ETSU secures state pharmacy funding, HRSA grant and approves new programs

Board members heard several funding and program announcements affecting health and academic offerings at East Tennessee State University.

Chair Stegall Jones reported that the Tennessee General Assembly approved $3,200,000 in recurring funding for the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy this year, adding to earlier state and local support for the college. President Dr. Nolan described the legislative work that secured pharmacy funding and emphasized the effort required to “get pharmacy across the finish line” during the session.

The board also learned that ETSU Health Family Medicine was awarded a $2,400,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to launch a street‑medicine program serving people experiencing homelessness in the region. The program will initially train approximately 60 resident physicians, with plans to expand to Kingsport and Bristol and to reach about 140 residents within five years; care is expected to be delivered at shelters, day centers and encampments.

Separately, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved a Master of Science in environment, health, and disaster sciences and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management at ETSU. The president and provost said these programs were developed with community partners to address regional workforce needs.

What happens next: The university will align Gatton tuition recommendations to the new state support, implement the HRSA grant activities through ETSU Health, and submit any necessary curricular materials and implementation plans to THEC and internal governance for next steps.