ETSU Receives $35M in State Funding for Infrastructure Improvements

University President Outlines Plans to Upgrade Aging Facilities and Boost Staff Salaries

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is set to receive $35 million in state funding to address critical infrastructure needs on its campus, including upgrading aging steam lines, water lines, power systems, and roofs. ETSU President Brian Noland said the investments will improve efficiency and energy utilization across the university. The governor's budget proposal also includes $1.5 million for staff salary enhancements.

Why it matters

ETSU's infrastructure, with some buildings dating back 50-60 years, has become increasingly outdated and inefficient. These state-funded improvements will help modernize the university's facilities and support ongoing construction projects like the new Integrated Health Sciences Building. Upgrading the campus's core systems will also boost sustainability efforts and free up resources to focus on the school's academic mission.

The details

The $35 million in proposed state funding would go towards critical behind-the-scenes operations at ETSU, including upgrading steam lines, water lines, power systems, and roofs across the aging campus. President Noland said the university's central steam plant has become increasingly inefficient due to leaks and other issues. The infrastructure investments will improve energy usage and sustainability for the entire campus.

  • Gov. Bill Lee proposed the $35 million in funding as part of his state budget last week.
  • The budget proposal must still be approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • If approved, ETSU plans to spend about a year on design and development before breaking ground on the infrastructure projects.

The players

Brian Noland

President of East Tennessee State University.

Bill Lee

Governor of Tennessee, who proposed the $35 million in state funding for ETSU's infrastructure improvements.

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What they’re saying

“This is on the back end of what our historic investments by Gov. Lee's administration and capital projects across the university. So as we look at the state of the institution from a financial perspective, we're in an outstanding position.”

— Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University (WJHL)

“What that will do is that'll improve efficiency. It'll improve energy utilization for the entire campus. We're a campus where the bulk of our facilities run off a central steam plant. So this will make our university much more efficient.”

— Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University (WJHL)

What’s next

The Tennessee General Assembly must approve Gov. Lee's proposed budget, including the $35 million in funding for ETSU's infrastructure projects. If approved, the university will then spend about a year on design and development before breaking ground on the upgrades.

The takeaway

These state-funded infrastructure investments at ETSU will help modernize the university's aging facilities, boost sustainability and efficiency, and support ongoing construction projects. By upgrading critical behind-the-scenes systems, ETSU can focus more resources on its academic mission and providing a high-quality education for students.