1276 Gilbreath Dr.

Box 70300
Johnson City, TN 37614
P 423-439-1000
F 423-439-1000
t
August 13, 2021

To our neighbors and leaders across the Appalachian Highlands,

As leaders in healthcare and education we want to be clear about our positions on fighting the COVID-19
pandemic. The inconsistent messages found throughout multiple media platforms have left many
people understandably uncertain about the best ways to stay safe and carry on with everyday activities.
We appreciate this opportunity to share what we believe are the best steps for everyone to take in this
difficult time:

Vaccines work to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Over 150 million Americans have been
vaccinated against COVID-19 providing excellent data to the risk benefit ratio. The risks of this vaccine
are far less than the risk of the illness. There is a very strong correlation between a state’s rate of
vaccination and their death rate from COVID-19. The best way to prevent continuing spread of the virus
is vaccination. Everyone should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Masks work and prevent spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19. We agree with the CDC
recommendation that masks should be worn indoors during times of increased viral transmission. We
are certainly in a time of increased transmission in our region and across Tennessee. We have
implemented indoor mask requirements across the university campuses, and call on our local leaders to
do the same. Masks will slow viral transmission and may help businesses and schools to remain open.
We encourage all to support businesses and others that require masks to keep us all safe.

These recommendations are made solely for the safety and health of our community. We all need to
work together and support one another during this battle with the COVID-19 virus. While opinions may
differ, we must all remember that the fight is against illness, not against our neighbors. If you have
questions about vaccines or masks, please contact your healthcare provider. Stay safe.

Brian E. Noland, PhD

President
East Tennessee State University

Kimberly McCorkle, JD
Provost/Sr. Vice President for Academics
East Tennessee State University

ETSU.EDU
 1276 Gilbreath Dr.
Box 70300
Johnson City, TN 37614
P 423-439-1000
F 423-439-1000
t

William A. Block, Jr. MD MBA FACOG

Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Dean of Medicine
President, ETSU Health
East Tennessee State University

Dr. Joe H. Sherlin

Vice President, Student Life and Enrollment
East Tennessee State University

David Linville, MD EdD

Executive Vice Provost for Academics and Health
East Tennessee State University

Randy Wykoff MD MPH&TM

Dean, College of Public Health
East Tennessee State University

Dr. David P. Adkins

Dean of University Libraries
East Tennessee State University

Joseph R. Bidwell, PhD

Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
East Tennessee State University

Debbie C. Byrd, PharmD MBA

Dean, College of Pharmacy
East Tennessee State University

ETSU.EDU
 1276 Gilbreath Dr.
Box 70300
Johnson City, TN 37614
P 423-439-1000
F 423-439-1000
t

Christopher J. Keller,
Dean, Honors College and Senior International Officer
East Tennessee State University

Sharon J. McGee, PhD

Dean, Graduate Studies
East Tennessee State University

Tony D. Pittarese, PhD

Interim Dean, College of Business and Technology
East Tennessee State University

Donald Samples, EdD RRT RPSGT

Dean and Professor
College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences
East Tennessee State University

Janna L. Scarborough, PhD

Dean, Clemmer College
East Tennessee State University

Kathryn W. Wilhoit, RN PhD NEA-BC FACHE

Interim Dean, College of Nursing
East Tennessee State University

Beth Fox, MD CPE MPH FAAFP

Associate Dean, Chief of Staff
Quillen College of Medicine
East Tennessee State University

ETSU.EDU