East Tennessee State University’s 2025-26 Great Lecture Series continues on Friday, Nov. 7, with lectures by Drs. Frederick Gordon, Nathan Hale and Heather Killmeyer.
This lecture series celebrates and showcases the work of faculty recently promoted to full professor at ETSU. Faculty play an integral role in the mission of ETSU through their teaching, research and service, and this lecture series provides them with an opportunity to share their work with the broader community.
The faculty will deliver their lectures beginning at 2 p.m. in the East Tennessee Room on the second level of the D.P. Culp Student Center. It is free and open to the public.
Dr. Frederick Gordon on a story of perseverance
Gordon is a professor of Political Science and coordinator and lead accreditation faculty for the ETSU Master of Public Administration program. His lecture is titled “Focus and Perseverance: A Professor’s Story.”
He holds a master's degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in political science from the University of Southern California. He has written extensively on environmental policy issues, but in recent times has incorporated the presidency into his body of work. His most recent book is titled The Damming of the Presidency: How Environmental Factors Shape a Political Campaign.
Dr. Nathan Hale on traversing paths unseen
Hale is a professor in the Department of Health Services Management and Policy and the associate dean for research in the College of Public Health.
Following the completion of his doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina in 2010, Dr. Hale spent five years as a research faculty at the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center. He joined ETSU in 2015 and is currently in his 11th academic year at the university.
Prior to his tenure in academia, Hale worked in public health practice as an epidemiologist, county health director and deputy director of the South Carolina Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
His lecture is titled “Converging the Streams and Paths Unseen.”
Dr. Heather Killmeyer on life as an oboist
Killmeyer is a professor in the Department of Music.
She began her oboe journey at age 12 and has endeavored to continuously develop her skills as a musician, communicating and connecting with audiences through the oboe.
Her pursuits have led to performances across four continents in orchestras, festivals, recitals and film scores. She has made over 6,000 oboe reeds since heading off to college at age 17. She joined the faculty at ETSU in 2012.
Her lecture is titled “Arudno Donax: Life as an Oboist.”
ETSU faculty lead the way in research, teaching and service, helping to position ETSU as the flagship of Appalachia.
For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.
