Bucs for Good, Dental Hygiene, WETS-FM, Class Notes

Bucs for Good


Bucs For Good  is ETSU’s NIL (name, image, likeness) entity established to assist ETSU’s student-athletes in cultivating and developing name, image, and likeness opportunities.
ETSU fans and alumni who choose to participate have access to exclusive fan experiences and content. Bucs For Good provides ETSU student-athletes with the resources necessary for them to excel during their time in Johnson City. By providing NIL compensation and supporting their personal growth and development, Bucs For Good will set the course for success for the Buccaneers – both current and future student-athletes. You can play a major role by making a gift to Bucs For Good. 

Learn more about Bucs for Good


Cleaning Time

Bucky getting his teeth clinic by student hygienists

ETSU College of Health Sciences’ Dental Hygiene Program students gave Bucky a teeth cleaning at the Sturgill Family Dental Hygiene Clinic in Lamb Hall, which is open to the public.

 

Then and Now

WETS-FM Celebrates 50 Years

WETS-FM 89.5 is celebrating 50 years of broadcasting excellence, community service, and listener loyalty in 2024. The station officially began broadcasting as an NPR affiliate on February 26, 1974. Today, WETS-FM operates in the Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia/North Carolina region and online, covering everything from local news and music to iconic NPR programs.

“Fifty years is an incredible accomplishment for the station and the community,” said Chad Barrett, WETS-FM Station Director. “We’re excited to celebrate half a century of high-quality programming, but we don’t just want to make this about us. We want to celebrate our listeners because we got this far thanks to them.”

Old photography of two students in the original WETS-FM studio.
Chad Barrett, the current WETS-FM Station Manager

 


Class Notes

 

1960s

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald V. Hite, Class of 1964, received the 2023 George L. Carter Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. His degree is in Chemistry.


Dr. Henry M. McCarthy, Class of 1966, is an educator, poet, actor, and radio host. On March 13, 2024, he shared about his life and experiences for a Special Collections & Archives presentation at ZSR Library at Wake Forest University. His degree is in History.


Clarence W. Mabe, Classes of 1967 and 1971, was inducted into the American Amusement Machine Association’s Hall of Fame. His degrees are in Physical Education.

1970s

Richard “Dick” Clarke, Class of 1971, received the 2023 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. His degree is in English.


Shirley Holtsclaw Berk, Classes of 1972 and 1974, received a 2023 Award of Honor from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. Her degrees are in Microbiology.


Donald M. Green, Class of 1974, was named University of Virginia at Wise 2023 Volunteer of the Year. His degree is in Accounting.


Col. (R) Donald E. Potter, EdD, Classes of 1974 and 1982, is a Logistics Analyst at Stratagem Solutions, Incorporated. His degrees are in Political Science. 


Debra “Deb” Williams, Class of 1976, was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. She is an award-winning motorsports journalist, former editor of NASCAR Winston Cup Scene, a reporter for AutoWeek.com, and has written five books about motorsports. Her degree is in Journalism.


Dr. Carolyn Carter, Classes of 1977 and 1980, is Associate Dean of Milligan University’s William B. Greene, Jr. School of Business and Technology. She received the Fide et Amore award, which is Milligan’s highest acknowledgment of service. Her degrees are in Business Education. 


Perry Elliott, Class of 1977, was named to the Elizabethton/Carter County Teachers “Hall of Fame” sponsored by the Elizabethton Imagination Library. He has taught instrumental music for 43 years, the last 30 of which were spent as Director of Bands at Elizabethton High School. His degree is in Music. 


Dr. Scott R. Lillibridge, Class of 1977, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for the DHR Health Institute for Research and Development. His degree is in Environmental Health.


Kenneth I. Menefee, Class of 1977, received the University Medallion from Indiana State University. It is the highest honor which can be conferred on a staff member by the university and recognizes staff displaying loyalty, dependability, and outstanding service. His degree is in Journalism.


Christopher M. Dortch, Class of 1978, was inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Dortch is Editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball and Football Yearbook. His degree is in Journalism.


Charles W. Kimmel, Jr., Class of 1978, received the 2024 American Orthopaedics Society for Sports Medicine Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. He received a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling.


