Three ETSU community members earned 2026 Harold Love Awards for leadership, service and impact across Appalachia and beyond.    

East Tennessee State University students Gracee DeJarnette and Noah Wren, along with staff member Charles “Chuck” Patton, are among the recipients of the 2026 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Awards for their exceptional commitment to serving others.

The Love Awards, administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their communities through volunteerism, public service and leadership, serving as ambassadors for service across Tennessee’s higher education institutions.

The program is named for the late state Rep. Harold Love, who was instrumental in passing the legislation that created the awards in 1991. According to THEC, “Love would go to any lengths to help a constituent in need, even if it meant giving from his own pocket. That is why whenever he was present during a session of the House of Representatives, it was said, ‘Love is in the House.’”

Gracee DeJarnette

DeJarnette, a Global Citizen Scholar from Clinton, Tennessee, was nominated for her work in building awareness of human trafficking and child slavery.  During a study abroad trip to Ghana, she and her fellow students focused on human rights, particularly human trafficking. DeJarnette founded the ETSU chapter of International Justice Mission, an organization that aims to end modern-day slavery. The chapter has hosted advocacy and fundraising efforts, including a run, a pop-up thrift store, a farmers’ market, prayer events, and “Coffee and Congress,” during which members provided free coffee and encouraged students to contact their senators and representatives.

“Through her leadership, Gracee has mobilized the ETSU community to confront one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time,” wrote ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland in his recommendation letter. “Her work demonstrates the extraordinary impact that one dedicated student can have in raising awareness, inspiring action and building a community committed to justice.”

Noah Wren

Wren, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was nominated for his dedication to improving the well-being of underserved communities in Appalachia and beyond. Wren graduates this spring with his Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in biostatistics after participating in ETSU’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Program, and aims to graduate in 2030 with a Pharm.D. from Gatton College of Pharmacy.

As a public health student, Wren participated in Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics and Drug Take-Back events and volunteered with Appalachian Miles for Smiles clinics. He helped in community health initiatives through study abroad in Quito, Ecuador. He also served in projects related to environmental sustainability, park clean-ups and honoring local veterans.

“Despite the demands of work, academics and service, Noah consistently demonstrates dedication, leadership and compassion,” wrote Noland, who praised Wren’s “tireless efforts to support vulnerable populations and his dedication to improving health outcomes.”

Chuck Patton

Charles “Chuck” Patton, executive aide in the ETSU Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences, has an extensive record of service to the campus and community.

Patton has played a leadership role with Bucky’s Food Pantry since its inception, transforming it into a comprehensive support network for students experiencing food insecurity. After Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in the region, he organized a university-wide effort to collect and deliver emergency supplies to impacted communities.

Before coming to ETSU in 2002, Patton served for 23 years as a U.S. Marine, earning numerous medals and certificates, and retired at the rank of master sergeant.

Patton, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at ETSU and is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in geosciences, was recently named to the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team.

“In every role he holds, Chuck Patton demonstrates an unwavering commitment to service,” Noland wrote in his recommendation letter. “Just as importantly, he models for students what it means to lead with integrity, compassion and humility, inspiring them to carry these values into their own careers and communities.”

Recipients of the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Awards are selected by a task force of higher education professionals from throughout Tennessee. In addition to recognition on the state website, each awardee receives a letter of congratulations from Rep. Harold Love Jr. and a $1,000 honorarium for their continued dedication to outstanding community service.

“ETSU has had 10 Harold Love Award recipients in the past four years,” said Dr. Susan McCracken, ETSU vice provost for Community Engagement. “That number is a testament to the high value our university and its students, faculty and staff place on seeking ways to help the people around them and solve problems using creative solutions.”

Learn more about the ways Bucs Go Beyond to make a positive impact on others, both on campus and in the community.

‍