Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

JOHNSON CITY – “They were kind,” wrote one student, “and actually made me feel like they care about my college career.”

Another student commented on persistence, and one more said marketing content was “very attention-getting.”

Researchers recorded these comments as part of a survey produced by Encoura, a national company that analyzes higher education.

When it comes to recruitment communication, East Tennessee State University was one of four winners selected from across the nation alongside the University of Wyoming, Mississippi State University and the University of Chicago.

“East Tennessee State University stood out to students through its early outreach and persistence,” wrote analysts at Encoura. “Balancing engagement and avoiding annoyance, the university effectively reached younger students and maintained regular contact.”

Staff and counselors in a variety of offices, including the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, ETSU Online, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and University Marketing and Communications, aim to create a deeply personalized experience that help students and their families make informed decisions.

Through email, social media, high school visits, and various in-person gatherings, ETSU staff communicate important dates and deadlines, showcase what it’s like to live on campus, highlight academic programs, point out career paths and more.

The university has also worked to illustrate that students getting hands-on learning opportunities is at the core of ETSU’s approach to education. Across a range of programs, the goal is straightforward: help students shift seamlessly from enrollment to employment.

“Our talented staff work hard each day to ensure that current and prospective students have both important information about ETSU and the college experience more generally, as well as show that we genuinely care,” said Dr. Joe Sherlin, vice president for Student Life and Enrollment.

Encoura surveyed thousands of college-bound high school students, asking them to provide insights into excellent college communicators.

“By consistently providing relevant information with a friendly and caring tone, they managed to avoid alienating these students,” noted Encoura. “Students were particularly impressed with the school’s email communication.”

ETSU is home to a vibrant community and works to ensure everyone feels a deep sense of belonging.

Learn more about ETSU at etsu.edu and follow updates at etsu.edu/etsu-news.