Etsu Will Be Visited By A New York Times Writer

An New York Times writer will be in attendance at ETSU

JOHNSON CITY - Margaret Renkl, a New York Times writer and well-known author, will visit East Tennessee State University.

On Tuesday, October 4 There will be two public, free events.

The first is a "in conversation" session with Renkl at 3 p.m. on ETSU's main campus in room 118 of Rogers-Stout Hall. The second is an open reading and book reading in Powell Recital Hall of the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.

"I think Margaret Renkl is one of America's most important voices today. "She is an rigorous thinker and a fearless writer, who focuses on the life of the American South as we live each day to each day." stated Dr. Jesse Graves, poet-in-residence and professor of Literature and Language at ETSU. "She responds not only to our time's challenges and struggles, such as gun violence and racial inequality, but also reminds her readers of the radiance of life found all around us if we spare the energy to look for and recognise it."

The event is supported by the Bert C. Bach Written Word Initiative which is a 2015 initiative that supports a variety of ETSU programmes and workshops.

Renkl, an Alabama native, is the author of two books that have been bestsellers: "Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss" and "Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache from the American South."

Her weekly articles appear in The New York Times on Mondays.

"I hope as many of our students as possible will be able to hear Margaret Renkl speak and learn as much as they can from her wise and generous point of view," Graves said. "We also invite members of the community to join us for what I am sure will be an interesting day."

Spotlight on Students: Amani Patel

I chose East Tennessee State University because I believed it was a good fit for the diverse group of people with different backgrounds. I decided to attend the university since I feel as if I belonged."

Amani Patel has always worked hard at both school and in her community. Patel, who is currently working towards the Master of Health Administration, declared that she was not always in this direction.

"I started my higher education journey in pre-pharmacy," Patel explained. "I began in an accelerated bachelor's to master's programme."

It took Patel an entire year to figure out the path that was right for her, and she is adamant that this is due to ETSU's steadfast focus on public health.

"I always imagined myself studying medicine or working in the medical field. I was immediately drawn into public health after learning about it. I was then accepted into the Honors Program. That experience changed my life as a student in ways I could never have imagined."

Patel stated that she felt that the Honors Program provided her with opportunities to learn and grow in leadership and service, which set the stage for her current role with the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement (LCE).

"As an undergraduate student, I tried to be as involved in the programmes that this office provides for students as possible," Patel said. "I immediately worked to become a Diversity Educator, which is a group of people dedicated to creating a campus culture that is inclusive of all. As a result of this, I was already in contact with LCE staff, so when a graduate assistant (GA) position became available, I jumped at the chance."

Patel stated she has had a great experience working with LCE was fantastic.

"This has been such an incredible opportunity for me to experience the other side of the programmes that we have for the students on campus - seeing how recruitment works, and the driving force and minds behind this office really opened my eyes to the passion and love that the people here have for the work that they do."

Patel said that it's been "all hands on deck" since he joined the team as a GA. This semester saw one of the biggest draws for first-year students in recent years. The huge number of resources, activities and projects created from LCE is leaving Patel feeling extremely happy.

"I love the feeling of ensuring that people are actively involved in their communities in positive ways," Patel explained. "ETSU held a naturalisation ceremony for some of the faculty staff, staff and students who were on campus when I was a freshman. This was more than only an amazing chance to build community but also a very proud moment for everyone present. "You could feel the happiness radiating throughout the entire room."

Patel mentioned that a ceremony for naturalisation is something she'd like to bring back on campus in the near future However, for the moment at present, she's focusing in promoting voter registration and informing students faculty, students, and other staff about the fact that ETSU is determined to make voting as easy as possible for everyone on campus through the student-led initiative, ETSU Votes.

"We've done a lot of voter registration outreach, and we now have an early voting site on campus," Patel said. "I've always valued civic participation. My family and I are currently going through the naturalisation process to become citizens of the United States. We passed our exams on September 16, and we will be sworn in at an oath ceremony in the coming months."

September is National Voter Registration Month, and early voting for November national elections is scheduled in October, which many in LCE are preparing for around all hours of the day.

"Voting is not something to take lightly, and if you have the opportunity to engage in your community in this way, I strongly encourage you to do so," Patel explained. "Voting in state, local, and municipal elections is important because it is where grassroots movements are formed where your voice can be heard. You can provide feedback on issues that affect those closest to you, and you can effect change by voting."

Patel encourages people who believe that their vote is meaningless to take a look at the vast differences in state laws as evidence that being engaged citizens - who make their voices heard, has a tangible impact on everyone's daily lives.

"So, yes, vote if you have the opportunity."

ETSU's Undergraduate Research is being led by an award-winning scientist.

Every every year the office organizes a variety of occasions, including events like the Dr. Jay S. Boland Undergraduate Research Symposium to aid undergraduates with their research. The office also offers funding opportunities to help students with their research.

Foster is looking to expand the number of students who interact with the office.

"We want to make sure that opportunities are equitable and that there are no barriers that prevent students from conducting research," she explained. "We plan to work more with faculty in mentoring and strengthening student-faculty relationships. Another major goal is to develop and expand the number of students participating in international research opportunities."

Engaging in research at the undergraduate level as a student "not only broadens their knowledge and skills, but it also helps them build community and a sense of belonging in their discipline and campus," according Foster. Foster.

Foster is determined to assist students "reframe their idea of research and see themselves as being able to contribute to new ideas that will shape the world" by offering Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities It is open to any undergraduate student of any subject.

Foster is a tenured professor within the Department of Biological Sciences, in which she began her academic profession as an undergraduate research intern. Foster was awarded ETSU's Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching earlier this year. This is the highest academic honour bestowed upon any ETSU faculty member.

Chad Barrett is the host of ETSU's WETS-FM.

JOHNSON CITY in Tennessee - A job with WETS-FM in the year 2011 ignited a professional curiosity for Chad Barrett.

"That's when I fell in love with public radio," Barrett explained. "What public radio stands for, what it offers the community it serves, and how it affects listeners on a daily basis," he explained.

More than a decade later, Barrett is now the manager of the station. It's a job that he was appointed earlier in the autumn.

"Public radio contributes to a more informed public, which is a critical role in our society," said Jessica Vodden, ETSU's chief marketing and communications officer. "Not only does east tennessee state university Chad bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, but he also brings incredible passion, vision, and energy, which I believe will help him expand WETS's impact in our community."

Barrett has made his way up the ranks in WETS the public radio station that is located on ETSU's main campus.

Following his internship in the field, he was employed as an announcer on a part-time basis, later as executive aide and then as a programme director. He was in that position for more than seven years overseeing announcers and working on numerous projects. He received degrees in mass communications and Chemistry from ETSU in 2011.

He replaces Wayne Winkler, who has been at WETS-FM since 1978 and has been the station director since 1993.

"Wayne leaves big shoes to fill, but my team and I will work hard to bring our listeners exceptional content," Barrett said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to educate the people of the Appalachian Highlands."