Fred Sauceman, Classes of 1978 and 1980, was named one of “35 People Who Made Blue Ridge Country,” in celebration of the magazine’s 35th anniversary in 2023. Blue Ridge Country is published out of Roanoke, Virginia. Fred and his wife Jill Sauceman, Class of 1979, write the “Flavors” column for each issue of the magazine. Fred’s degrees are in English and History and Jill’s is in Health Education.

1980s

Roger M. Ramey, Class of 1980, retired as Director of Lee County, Virginia’s Department of Services. His degree is in Social Work.


Stephanie McClellan-Houk, Class of 1982, retired from the Johnson City Press after more than 30 years in the newspaper industry. Her degree is in Mass Communication. 


Barbara King Allen, Class of 1983, received a 2023 Inspire Award from Ballad Health Foundation. Her degree is 
in Accounting.


Dr. Richard A. Spurling, Classes of 1983, 1993, and 2004, has published his second book, entitled I Wish I Had Done More! Inspirational Influences and Experiences During 40 Years in Teaching. His degrees are in Industrial Arts, Educational Administration, and Leadership.


Pauline L. Douglas, Classes of 1984 and 1987, received the 2023 Outstanding Alumna Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. Her degrees are in Psychology.


Vanessa D. Bramble, Classes of 1985 and 1986, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Cancer Executives. Her degrees are in Radiologic Technology and Health Administration.


Douglas A. Burt, Class of 1985, was honored by the United Veterans of Blount County, Tennessee, with the Andy Chandler Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in helping the veteran community. His degree is in Geography.


Guy S. Trawick, Class of 1986, has been recognized as the 2023 Circle of Excellence Winner with AAA of the Carolinas Property and Casualty Premier Performer; he ranked #2 in 2023 for Life Insurance Sales for AAA of the Carolinas and is #7 in overall Insurance Sales for AAA of the Carolinas. His degree is in Business Management.


Dr. Joe D. Moore, Class of 1987, received a 2023 Award of Honor from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. His degree is in Music.


L. Kim Pryor, Class of 1988, is Principal at John Kerr Elementary School in Winchester, Virginia. Her degree is in Special Education.


Matthew H. Cooter, Class of 1989 was named Compass Group’s Sales Executive of the Year for the SSC Services for Education K-12 Sector. His degree is in Marketing.


M. John Shulman, Classes of 1989 and 1992, is Head Basketball Coach at the University of Central Arkansas. His degrees are in Physical Education.


Dr. Evelyn Holmes Thrasher, ’89, has been named Dean of Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business. Her degree is in Mathematics.

1990s

Dr. Landon S. Combs, Classes of 1990 and 1994, is the 170th President of the Tennessee Medical Association, the statewide professional association for more than 10,000 member physicians. Dr. Combs is a board-certified pediatrician with Ballad Health. His degrees are in History and Medicine.

 


The Honorable Lorraine Chafin Croy, Class of 1990, was promoted to Chief Magistrate for the Sandusky County, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas Juvenile and Probate Court. She is also serving her second appointment from the Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Court Security. Her degree is in English.


Susan C. Edwards, Class of 1991, is Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Lincoln Electric. Her degree is in Business Management.


Jeff Jenkins, Class of 1991, has been promoted to Sergeant over the Johnson City School Resource Officer unit. He is a 31-year veteran of the police department and has been on the K9 unit where he and his partner, Tigger, were named the Top Police K9 Team for Region 9 two separate times. His degree is in Criminal Justice and Criminology.


Melissa “Missy” Testerman, Classes of 1991 and 1994, was named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching for 31 years and currently serves as ESL Program Director for Rogersville City Schools. Her degrees are in Elementary Education and Reading.


Dr. Keith E. Campbell, Classes of 1992 and 1996, is owner of the Tennessee Vein Center in Alcoa. His degrees are in Biology and Medicine.

Jason E. Carter, Class of 1992, is a 2024 inductee into the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame. Carter was a multi-sport athlete in middle and high school and also played football at ETSU. His degree is in Elementary Education.


Gregg A. Taylor, Class of 1992, received the IRS Commissioner’s Award and the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Commitment to Excellence Award. His degree is in Accounting. 



Byron D. Park, Class of 1993, is Director of Business Development, Southeast for Transervice Logistics. His degree is in Political Science.

Dr. Brandon L. Milhorn, Class of 1994, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. The Conference of State Bank Supervisors is the national organization of financial regulators from all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands which supervises roughly three-quarters of all U.S. banks and a variety of non-depository financial services. His degree is in Economics. 

