7 Notable East Tennessee State University Alumni

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Located in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has been a hub for higher education in the region since its founding in 1911. With a rich history of academic excellence and a diverse range of programs, ETSU has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are 7 notable East Tennessee State University alumni:

ETSU's Legacy of Producing Successful Alumni

From business leaders to artists, athletes to politicians, ETSU's alumni have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. The university's commitment to providing a high-quality education has equipped its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

1. Steven Pearlstein (B.A. in Journalism, 1977)

Steven Pearlstein is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. He is known for his insightful commentary on business and economics, and has written extensively on topics such as globalization, trade, and financial markets.

2. Ashley Judd (B.A. in French, 1990)

Ashley Judd is a renowned actress and humanitarian who has appeared in films such as "Ruby in Paradise," "Kiss the Girls," and "Olympus Has Fallen." She is also a dedicated philanthropist, working with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Women's Media Center.

3. Phillip Fulmer (B.S. in Education, 1972)

Phillip Fulmer is a legendary college football coach who served as the head coach at the University of Tennessee from 1992 to 2008. During his tenure, he led the Volunteers to two SEC championships and a national championship in 1998.

4. David E. Collins (B.S. in Business Administration, 1984)

David E. Collins is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who has founded several companies, including Collins Management Group and Collins Wealth Management. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the United Way and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

5. Cynthia Lea Clark (B.A. in Communications, 1990)

Cynthia Lea Clark is an award-winning journalist and news anchor who has worked for stations such as WJHL-TV in Johnson City and WKRN-TV in Nashville. She is known for her in-depth reporting and commitment to telling the stories of everyday people.

6. Kenny Chesney (B.A. in Advertising, 1990)

Kenny Chesney is a world-renowned country music singer-songwriter who has released 20 studio albums and had numerous chart-topping hits. He is known for his energetic live performances and has won numerous awards, including four CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.

7. Jane Hillhouse (B.S. in Nursing, 1978)

Jane Hillhouse is a respected nurse educator and researcher who has worked at institutions such as the University of Tennessee College of Nursing and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is known for her expertise in gerontological nursing and has published numerous articles on the topic.

These individuals are just a few examples of the many notable alumni who have graduated from East Tennessee State University. Their achievements demonstrate the university's commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about these notable East Tennessee State University alumni. Their stories are a testament to the university's commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields. Whether you are a current student, alumnus, or simply someone interested in learning more about ETSU, we hope this article has been informative and inspiring.