The East Tennessee State University National Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2025 Alumni Award recipients. The annual Evening of Distinction and ETSU PRIDE event was held on Nov. 14.

Bryan Daniels

Bryan Daniels was named the 2025 ETSU Outstanding Alumnus. A Greeneville native, Daniels holds degrees in communications, computer science and manufacturing engineering technology from ETSU. His early leadership engagement began through the National Youth Leadership Council and continued at ETSU, where he led student organizations, including Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and contributed to student government. As a student, he co-authored a bill in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature that was later adopted into law.

After earning his degrees, Daniels served ETSU as Greek Advisor and later gained experience in economic development through state government and private sector roles. Since 2001, he has led the Blount Partnership, becoming president and CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, the partnership has recruited over 90 companies, attracted $4.5 billion in investment and created more than 18,000 high-wage jobs. In 2025, he made history as the first chairman of the International Economic Development Council.

Daniels’ achievements have earned him honors such as induction into the ETSU Business Hall of Fame and recognition as a Top 50 Economic Developer in North America. He remains dedicated to his community and alma mater through board service and mentorship. Daniels is the son of Tom and Joyce Daniels (Class of 1967), husband to Kimberly Graham Daniels (Class of 1997), and father to future Buc, Thomas Graham Daniels.

Dr. Bonnie L. Burchett

Dr. Bonnie L. Burchett was named the 2025 Outstanding Alumna, capping a nearly five-decade career of service and leadership at her alma mater.

A three-time ETSU graduate (class of 1974, 1981 and 1999), Burchett devoted more than half a century to the university, including 21 years as director of Housing and Residence Life. Under her leadership, ETSU’s residential population and facilities grew significantly, and she advocated tirelessly for student quality of life, embodying the university’s core value: “People Come First.”

Raised on a farm in Jonesville, Virginia, Burchett first arrived at ETSU in 1972 and never left, working as a resident advisor and director while completing her studies. She later earned a master’s in counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis. In 1977, Burchett became ETSU’s first coordinator for Residence Life; she went on to become a foundational leader in campus housing.

More than 100,000 students have lived in ETSU housing during her tenure. Highlights of her service include launching and supporting traditions such as pancake breakfasts, Preview, living-learning communities, and co-founding the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy. The annual Block Party at Dr. Bonnie L. Burchett Field, named in her honor, remains central to ETSU’s Welcome Week traditions.

Burchett has also held leadership roles in organizations such as Phi Kappa Phi, serving as chapter relations officer, treasurer, and president. She was active on the President’s Trust, Anniversary Committee, and ETSU Staff Senate, and is a two-time ETSU Distinguished Staff Award recipient (1994, 2014).

Known for her warmth, faith and love of Southern gospel music, Burchett leaves a legacy of compassion, service and Buccaneer pride. Her impact is felt throughout the ETSU community.

Becky Buller

Becky Buller received the 2025 Distinguished Alumna in the Arts Award. Buller, a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter from St. James, Minnesota, has emerged as a leading figure in bluegrass music.

Her songs have been recorded by artists including Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and appear on three Grammy Award-winning albums. A ten-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award winner, Buller was the first woman to win the IBMA Fiddler of the Year Award and the first artist to capture both vocal and instrumental categories.

Buller’s recent projects include the 2024 album “Jubilee,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart, and “Songs That Sing Me.” Her cover of Orleans’ “Reach” topped the Bluegrass Unlimited National Airplay Chart. She is nominated for the 2025 IBMA Songwriter and Mentor of the Year Awards.

For over 20 years, Buller has taught fiddle, voice and songwriting workshops internationally and serves on the board of the IBMA Foundation, helping award $50,000 annually in scholarships and grants. In 2023, she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

Buller resides in Manchester, Tennessee, with her husband, Jeff Haley, and their daughter, Romy.

Dr. Wilsie Bishop

Dr. Wilsie Bishop, a lifelong advocate for ETSU and a visionary in health professions education, was named the 2025 ETSU Honorary Alumna.

Bishop is a native of Appomattox County, Virginia, and began her distinguished career as a critical care nurse at the Medical College of Virginia during the pioneering era of heart transplants and coronary bypass surgeries. She was among the first nurses to receive the American Nurses Association certification in critical care while serving at the 97th Army General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bishop joined ETSU in 1978 as a temporary faculty member in the College of Nursing. She ascended through the university’s ranks, ultimately serving as professor, department chair, dean, vice president and senior vice president for academics and provost. Over 43 years, Bishop led significant growth and innovation, especially in interdisciplinary health care and interprofessional education. Her efforts led to the creation of Bishop Hall, ETSU’s Interprofessional Education and Research Center, and the development of the ETSU Health brand, uniting the university’s health sciences colleges.

During her tenure under six university presidents, Bishop became a fixture at more than 100 commencements and earned national recognition, including induction into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013 and the James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 2019.

Bishop, who retired in June 2021, is also a dedicated mother and grandmother. The university is proud to honor her decades of service and officially welcome her to the ETSU Alumni Family.