Chris T. Beatty, Class of 1995, is the Wide Receiver Coach for the Chicago Bears football team. His degree is in Physical Education.


Shira Hartsook Evans, Class of 1995, is the Public Information Officer within the City of Johnson City’s Communications and Marketing Department. Her degree is in Mass Communication.


Edward M. Breese, Class of 1996, is Director of Marketing at Tusculum University. His degree is in Speech.


Robert M. Chikos, Class of 1996, has been named to a second fellowship with Advance Illinois, a group dedicated to improving educational policy. Recently, Chikos was one of two teacher advisors on Advance Illinois’ report on the teacher pipeline and was profiled in a Chicago Tribune article. His degree is in History.


Michael “Andy” Broyles, Classes of 1997 and 2000, has been named Co-President of ChoiceSpine LLC, a medical device company located in Knoxville. His degrees are in Accounting and Business Administration.


Dr. Jacksunia A. Wolfe, Class of 1997, is the Washington County (Tennessee) Chief Student Supports Officer. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies.


G. Wayne Rose, Class of 1997, is a National Oncology Field Reimbursement Director for GSK. His degree is in Art.


Jeanette Henry Jewell, Class of 1998, is Senior Graphic Designer for ETSU’s Marketing and Communications Office. She is also Art Director for ETSU Today. Her degree is in Art.


Dr. Brian D. Dixon, Classes of 1999 and 2005, is Chief Medical Officer for AdventHealth in Hendersonville, North Carolina. His degree is in Biology, and he completed an Internal Medicine Residency.


Wesley L. Mayes, Class of 1999, was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent, FBI, in the Tactical Training Unit, at Quantico, Virginia. SSA Mayes is a driving instructor in the Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center. His degree is in Elementary Education.

2000s

James C. Chadwell, Class of 2000, is Head Football Coach of the Liberty Flames. They were the 2023 undefeated Conference USA Champions and went on to play Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. His degree is in Economics.


Jason A. Henegar, Class of 2000, is Fisheries Division Chief of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. His degree is in Geography.


F. Leo Murray IV, Class of 2000, successfully completed the sale of AMPRO – a Florida based electrical contracting firm he founded in 2006 and grew to 60 employees over 18 years. The company was acquired by a leading national electrical contracting firm, Nashville-based Stones River Electric. His future plans include focusing on expanding his commercial real estate investments through his other business venture, Murray Holdings.


Amber D. Burke, Classes of 2001 and 2003, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Burn Boot Camp. Her degrees are in Physical Education.


Robert B. Raines, Class of 2001, received the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus in Public Service Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. His degree is in Marketing.


Jill E. Andrews, Class of 2002, is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and performed in a tour, which began in the United Kingdom and later continued throughout the United States, to promote her latest album, Modern Age. Her degree is in Psychology.


Alex H. Campbell, Class of 2002, is a sociology teacher at Elizabethton High School. Campbell and his students were recognized by the Tennessee House of Representatives for their work in investigating a series of 40-year-old cold cases. His degree is in History.


Jeffrey P. Eggers, Class of 2002, has retired from active service with the U.S. Marine Corps after 27 years of active duty. His degree is in Engineering Technology.


Dr. Pallavi Keesara Reddy, Class of 2002, is one of the first faculty members hired to teach at the American University of Iraq – Baghdad’s College of Education and Human Development. Her degree is in Early Childhood Development.


Dr. Kelley R. Harrell, Classes of 2003 and 2018, was named Kingsport City Schools Principal of the Year. She is Principal of Adams Elementary School. Her degrees are in Interdisciplinary Studies and Educational Leadership.


Dr. Daryl A. Carter, Classes of 2004 and 2005, has been chosen by the American Council on Education (ACE), the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, as an ACE Fellow. Carter is a Professor of History, Associate Dean for Community Relations and Outreach, and Director of the Black American Studies Program at ETSU. His degrees are in Political Science and History.


Julia B. Franklin, Class of 2004, participated in the Alumni Return to the Classroom program and was a Professor for a Day in a graduate-level Speech Language Pathology class. Her degree is in General Psychology.
  
Allison S. Guinn, Class of 2004, was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for her work in the Hulu television show, Only Murders in the Building. Her degree is in Speech.


Robert E. (Bobby) Krimmell, Classes of 2004 and 2006, was named Chief Administrative Officer in addition to continuing as the Chief Financial Officer of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation. His degrees are in Accounting.


