For 2,061 members of East Tennessee State University’s Class of 2026, Commencement marked both a milestone and a beginning. It was a celebration of hard work, perseverance and the people and experiences that shaped each graduate’s journey.

Lauren Brandt of Manchester Peyton Meeker of Manchester Macie Lawrence of Manchester Robert Merchant of Tullahoma Jaxen Waggoner of Manchester Erika Leone of Tullahoma Tydrell Mitchell of Tullahoma Chloe Cowan of Taft East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.