During its quarterly meeting today, the East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees received a first look at a new five-year research strategic plan, approved tuition and mandatory fees for the 2026-27 academic year, granted tenure and promotion to 56 faculty members and received updates on two new academic programs recently approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

A new vision for research at ETSU

The board received an overview of ETSU's FY2027-FY2031 Research Strategic Plan, developed over the past year by a 26-member task force co-chaired by Drs. Saurabh Mehta and Pamela Mims. The plan is the university's first comprehensive update to its research strategy since 2015. Over the past decade, ETSU's annual research expenditures grew from $6.9 million to $51.6 million, and its National Science Foundation HERD ranking climbed more than 120 positions.

At the heart of the plan is a refined research vision: that ETSU be recognized — through funding, rankings and impact — as one of the premier regional public research universities in the nation. The plan identifies five emphasis areas for the next five years: 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.

"This plan reflects a decade of significant growth in our research enterprise and provides a thoughtful, forward-looking framework for the years ahead," Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer, said. "By concentrating institutional investment in clearly defined areas of emphasis and strengthening the infrastructure that supports our faculty, we will be well positioned to advance scholarship that contributes meaningfully to our mission to improve the quality of life for people in this region and beyond."

By 2031, the plan aims to expand student participation in research across disciplines, deepen partnerships with healthcare systems and industry and grow ETSU's standing among regional public research universities nationally.

Tuition and fees for 2026-27

Trustees approved tuition and mandatory fees for the 2026-27 academic year. For a full-time, in-state undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours, total tuition and mandatory fees will be $11,468 per year — an increase of $474, or 4.31%, over the current year.

The increase falls below the 4.5% binding cap approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, and ETSU's total cost remains competitive with the statewide average which was $11,264 for Tennessee public universities last year and is likely to increase this year as universities make final decisions on rates. The university's approach balances rising costs — including projected increases in salaries and benefits, utilities, insurance and graduate student stipends — with a continued focus on affordability.

"Decisions regarding tuition are among the most consequential the Board of Trustees considers each year, and they are not made without careful deliberation," President Dr. Brian Noland said. "The action taken today maintains ETSU's position as one of the most affordable public institutions in Tennessee while providing the resources necessary to sustain academic quality, support our employees and continue investing in the programs and facilities our students rely on."  

Reduced tuition for Gatton College of Pharmacy

Separately, trustees approved an additional reduction in tuition at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Backed by a recent $3.2 million recurring state appropriation, in-state pharmacy tuition will decrease approximately 10% beginning this year. Combined with prior reductions made possible through state funding since 2023, in-state PharmD tuition will have decreased by 35.9% overall to $24,785, saving students approximately $55,556 over the course of the four-year program.

"We are deeply grateful to the members of the Tennessee General Assembly for their continued investment in Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy," Dr. Debbie Byrd, Dean of Gatton College of Pharmacy, said. "This support translates directly into meaningful savings for our students, allowing them to pursue their PharmD with significantly less financial burden. Reducing the cost of pharmacy education is essential to building Tennessee's healthcare workforce, particularly in the rural and underserved communities where our graduates so often choose to serve."

Tenure and promotion for 56 faculty

The board approved tenure and/or promotion for 56 faculty members.

"The awarding of tenure and promotion represents one of the most significant recognitions a university confers upon its faculty," ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle said. "The individuals recognized today have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, and their contributions strengthen the academic mission of East Tennessee State University. It is a privilege to bring their accomplishments before the Board of Trustees."

Two new degree programs

Trustees also received an update on two new academic programs recently approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and now open for fall 2026 applications: a Master of Science in Environment, Health and Disaster Sciences — the first program of its kind in the state — and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which builds on a fast-growing concentration and will be offered at both the Johnson City campus and the ETSU Sevierville Center instructional site. Both programs were designed in response to workforce demand in the region and across Tennessee.

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