Seyed Paul Arab, Class of 2005, is Chief Financial Officer for Mutual Savings Bank in Franklin, Indiana. Formerly, he served as Senior Vice President of Audit and Advisory Services at Home Federal Bank of Tennessee in Knoxville. His degree is in Economics.


Dr. Morgen A. Houchard, Class of 2005, has been appointed Superintendent of the Gaston County, North Carolina, School District. He holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.


Dr. Dorsha N. James, Class of 2005, received the 2024 Phenomenal Woman award from the Women Who Rock Nashville organization. She holds a doctorate degree in Medicine.


Joshua E. Nelson, Class of 2005, is Director of Bands at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. His degree is in Music Education.


David R. Ongie, Class of 2005, is the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Milligan University. His degree is in English.


Craig R. Charles, Class of 2006, has been named Tennessee’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Charles owns Crown Cutz Academy, which instructs future barbers in the Appalachian area. His degree is in Mass Communication.


Dr. Natasha Benfield Gouge, Classes of 2006, 2011, and 2013, received the Association of Psychology Training Clinics’ Innovation Award. Her degrees are in Psychology.


Brandi K. Huskey, Class of 2006, was named to the 2024 All So-Con Faculty and Staff team, along with Dr. Russ Brown. Huskey serves as Director of the ETSU Sevierville campus. Her degree is in Sport and Leisure Management.

Leia F. Davis, Classes of 2007 and 2011, has been recognized by the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance with the Appalachian Studies Association’s Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching for grades kindergarten through 12. Davis teaches English, Appalachian Studies, and Journalism at Sullivan East High School. Her degrees are in English and Education.


Alice H. Pope, Class of 2007, is Chief Financial Officer for Novant Health. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree.


Derek “DW” Sower, Class of 2007, has written two new books entitled Scream With Me: Volume I and Return to Christmas Town, published by Polar Press. His master’s degree is in History.

Clem C. “Bo” Wilkes, III, Class of 2007, is Ballad Health’s Chief Growth Officer. He holds a Master of Public Health degree.

Lisa E. Carter, Class of 2008, has been named by Becker’s Healthcare among their “Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know” list. Carter is Senior Vice President of Ballad Health and President of Ballad’s Southern Region. She holds a Master’s in Nursing degree.

Dr. A. Brianna Sheppard-Willis, Classes of 2008 and 2014, is Director of the West Virginia Area Health Education Centers Program Office. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in Psychology.


James L. Head, Class of 2009, wrote The Sons of God, the Daughters of Men. The book is a study of Genesis 6:1-4. He holds an Educational Specialist degree.

2010s

Lynna McInturff Bingham, Class of 2010, has been named Teacher of the Year for 2024 by Kingsport City Schools. She teaches 8th grade history at Sevier Middle School. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies.


Debra L. Brooks, Class of 2010, was chosen Sullivan East High School’s Teacher of the Year. She is a Fine Arts teacher and holds a Master of Arts in Reading degree.


Tyler L. McCann, Class of 2010, is a Business Banker, Vice President at Bank of Tennessee. His degree is in Sport and Leisure Management.


Dr. Catherine “K.T.” Moyer, Class of 2010, was selected for inclusion in the esteemed Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry. She is the Owner and a Physical Therapist at HomeFront Concierge Physical Therapy in Johnson City. She holds a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy.


Jacob D. Baggett, Class of 2011, is the Public Policy Advisor at Baker Donelson. His degree is in History.


Dr. Darrell Benton, Class of 2011, started a new position at his family-owned business, Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams. His degree is in Medicine.


Mary Williams Massarueh, Class of 2011, is the Communications and Fund Development Manager at YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Her degree is in Mass Communication.
 
Karie M. Castle, Class of 2012, has been promoted to Manager of Environmental Health at Strongwell for the company’s Virginia operations. Her degree is in Environmental Health.


Kristi L. Evans, Class of 2012, is the District 11 North Director for Michigan State University’s Extension Office, serving Oakland and Macomb counties. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Kinesiology and Sport Studies.


Dr. Cornell A. Sneed, Classes of 2012, 2013, and 2018, received the inaugural PRIDE of ETSU Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association during the annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event. His degrees are in Criminal Justice, Kinesiology, and Global Sport Leadership.


Adam M. Sollazzo, Class of 2012, had his high school basketball jersey retired. He attended Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida. He also played basketball for the Bucs. His degree is in Business Marketing.


