The new Trailblazers Research Strategic Plan outlines a bold vision

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Plans and reports are commonplace in the world of higher education. Some deal with routine business, some document accomplishments, and some simply meet reporting requirements. Others, however, rise far above the everyday.

East Tennessee State University’s newly unveiled Research Strategic Plan is a groundbreaking statement of ambition. The vision outlined in the plan is truly trailblazing, representing a major turning point in the university’s 115-year history.

The trail that led to the plan’s completion was heavily traveled. The task force that spent months gathering data, conducting interviews, and envisioning the future consisted of 26 people. The number of stakeholder groups that were involved approached 50. Four whitepapers were written. Four campus town halls were held. Emerging from that participatory process was a new vision: ETSU is recognized, through funding, rankings, and impact, as one of the premier regional public research universities in the nation.

The task force that produced the plan was chaired by Dr. Saurabh Mehta from the College of Health Sciences and Dr. Pamela Mims from the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development.

“The Research Strategic Plan provides a shared roadmap for how ETSU can build on its existing strengths while expanding its impact across the region and beyond,” said Mims. “Throughout the planning process, faculty, staff, students, and community partners emphasized the importance of aligning research investments with the needs of Appalachia and the opportunities emerging across our institution.

“Perhaps most importantly, the plan reflects the voices of hundreds of stakeholders who helped shape a vision that is both aspirational and achievable. The plan helps establish clear priorities, strengthens the infrastructure needed to support research, scholarship, and creative activity, and creates opportunity for greater collaboration across disciplines.”

The timing of the plan coincides with record numbers in research and sponsored program activity at the university. Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research, says that over the past decade, ETSU’s annual research activity grew from $6.9 million to $49.6 million. In the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) ranking, ETSU climbed by more than 120 positions.

“ETSU is on the cusp of becoming a top 10 percent regional public research university,” Dr. Hagemeier said.

The Research Strategic Plan builds on the university’s traditional strengths while embracing new and emerging programming. Covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the plan emphasizes applied technology and engineering; biomedical sciences and clinical translation; environmental systems, hazards, and the outdoors; rural health and Appalachian thriving; and the science of education and engagement.

“The next five years will be a defining and exciting period for ETSU from a research perspective,” Hagemeier said. “Improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond requires asking tough questions and delivering solutions. Our exceptional faculty and staff are well-positioned to do this work.”