Demonstrating a continued commitment to strengthening Tennessee's public universities, Governor Bill Lee's proposed budget includes significant investments in East Tennessee State University's infrastructure and campus modernization.
Unveiled during last night's State of the State address, the plan approves $19.2 million for critical utility infrastructure at ETSU, $7 million for capital maintenance and $2.5 million for upgrades at the ETSU–Eastman Valleybrook location. The proposal also includes operating support for both the main campus and ETSU Health programs, reinforcing the university's role in educating students, expanding research and serving the region's health care needs.
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland thanked state leaders for their continued investment in the university and the region.
"We are deeply grateful to Governor Lee and the members of the Tennessee General Assembly for their steadfast support of East Tennessee State University," Noland said. "The investments proposed in this budget, particularly in infrastructure and capital maintenance, will help ensure that our campus remains safe, resilient and equipped to serve students, patients and the broader community for decades to come."
ETSU's capital infrastructure priorities advanced through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's rigorous review process. They were included among only four higher education capital projects statewide recommended in the Governor's proposed budget. This designation reflects the strength of the university's strategic planning and the state's recognition that modern, reliable facilities are essential to student success, research innovation and the health and economic vitality of Tennessee communities.
Jeremy Ross, ETSU's vice president for administration, said the investment will address systems that touch nearly every part of campus life.
"This project is less visible than others we've had funded over the past few years, such as support for the new Academic Building or the renovation of Brown Hall. But utility infrastructure undergirds everything we do," Ross said. “This funding will allow ETSU to modernize critical systems, improve efficiency and reliability and create the kind of learning and working environments our students, faculty and staff deserve. It represents responsible stewardship in helping us preserve existing assets that are better managed and maintained with modernized infrastructure."
The $7 million in capital maintenance funding will support high-priority projects designed to preserve university facilities, enhance safety and accessibility and extend the life of existing academic and research spaces.
Noland emphasized that state investment in public higher education drives opportunity well beyond campus boundaries.
"ETSU exists to improve the lives of people in Northeast Tennessee and beyond," he said. "These investments strengthen our ability to prepare the next generation of health professionals, educators, scientists and leaders, while also supporting economic growth and community well-being. We thank Governor Lee and the General Assembly for investing in the foundation that makes that work possible."
The Governor's proposal now moves to the Tennessee General Assembly, where it will undergo legislative review and consideration before a final state budget is adopted at the close of the session.
