“These students demonstrate a commitment to service and scholarship,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU's provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Their remarkable achievements during their time here are truly inspiring, and it’s evident that the guidance and encouragement from our faculty and staff have equipped them with a solid foundation for success in their chosen paths.”
The honorees include:
- Skylar Brackett, of Harriman, will graduate with a B.S. in health sciences and attend the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine in fall 2025. Brackett served as Sigma Kappa president and in various Student Government positions, where she organized flood relief efforts for the region. She attended the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) as a legislative delegate and serves on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).
- Dr. Opal Frye-Clark, of Johnson City, holds a master’s degree in professional communication and a doctorate in public health from ETSU. She is the founder and president of Unity Housing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on research-driven interventions to combat homelessness in East Tennessee. She has worked with the City of Johnson City and numerous service providers to develop a strategic plan for reducing homelessness in the region and is a recipient of the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award.
- Sara Madison Goodwin, of Greeneville, will graduate with a B.S. in human services and minor in trauma and resilience. Goodwin served new students as a Preview and Orientation Leader (POLO) and was awarded the Hoot and Holler Award in 2023 and the Dr. Bonnie Burchett Spirit of POLO Award in 2024. She also served as a Buccaneer Involvement Guide (BIG), volunteered at Coalition for Kids, and represented ETSU at the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop.
- Matthew Kinsler, of Morristown, will graduate with a B.S. in mathematics with minors in educational foundations and global citizenship. Kinsler served as president of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, a senator for the Student Government Association, an intern for the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization, an Expedition Leader and an Academic Coach. While at ETSU, he planned the first Alternative Break to New Orleans to study the charter school system.
- Taylor Leonard, of Jonesborough, will graduate with a bachelor of social work and a bachelor of science in psychology. She is the public relations officer for the Student Social Work Association. She has worked at Isaiah 117 House to provide physical and emotional support for children awaiting foster care placement. While working with Coalition for Kids, she led a backpack, personal hygiene and toy drive for children impacted by Hurricane Helene. She also met with legislators during the Social Work Day on the Hill.
- Abigail Simpson, of Church Hill, will graduate with a B.S. in rehabilitative health sciences and a minor in communicative disorders and psychology. As a Roan Scholar, she interned for Holston Home for Children and Therapy Abroad. She has served as a Preview and Orientation Leader, Buccaneer Involvement Guide and outreach chair for Letters of Love. She started Looking Ahead, a program to prepare individuals for life after high school. She received the Twenty under 20 award and placed second in the 2023 ETSU Elevates competition.
- Morgan Teeters, of Athens, Tennessee, is a fourth-year student pharmacist at Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. She has represented ETSU at national research and clinical skills competitions and was the National Remember the Ribbon Chair for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, where she coordinated over 100 chapters’ HIV awareness and education efforts. She has organized health outreach clinics at Tri-Pride and Umoja festivals and worked as a peer tutor. Teeters was selected by faculty and staff as the Pharmacy Student of the Year.
- Shaina Thompson, of Elizabethton, is graduating with a BSW and a minor in Spanish for the professions. She is a Roan Scholar and served as a Preview and Orientation Leader. She founded Letters of Love, a campus organization that spreads kindness, encourages and celebrates people through letter writing. She has also used her Spanish and social work skills to advocate and empower community members in Appalachia and on trips to South America.
- Hunter Turgeon, of Johnson City, will earn a BBA in finance and economics, with minors in accounting and business management. Turgeon was elected Student Government Association president for the 2024-2025 academic year. He also served as president of the Students of Finance Association and the Economics Club. He also held executive positions on the Mock Trial Team and was involved with the Buccaneer Investment Fund and as an Expedition Leader.
- Trent White, of Erwin, will graduate with a B.S. in political science and a minor in public administration. A Roan Scholar, Trent served as president of the Student Government Association and co-founded and served as president of ETSU's Mock Trial team. He also served as Student Trustee on the ETSU Board of Trustees and as an undergraduate law clerk for the university's General Counsel. White won a Harry S. Truman Scholarship and was also selected as a Rhodes Scholar finalist.
- Ava Yobst, of Johnson City, is graduating with a B.S. in health sciences and a minor in public health. Yobst is a four-year member of the ETSU Cheerleading Team. She founded Power Speakers and was a speaker for TEDxETSU 2023 where she advocated for access to health care in rural communities. She researched women’s cardiovascular health and earned a grant for her research on the Lavengel Project. Yobst will continue her education at the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine.
The 1911 Society was established in 2020. Honorees receive special recognition and tartan stoles to wear during Commencement. Their contributions and accomplishments will be showcased on the 1911 Society wall located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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