The recent meeting of the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Board of Trustees highlighted several significant achievements and initiatives that reflect the university's commitment to excellence and community service.

One of the most notable accomplishments discussed was the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy's impressive 97 percent first-time pass rate on the North American pharmacists licensure examination, ranking second in the nation and the highest in Tennessee. This achievement underscores the quality of education provided by the college and the dedication of its students and faculty.

Additionally, ETSU celebrated the 50th anniversary of its radio station, WETS FM, marking a milestone in its long-standing service to the community. The meeting also recognized the College of Nursing, where students achieved a remarkable 98 percent pass rate on the NCLEX exam, further showcasing the university's strong nursing program.

In a testament to the leadership and academic excellence of its students, ETSU announced that one of its students received the prestigious Truman Scholarship. Furthermore, Missy Testerman, an ETSU alumna and educator, was honored as the National Teacher of the Year, exemplifying the positive impact of ETSU graduates in their communities.

The university also received significant support in its fight against the opioid crisis, with $4 million awarded by the opioid abatement council for ten projects aimed at innovative research and community outreach.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the recent commencement, where 2,028 students graduated, including 790 with honors. Notably, this year's class featured the 100th Roan Scholar and included 125 military-affiliated students, with nearly 40 percent being first-generation college graduates. The keynote speaker, Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor and former ETSU student, inspired graduates with a message about perseverance and creativity.

These discussions and achievements reflect ETSU's ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and community engagement, reinforcing its role as a vital institution in the region.