The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Board of Trustees convened on November 17, 2023, to discuss key updates and strategic initiatives impacting the university's future. The meeting began with a focus on the accounting department's efforts to engage high school students and their parents, addressing concerns about declining interest in the accounting profession. The department has actively reached out to local high schools, resulting in a notable increase in student interest over the past two years. This outreach emphasizes the job security associated with accounting careers, resonating well with both students and their families.

Following this discussion, Dr. Mykhoff presented an update on the university's strategic agenda and key performance indicators (KPIs). He noted that ETSU is currently performing well, with a strong focus on access, success, and impact as the main drivers of its operational framework. While enrollment figures have improved, there remains a challenge with mail enrollment, a common issue faced by many institutions.

Dr. Mykhoff highlighted that despite a slight regression in graduation rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university is optimistic about future trends, particularly with incoming freshmen showing promising retention rates. He also mentioned the importance of partnerships and surveys to assess student outcomes, indicating that the university's performance is above expectations compared to similar institutions.

The presentation also covered institutional impact metrics, including community engagement through the Martin Center, which has seen increased participation. However, there was a noted decline in athletic event attendance, attributed to the challenges of maintaining competitive teams.

In terms of employee engagement, Dr. Mykhoff acknowledged some regression in survey data related to workplace satisfaction, particularly during the transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. He expressed confidence that improvements in human resources processes would enhance employee experience moving forward.

The meeting concluded with a summary of the university's overall progress and the importance of continuing to tell ETSU's story effectively. The board looks forward to further updates in the spring, particularly regarding research activities and financial metrics.