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ETSU will host its December 13 Commencement to honor 1,313 graduates, featuring keynote speakers Fred Sauceman and Tara Scarlett.
East Tennessee State University will celebrate 1,313 members of the Class of 2025 at its Commencement exercises on December 13.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments in the life of our university,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “It marks the accomplishments of our students and the promise they carry forward. Our graduates leave ETSU prepared to lead, serve and make a lasting impact throughout our region and far beyond.”
ETSU will host two commencement ceremonies on December 13, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., in the ETSU Ballad Health Athletic Center. The keynote speakers will be Fred Sauceman (10 a.m.) and Tara Scarlett (2 p.m.).
“Our commencement speakers remind us of the transformative power of education and the importance of service to our communities,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “They have made an incredible impact on our state and our region, and we look forward to welcoming them to ETSU for Commencement.”
10 a.m. Commencement ceremony
The 10 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates of Quillen College of Medicine (Biomedical Sciences), Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Studies), Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences.
Sauceman, a Greeneville native and ETSU alumnus, will address the graduates at the morning ceremony. He has dedicated decades to ETSU, where he directed University Relations for 25 years. He now serves as the university as senior writer, as well as host and creator of the WETS-FM public radio program, “Vital Voices.”
An award-winning author, columnist, and documentary filmmaker, Sauceman has chronicled Appalachian and Southern foodways for over 25 years, contributing to numerous publications and producing seven books. Widely recognized for his expertise in Appalachian culture, he has given more than 300 public presentations, created a pioneering ETSU course on regional foodways, and frequently appears on television and in print to share his insights.
2 p.m. Commencement ceremony
The 2 p.m. ceremony recognizes graduates of the College of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and College of Business and Technology.
The keynote speaker at this ceremony is Tara Scarlett, president and chief executive officer of the Scarlett Family Foundation, a Middle Tennessee-based foundation working to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.
An education reform advocate for over 20 years, Scarlett has served on the Foundation board since 2004 and has extensive leadership experience in the private sector, known for bringing people together to achieve results.
Under her direction, the foundation has made significant impacts in early literacy, public education, and college and career readiness across Middle Tennessee. Scarlett also serves as chairwoman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee’s Education and Innovation Commission, and holds board roles with SCORE, Frist Art Museum and Studio Bank. She previously held marketing leadership roles at Coca-Cola North America and Mars Petcare, and holds degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and American University.
Ceremony Details
As guests and graduates prepare to enjoy these special celebrations, please take note of the following event details:
- Doors will open to guests 60 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony.
- Guest seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible seating is available for those with mobility restrictions.
- The university’s clear-bag policy will be enforced. Metal detectors will be in place, and all guests will be screened upon entry.
- Ceremonies will be streamed live and recorded. Links will be posted on ETSU’s commencement website at www.etsu.edu/commencement.
