“Finite Disappointment/Infinite Hope,” an exhibit opening Jan. 17 at The Reece Museum, is presented in tribute to and commemoration of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing quest for justice and racial equality. The exhibit features the work Washington, D.C.-based photographer and ETSU alumnus Gediyon Kifle, providing an innovative and educational retelling of historical narratives from an artist’s perspective. An opening reception and curator’s talk by Kifle will be held Thursday, Jan. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reece. http://bit.ly/2DtRumb

Looking for a good book to recommend to a young adult? Dr. Renee Lyons may have some suggestions. She has spent the past year reading over 100 books for young adults as part of her work as a committee member for the Alex Book Award. In the upcoming months, the committee will present the award to the top 10 books for 2018. http://bit.ly/2ATTh1e

East Tennessee State University will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15, but we plan to host a variety of activities on and surrounding the national holiday honoring the late Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy.

Today ETSU will test its gas-powered boiler system. The test began at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. During the test, steam will be released that may generate a plume as high as 250 feet in the air. The steam vapors are harmless. As the steam is released, a high-pitched whistle sound will be heard. Though the sound is not continuous, it will be repeated several times throughout the test period. Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the campus will likely hear the roaring whistle sounds. This is the first test of the system that has occurred since the new natural gas boilers were installed this past summer. For more information, contact ETSU Facilities Management at 423-439-7900.

Theatre and Dance at ETSU is holding auditions for two upcoming shows! Check out the information below for details.

Meet Isaac Kinser! He's no stranger to ETSU. He’s been on campus since enrolling at University School in fifth grade. The junior exercise science major plans to commission as an Army officer once he graduates from ETSU, but he didn’t always feel so confident in his future. The Army ROTC program has helped him find direction and given him an opportunity to focus on his passion for physical fitness by participating in the Army Ranger Challenge team. http://bit.ly/2D792ED

ETSU will test its gas-powered boiler system on Tuesday, Jan. 9, beginning at 7 a.m. The test is scheduled to conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. During the test, steam will be released that may generate a plume as high as 250 feet in the air. The steam vapors are harmless. As the steam is released, a high-pitched whistle sound will be heard. Though the sound is not continuous, it will be repeated several times throughout the test period. Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the campus will likely hear the roaring whistle sounds. This is the first test of the system that has occurred since the new natural gas boilers were installed this past summer. For more information, contact ETSU Facilities Management at 423-439-7900.

Research on learning indicates that important skills for young children to have include the ability to ask questions, analyze and interpret data and to engage in debate regarding the evidence. And to develop these skills, Dr. Jane Broderick from ETSU's Claudius G. Clemmer College of Education says preschoolers need to be engaging in daily conversations as a context for learning. She is leading a new research study at ETSU involving an educational model that provides teachers with skills on observing and interpreting what preschoolers are thinking.

Meet Sydney Burchell! You’ll often find the junior public health major knee-deep – literally – in the hands-on learning opportunities provided at The Niswonger VILLAGE at Valleybrook. The real-life simulation lab for ETSU College of Public Health puts students right in the middle of third-world countries and forces them to address problems faced by the native people of those regions. http://bit.ly/2EB4qXJ

Happy New Year! 🎉

Along the Horizon: Contemporary Drawing in Tennessee opens on January 16th! It’s an exhibition focused on artists living in or from Tennessee. Curated by ETSU Department of Art & Design professors Andrew Scott Ross and Vanessa Mayoraz, Along the Horizon events will be at the The Reece Museum and ETSU Slocumb Galleries. http://bit.ly/2pXIR0k

Dr. Robert Beeler, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has been praised for his lively, witty and entertaining teaching style that makes mathematics fun for students. Dr. Beeler is the 2017 recipient of ETSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching, one of the highest honors given to faculty at the university. Dr. Beeler was the guest speaker during ETSU’s morning Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. Below are his remarks to members of the graduating class. http://bit.ly/2zKTuTz