Northeast State Celebrates 60 Years with Homecoming Week

The college's 60th anniversary brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community for a week of spirited events and campus pride.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a stylized Northeast State Bear mascot icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a palette of neon pink, electric blue, and highlighter yellow, conceptually representing the energy and school pride of the college's 60th anniversary homecoming.The vibrant 60th anniversary homecoming celebration at Northeast State will bring the college's spirited Bear mascot to life through bold, colorful pop art.Elizabethton Today

Northeast State invites all alumni, students and faculty to join the 60th anniversary homecoming celebration beginning Monday, April 13. The celebration includes themed spirit days, student competitions, live entertainment and opportunities for alumni to reconnect with former classmates and faculty.

Why it matters

As a dynamic community college serving over 9,000 students, Northeast State's 60th anniversary is a significant milestone that highlights the institution's growth and impact on the local community over the past six decades.

The details

The spring festival and live concert welcomes students and alumni to enjoy food, fun and Bear merchandise on April 14. Alumni and friends can also attend a free concert by the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music bands of East Tennessee State University. The alumni and friends breakfast takes place on April 17, and homecoming week concludes with alumni night at the theater featuring the college's award-winning theater department's production of 'Heathers: The Musical'.

  • Homecoming Week begins on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The spring festival and live concert is on April 14, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • The alumni and friends breakfast is on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 9 a.m.
  • Alumni night at the theater is on April 17, 2026.

The players

Northeast State

A dynamic community college serving over 9,000 students and offering more than 130 academic degree and technical certificate programs at campuses in Blountville, Elizabethton, Gray and Kingsport.

Megan Davidson

The contact person for more information about Northeast State's 60th anniversary and ways to get involved.

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What’s next

Alumni and community members are encouraged to attend the homecoming week events and experience the energy and growth happening across Northeast State's campuses.

The takeaway

Northeast State's 60th anniversary homecoming celebration is a testament to the college's enduring impact on the local community, providing students with a dynamic educational experience and alumni with opportunities to reconnect and celebrate their shared Northeast State pride.