Dr. Joshua N. Cloyd, Class of 2013, was inducted into the David Crockett High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.


Amanda Carmichael Dernovshek, Classes of 2013 and 2015, was a recipient of the Top 5 Under 35 awards given by the Ingham County Bar Association. This award recognizes young lawyers who have distinguished themselves by manifesting exemplary character, integrity, judgment, and legal scholarship. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Business.


Dr. Rebecca J. Leinart, Class of 2013, is serving on the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy. She holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.


Neal C. Peterson, Class of 2013, works for the Charlotte, North Carolina, Fire Department after 6½ years with the Asheville Fire Department. He holds a Master of Arts degree in New Media Studies.


Dr. W. Chancey Carothers, Class of 2014, is President of the Central Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.


Brandon M. Carr, Class of 2014, has been promoted to Sergeant for the Johnson City Police Department. Carr holds a number of specialized positions including being a member of the SWAT and traffic homicide teams. His degree is in Human Services.


Casey C. Coyne, Classes of 2014 and 2016, is a Digital Content & Marketing Manager at NTT DATA Services. Her degrees are in English and Business Administration.


Justin R. Henard, Class of 2014, has been promoted to Sergeant for the Johnson City Police Department. He has served on the SWAT team and special investigation squad. His degree is in Criminal Justice and Criminology.


Dr. J. Les Louden, Class of 2014, is the President-Elect of the Southwest Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.


Dr. Guillermo I. Mendoza, Classes of 2014, 2016, and 2023, is Minister to Students at First Baptist Church of Erwin. His degrees are in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

William J. Saulsbury, Class of 2014, has been promoted to Sergeant of the Special Investigation Squad for the Johnson City Police Department. Saulsbury has numerous accolades during his time with the department including the Police Department Lifesaving Award, Tennessee Highway Safety Office Officer of the Year, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer of the Year (2021 and 2022). His degree is in Accounting.


L. Haley Williams, Classes of 2014 and 2016, is Communications Director, Analyst Relations & Custom Research for Optimizely. Her degrees are in Marketing and Digital Marketing.


Ashley C. Cavender, Class of 2015, is Program Director at Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council. Her degree is in Early Childhood Development.


Dr. Colby L. Newsome, Class of 2015, is Director of Behavioral Health Pharmacy for Appalachian Regional Healthcare. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.


Eryn E. Samuels, Class of 2015, is Senior Director of Leadership Giving for the University of Missouri’s Athletics Department. Her degree is in Mass Communication.


Bryan E. Walker, Class of 2015, has been named Vice President of Virginia Operations for Strongwell. His degree is in Business Management.


Logan Dunn Allen, Class of 2016, and Dr. Jacob L. Allen, Classes of 2011 and 2018, welcomed their son Leo Fisher Allen on November 29, 2023. Her degree is in English. His degrees include a master’s in Mathematical Sciences and a doctorate in Global Sport Leadership.


Melora Gibson Bennett, Class of 2016, has been named McDowell County, North Carolina, Schools Principal of the Year for 2024. Bennett is Principal at McDowell High School. She received an Education Specialist degree.


Steven E. Black, Class of 2016, is Quality Control Manager for Mullican Flooring. Black also served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 21 years. He holds a Master of Science in Technology.


Leslie Burns Dye, Class of 2016, is a Nurse Practitioner and joined CHI Memorial Convenient Care in Cleveland, Tennessee. Her degree is in Nursing.

Hannah Wyatt Hopper, Classes of 2016 and 2018, is Associate Director for Analytics and Media Operations for Tombras. Her degrees are in Mass Communication and Brand & Media Strategy. 


Dr. Joshua V. Jones, Class of 2016, won the Unsung Hero Award from The Greater Wilmington Business Journal in North Carolina. He serves as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at Novant Health Regional Medical Center and Novant Health Primary Care Clinic. He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy. 


Bridgett Stiltner Martin, Class of 2016, is a Laboratory Analyst for Johnson City, Tennessee, Water and Sewer Services. Her degree is in Health Sciences.


Adrian Meronk, Class of 2016, won the 2023 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Tour Player of the Year by his peers on the DP World Tour. Meronk is a former ETSU golf standout. His degree is in Finance.


H. Elizabeth Saulsbury, Class of 2016, started a new position as Senior Manager, Content & Social Media at Cox Enterprises. Her degree is in Mass Communication.


