The General Assembly created the Commission in 1967 to achieve coordination and unity among the programs of Tennessee's post-secondary institutions and to serve as a primary source of information concerning higher education in Tennessee. Over 100, including two-year associate degrees, bachelor's, master's, educational specialist, doctor of medicine, doctor of education and doctor of philosophy. Scholars receive full tuition, room and board, and books. The program is designed to train the leaders of tomorrow and retain excellent students within the region. ETSU values the diversity of service-learning opportunities for its students in the community and region.
Participants commit for at least a year devoted to service to others.
The program is administered by the Center for Student Life and Leadership. The Center for Adult Programs and Services , located in the Advisement, Resources and Career Center, assists adult students in their transition to higher education by providing information and service assistance in a relaxing, student-oriented setting. Adult students, defined as those 23 years of age and older, comprise 40 percent of the undergraduate population and 50 percent of the total student population. ETSU's James H. Quillen College of Medicine has graduated over 950 doctors and a significant number of residents and fellows. In 2001, the number of M.D. graduates will pass the 1,000 mark.