East Tennessee State University will join a new national network focused on helping rural students succeed in college, complete degrees and connect with careers that strengthen their communities.
Ithaka S+R and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) selected ETSU as one of just 17 institutions nationwide for the Rural Student Success Network, a two-year initiative centered on transfer students, adult learners and workforce development in rural regions.
The selection comes as ETSU continues to build momentum around student success, affordability and regional impact.
This year, ETSU reported spring enrollment growth and strong retention rates, with first-time student fall-to-spring retention reaching 90.9%. The university also continues to earn national recognition for affordability and outcomes. In 2025, Money named ETSU one of the top value universities in the nation, citing the university’s combination of quality, affordability and student success.
“ETSU has long understood that when our students succeed, our region succeeds,” said ETSU President Brian Noland. “This initiative allows us to collaborate with peer institutions across the country while continuing to strengthen pathways for transfer students, support adult learners and align our academic programs with the workforce needs of the communities we serve.”
The initiative aligns closely with ETSU’s mission of improving the quality of life for the people of Appalachia and beyond through education, student support and economic development.
In recent years, ETSU has expanded several efforts designed to help students stay on track academically and personally. That includes the launch of the Mary V. Jordan Center, a centralized student support hub that connects students with mentoring, guidance and campus resources.
More about the network
Participating universities will share strategies, examine student success efforts and study workforce needs in their regions.
The network will focus on three main priorities: helping community college transfer students complete bachelor’s degrees, supporting adult learners returning to college and connecting academic programs with regional workforce demands.
As part of the initiative, ETSU will participate in peer-learning opportunities, complete institutional self-assessments and receive data designed to help university leaders strengthen programs and improve student outcomes.
The network will also produce a public report highlighting effective practices and lessons learned for rural-serving institutions across the country.
Other participating institutions include the University of North Dakota, Jacksonville State University and Eastern Oregon University.