Missy Testerman

ETSU named Missy Testerman, an acclaimed educator from Rogersville, as the 2025 recipient of the ETSU Award of Honor. The award recognizes Testerman’s more than 30 years of service and her transformative impact on students as a teacher, leader and advocate for educational excellence.

Testerman currently serves as an English as a Second Language specialist at Rogersville City School. Her work in the classroom and community has built bridges of understanding and belonging, earning her national acclaim. In 2024, she was named National Teacher of the Year on the CBS Morning Show, becoming a voice for thousands of educators and students across the country.

A first-generation college graduate, Testerman holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in reading education from ETSU, in addition to ESL licensure from Freed-Hardeman University. Renowned for her compassion, hands-on teaching style and dedication to diverse and underserved students, Testerman also remains engaged with ETSU as a guest speaker and mentor.

Earlier this year, Testerman was the keynote speaker at ETSU's May Commencement ceremony.

Testerman and her husband, David, are lifelong residents of Rogersville, where they raised their children, Andrew and Caroline. Her daughter is currently a graduate student at ETSU, continuing the family’s proud Buccaneer tradition.

Judge Zachary R. Walden

Judge Zachary R. Walden received the 2025 PRIDE of ETSU Award, recognizing his commitment to integrity, service and justice in Tennessee’s Eighth Judicial District.

Walden, a 2013 graduate of ETSU, is currently the youngest trial judge in the state and has served on the Criminal and Recovery Courts since 2022. In 2024, he launched the 8th Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court, expanding support for veterans in Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union counties.

Throughout his career, Walden has held numerous leadership positions, including membership on the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Technology Oversight Committee and as chair of the Tennessee Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. He also teaches criminal practice skills at Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law and serves as secretary for the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Previously, Walden practiced law in Knoxville at Eldridge and Blakney, with appearances on “Killer Cases” and “Court Cam Presents: Under Oath.” He received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2016, earning multiple academic honors.

Walden has been recognized by the American Bar Association’s On the Rise Award, Knoxville News Sentinel’s 40 Under 40 and the University of Alabama School of Law’s Rising Young Lawyer Award. He lives in Jacksboro, Tennessee, and remains active in his community and church.

Ted R. Hughes

Ted R. Hughes, a native of Carter County and an ETSU graduate, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus in Public Service.

Hughes graduated from Elizabethton High School before attending ETSU, where he earned a business degree as part of the class of 1959. His strong connection to the university continued throughout his career and beyond.

A pivotal moment in Hughes’ life came on his 20th birthday when he received a $5 bill from his father, who passed away days later. Hughes has kept the bill as a treasured remembrance. After his father’s death, Hughes helped raise his three sisters on the family farm in Carter County, where he still spends much of his free time and is well-known for his tomatoes.

After graduation, Hughes worked for Clinchfield Railroad and later as a business manager and treasurer at a local architectural firm before opening a package beer store in 1973. He served as president of the Johnson City Jaycees and was named Johnson City Outstanding Young Man in 1975.

Hughes always remained active with ETSU, serving two terms as president of the ETSU Alumni Association. During his tenure, Hughes helped launch the university’s alumni awards program and introduced the first honorees. On Sept. 1, 1977, Hughes joined ETSU’s Advancement and Alumni Office, where he worked for 27 years, helping launch the university’s first $1 million endowment, the Committee for 1000.

After retiring in 2004, Hughes immediately became active in the ETSU Retirement Association, serving in multiple leadership roles.

Hughes credits his family with teaching him the values of hard work and service.

“ETSU was all I ever knew,” he said.

Kayla Clawson and Dr. Jake Jenkins

Kayla Clawson, principal of Hampton High School, and Dr. Jake Jenkins, principal of Hampton Elementary School, were named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni in Education.

Clawson, a native of Tracy, California, holds degrees from Milligan College (now University), ETSU and Lincoln Memorial University. She is a licensed registered nurse and holds multiple credentials in health science and education leadership. Since becoming principal at Hampton High, Clawson has emphasized student leadership, community involvement and academic growth, developing notable programs such as the CTE Ambassador initiative and leading numerous school and community events.

Jenkins is from Carter County, crediting his parents, both longtime educators, for inspiring his career in education. Jenkins earned his degree in math from ETSU, followed by graduate work at Milligan University and the University of the Cumberlands. He has worked as a teacher and coach at the high school level and, more recently, at the elementary level.

Both Clawson and Jenkins demonstrated exceptional leadership in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 when flooding devastated Hampton and its schools. Together, they organized relief efforts at the Hampton Elementary Resource Center, coordinating community supply distribution, food delivery and outreach for displaced families. Colleagues noted their tireless work and commitment to ensuring every student and family received support.

Both honorees are proud parents and credit the wider community of educators -many ETSU alumni- for their work alongside them during recovery efforts.

The ETSU National Alumni Association Awards are part of an annual recognition program, which began in 1970. The Alumni Gallery, where all current and former alumni award winners are included, is beautifully displayed in a location outside the Martha Street Culp Auditorium.

As the Flagship of Appalachia, ETSU’s alumni make an impact on the region and beyond.

For more details or to submit future nominees, please contact the ETSU National Alumni Association at 423-439-4218 or email alumni@etsu.edu.

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