During the recent East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Board of Trustees meeting, a significant focus was placed on the university's response to Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just prior to the meeting. Dr. Sherlund, along with student leaders Morgan Blazer, Scott O'Brackett, and Shana Thompson, provided a detailed account of the university's efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane, highlighting the remarkable resilience and community spirit displayed by students and staff.

As Hurricane Helene approached, students were initially preparing for Homecoming Week. However, the storm's impact quickly shifted their focus to supporting affected communities. Zeta Carver, an undergraduate student, shared her experience of worrying about her family in Western North Carolina and her subsequent efforts to deliver supplies to her home community. Her story exemplified the broader response from ETSU, where students, faculty, and staff mobilized to assist those in need.

The meeting showcased the university's extensive relief efforts, including a blood drive that became the largest on campus, with students waiting for hours to donate. Classes were canceled to allow the community to assess needs and provide support. Students wrote letters to families and first responders impacted by the flooding, demonstrating a deep commitment to service.

Dr. Sherlund noted that between 250 and 275 students were directly affected by the hurricane, with the university providing over $100,000 in emergency and tuition grants, housing, and food assistance. The university's civic engagement and emergency management teams had established systems prior to the hurricane, enabling a swift and organized response that connected volunteers with needs across a five-county region.

Student leaders emphasized the overwhelming support from the ETSU community and beyond. Morgan Blazer described a week-long supply drive that filled multiple rooms with donations, while Scott O'Brackett highlighted the inspiring response from students and community members, including a truckload of supplies arriving from Chattanooga.

The meeting underscored the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis, with ETSU playing a pivotal role in the regional relief efforts. As the university continues to navigate the long-term recovery process, the commitment of its students and staff remains a beacon of hope and resilience for the affected communities. The board's discussions reflected a collective determination to support those impacted and to foster a culture of service within the university.