Cody B. Shipley, Class of 2016, is the Virginia Operations Accounting Manager at Strongwell Industries. His degree is in Finance.


Ryan Williams, Class of 2016, is Area Manager at SaVida Health. His degree is in General Studies.

Gabrielle N. Billiot, Class of 2017, has been selected to serve on the Tribal Education Committee for the United Houma Nation. Her degree is in Media and Communication.

Nicholas A. LaBar, Class of 2017, is Vice President of Business Development for North America for Tan Delta Systems. His degree is in Communication Studies.


Laureen T. Lewis, Classes of 2017, 2020, and 2023, is a Registered Nurse at LeConte Medical Center. Her degrees are in Nursing, Brand & Media Strategy, and Media & Communication.


Charles W. Machell, Class of 2017, has signed with One Knoxville SC, an American soccer team which competes in USL League One, the third tier of the United States soccer league system. He is a former Bucs soccer team member. His degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies.


Christian E. Bare, Class of 2018, is a professor at ETSU with a focus on Public Relations and Advertising. His degree is in Brand and Media Strategy.


Nathan J. Farnor, Class of 2018, has been appointed to serve on the Volunteer Tennessee Commission for the State of Tennessee, by Governor Bill Lee. Farnor serves as ETSU’s Coordinator for Leadership and Civic Engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies.


Dr. Mark A. Hutton, Class of 2018, has been selected Vice Mayor of Bristol, Tennessee. He holds a Master of Arts degree in English.


Ashley R. Pope, Class of 2018, is a Police Officer with the Stonington, Connecticut, Police Department. Her degree is in Criminal Justice.


Chance G. Powell, Class of 2018, is a Search Engine Optimization Specialist at React Digital. His degree is in Media and Communication.


Emily G. Salter, Class of 2018, is a Healthcare Account Representative for A Place for Mom. Her degree is in Public Health. 


Ashley L. Bird, Class of 2019, is a Nurse Practitioner at Holston Medical Group in Weber City, Virginia. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree.


Gabe Epstein, Class of 2019, released his debut solo album, Washington Express. His degree is in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music Studies.


Elizabeth A. Greer, Class of 2019, is a Senior Merchandising Manager at Spreetail. Her degree is in Business Marketing.


Dr. Andrew Tarasidis, Class of 2019, was recognized by the Virginia Pharmacy Association as the 2023 Distinguished Young Pharmacist. The award recognizes young pharmacists for making outstanding contributions to their communities. His degree is in Pharmacy.

2020s

Haley L. Mullins, Classes of 2020 and 2023, married Noah S. Arni, Class of 2021, on October 28, 2022. Haley also started a new position as an Account Associate at MoxCar Marketing + Communications. Her degrees are in Brand & Media Strategy and Media & Communications.


Matthew W. Bushell, Classes of 2020 and 2023, is a GIS Technician in the GIS and Engineering Department for the City of Elizabethton. His degrees are in Geosciences.


Dr. Taylor A. Coston, Classes of 2020 and 2023, was inducted into the Tennessee Collaborative Practice Society, which recognizes students in Tennessee. Her degrees are in Pharmacy Studies, Public Health, and Pharmacy.

Lindsay Kihnel Herrell, Class of 2020, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Student Services at the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. She holds a Master of Educational Leadership degree.


Dr. Jonathan E. Holan, Classes of 2020, 2022, and 2023, is a Clinical Project Manager at Epic, where he will focus on using medication-related data and knowledge within healthcare systems to help deliver optimal medication-related patient care and health outcomes. His degrees are in Pharmacy Studies, Business Administration, and Pharmacy.


Dr. Warren G. Shelton, Classes of 2020 and 2024, is a Physical Therapist at Holston Medical Group Rehabilitation in Kingsport. His degrees are in Physical Education and Physical Therapy.


Molly P. Perry, Classes of 2020 and 2022, married Chandler Viscardis on October 28, 2023, in Bristol. She is Associate Director of Ticket Sales for the Knoxville Ice Bears. Her degrees are in Sport Management.


Christopher W. Ayers, Class of 2021, is President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Harriman. Ayers has a Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership from ETSU and is currently a student in ETSU’s doctoral program in Educational Leadership.


Dr. Omar K. Banks, Classs of 2021, is Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Virginia University. He holds a doctorate degree in Global Sport Leadership. 


