ETSU was named the Top Adventure College in 2023 and 2024
by readers of the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
Nestled in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, East Tennessee State University is gearing up to defend the title of Top Adventure College in the Southeast. With a three-peat win on the line, ETSU is proudly shining light on the bountiful outdoor adventure opportunities that exist within the region and beyond.
Organized by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, the Top Adventure College contest is a bracket-style tournament that places competing
universities in a head-to-head competition. As the bracket progresses, the ETSU community
can vote for the college they feel most accurately demonstrates efforts in outdoor-oriented
curriculum, activities, and incentives- and ETSU is the perfect candidate.
Set in an outdoor lover’s paradise, ETSU’s main campus is surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the scenic
Blue Ridge Parkway, Roan Mountain State Park and the Cherokee National Forest. It
is also bordered by numerous lakes, rivers and hiking trails, including more than
100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Though Johnson City offers many opportunities for exploration, ETSU’s very own Outdoor Adventure (OA), housed by Campus Recreation, is pioneering the initiatives of getting students and staff integrated into the opportunities that exist beyond the walls of the classroom.
“OA offers a wide variety of trips and activities, including backpacking, kayaking,
paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking and climbing,” said ETSU undergraduate
student Reese Gatewood. “Students can also experience the aerial adventure course,
zipline, and team-building programs, which are open to students, faculty, staff and
the local community.”
From group hikes to paddle boarding and ziplining, it’s no wonder that ETSU holds
the two-year title for Top Adventure College. Hammock stands and fire pits line the
perimeter of campus, accompanied by the University Woods & Trail system that runs
through the north side of the university.
“ETSU provides endless opportunities for students to explore the outdoors, and OA
plays a huge role in fostering a welcoming, adventurous community,” said Gatewood.
“I’m grateful to be part of a program that inspires students to get outside, try new
things and experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.”
The rich adventure culture at ETSU is undeniable, but within the classroom, students
are pioneering the way careers parallel with outdoor adventure and recreation.
ETSU’s parks and recreation management concentration is providing opportunities for professionals interested in working within National
Parks in the area and beyond. Due to ETSU’s optimal location in the Appalachian Mountains,
the program has become regionally accredited with incredible student success stories
spanning across the nation. The program works directly with state and national parks
in the area, allowing students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field and
create a close-knit community rooted in support and prosperity.
“Our students are our success story,” said Dr. Jason Davis, coordinator for the Park
and Recreation Management Program. “They are making an impact by utilizing their knowledge
and passion for the outdoors in the professional world. Our alumni regularly return
to share their stories with current undergraduates, demonstrating our commitment to
the growth of our students and the dynamics of their success.”
Made up of several unique courses that are distinctive from other universities in
Appalachia, the program opens the door for students to take courses that dive deeper
into their specific interests- such as Appalachian Flora and Fauna or History of Appalachian
Coal Mining.
With both academic and physical adventure opportunities, ETSU is leading the way for
students searching to explore the rich culture and natural elements of the region.
Voting for the first round of the Top Adventure College contest is open until April
8, and ETSU will go head-to-head with 32 other universities in the area to defend
its back-to-back titles. Cast your vote at blueridgeoutdoors.com/top-adventure-college/!
To learn more about outdoor adventure at ETSU, visit etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa. For more information about Top Adventure College and Blue Ridge Outdoors, visit
blueridgeoutdoors.com.
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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