Robert W. Cole, Class of 2021, is a Fire Control Sergeant in the United States Army. His degree is in Business Management. 


Dr. Patrick D. Davis, Sr., Class of 2021, has been named Vice President of the BlueOval City campus of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Jackson. He holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.


Katelyn B. Drye, Class of 2021, is a Registered Representative at NYLIFE Securities LLC. Her degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies.


Tatum M. Gouge, Class of 2021, is an Assistant Property Manager at Universal Development & Construction. Her degree is in Marketing.
 
Taylor S. Griggs, Class of 2021, is a Youth Support Partner at Youth Villages. Her degree is in Psychology.


Sydni Leonard, Class of 2021, is a Residence Hall Director at the University of Georgia. Her degree is in Educational Leadership.


Elizabeth Brockey Maughon, Class of 2021, has been named to the 30 Most Powerful Women In Business: The Titans Of Industry by News Leaflets. Maughon is Chief Customer Officer at Simpli.fi. She holds a Master of Digital Marketing degree.
  
Caitlin F. Maupin, Class of 2021, was selected by the Elizabethton City Council to do a mural entitled “History in the Making.” Her degree is in Art.


Kallie J. Smith, Class of 2021, is Director of Marketing at Watford Engineering. Her degree is in History. 


Olivia T. Sturgill, Classes of 2021 and 2023, has been promoted to Cash Management Accountant 2 at the Tennessee Department of Treasury. Her degrees are in Accounting.


Kylie J. Winchester, Class of 2021, started a new position as a Physician Assistant at East Tennessee Spine and Orthopedic Specialists, PC. Her degree is in Kinesiology.


Caleb T. Atkins, Class of 2022, is a Student Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. His degree is in Economics.


Quincie M. Bradley, Class of 2022, started a new position as Senior Programmatic Trader at Booyah Advertising. Her degree is in Media and Communication.


Meghan K. Doherty, Class of 2022, is an Estimating Coordinator for Phillips & Jordan, Inc. Her degree is in Management.

Jordan N. Durbin, Classes of 2022 and 2023, is an Operational Excellence Specialist at Ballad Health. Her degrees are in Communications and Health Administration. 

Tyler J. Keltner, Class of 2022, announced his commitment to Oklahoma State University to be a graduate kicker for OSU’s football team. His degree is in Management.

Dr. Crystal N. Meadors, Class of 2022, has had an article published by the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. It is entitled “Health-system specialty pharmacy: Overview of a hybrid clinical model.” She holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy.

C. Chad Moore, Class of 2022, is Principal at North Side Elementary School in Johnson City. His degree is in Elementary Education.

Ada J. Sloop, Class of 2022, is the Safe Routes to School Coordinator at Land of Sky Regional Council. Her degree is in Public Health.

Ember A. Brummitt, Class of 2023, is a Marketing and Communication Specialist at ETSU. Her degree is in Media and Communication.

Laken A. Greene, Class of 2024, is a Reporter for the Johnson City Press. Her degree is in English.

A portrait Dr. Ronald E. Beller

 

In Memory of Dr. Ronald E. Beller

ETSU President from 1980 to 1991

Dr. Ronald E. Beller, East Tennessee State University’s sixth President, passed away on April 6, 2024. Dr. Beller served as President from 1980 to 1991, leading the university through a period of growth and innovation. With a background in engineering and economics, he immediately began to bring financial stability to ETSU. When he took office, the ETSU Foundation had a negative fund balance, which he was able to correct, on the way to modernizing the university’s fundraising efforts.

His business and industrial background came into play again as he set a goal of achieving full accreditation for ETSU’s College of Business. Dr. Beller’s work and expertise were also instrumental to the strength and success of ETSU’s health sciences programs. It was during Dr. Beller’s tenure that ETSU received the largest grant, up to that time, in its history, from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to fund the ETSU Community Partnerships Program. 


Enrollment and regional visibility grew steadily during Dr. Beller’s administration. In 1985-86, he oversaw the yearlong celebration of the university’s 75th anniversary. In 1990, ETSU presented Dr. Beller with its most prestigious award, the George L. Carter Award, named for the benefactor who donated the land so that East Tennessee State Normal School, now East Tennessee State University, could be located in Johnson City. 

Read more incredible stories in the Summer 2024 Edition of ETSU Today. #BucsGoBeyond

ETSU Today | Summer 2024


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