From Colonies to Counties: Thanksgiving Through the Eyes of Tennessee’s Founders
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’ve looked back at its colonial origins and its humble observance on the Appalachian frontier. But what did Thanksgiving mean to the men and women who shaped Tennessee itself? To understand that, we must step into the minds of the state’s founders—people like John Sevier, William Blount, and the early settlers who […]
Jefferson County High School Senior Emma Disney Becomes 4th Generation Tennessee Tech Student
When it came time for Jefferson County High School senior Emma Disney to consider her college options, she didn’t hesitate. “I was dead set on coming to Tennessee Tech,” she said. While the East Tennessee native had plenty of schools vying for her attention thanks to her 4.0 GPA, enrolling at Tech was a family […]
Frontier Gratitude: How Early Settlers Celebrated in the Wilderness
When we think of Thanksgiving, images of Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered around a harvest feast often come to mind. But by the time settlers reached the hills and hollows of East Tennessee, the holiday had already begun to evolve—shaped by hardship, isolation, and the rugged realities of frontier life. In Jefferson County, where settlement […]
Carson-Newman University names award-winning composer McDonald to music faculty
Carson-Newman University announced that award-winning composer Mary McDonald will serve as composer-in-residence in the University’s Music Department. The 1978 Carson-Newman alumna is well-known in the field of sacred music. With a career spanning over 40 years, her songs appear in the catalogs of every major publisher of church music. More than 1,700 compositions through anthems, seasonal […]
Before Tennessee: Thanksgiving in the Age of Exploration
As families across Jefferson County prepare for Thanksgiving, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the holiday’s origins—long before Tennessee was a state, before Jefferson County was founded, and even before the Appalachian frontier was mapped. The story of Thanksgiving begins not in the hills of East Tennessee, but on the rocky shores of New England, […]
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Scales Support to Meet Need During Shutdown
Effective immediately, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee has activated its emergency plan in response to growing nutrition access needs throughout our 18-county service area. Thanks to steadfast community support, all programs continue uninterrupted as we work to meet rising demand with compassion and resolve. Thousands of families across East Tennessee are facing uncertainty, […]
Carson-Newman Serve Day leads over 600 students to help others across region
More than 600 Carson-Newman students gathered together for the University’s annual Serve Day. Despite rainy conditions, the Sept. 24 event led members of the C-N community to join students in service projects across four East Tennessee counties. Carson-Newman’s Courtenay Folk says the event embodies the University’s heart for community engagement and Christian compassion. “Serve Day […]
Op-Ed: Douglas Lake’s Comeback — A Story of Resilience, Trust and Community
Douglas Lake has always been more than a reservoir. For many, it’s a livelihood. For others, it’s relaxation and treasured family memories. For all of us, it’s a place of connection, recreation and renewal. When Tropical Storm Helene swept through last fall, it changed everything and altered lives. In just a few days, the lake […]
Carson-Newman presents Reagan with 2025 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award
Carson-Newman University presented Dr. Don Reagan with the 2025 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award. The recognition came during the University’s Fall Convocation. Joining Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2023, Regan serves as assistant professor of exercise science. He is also a performance physical therapist for the University’s Athletics Department. Prior to arriving at Mossy Creek, he was […]
Tennova Healthcare – Jefferson Memorial Hospital Awarded Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification from The Joint Commission
Jefferson Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for the Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification. Jefferson Memorial Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on May 30th, 2025. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including adherence to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, staff training […]
Carson-Newman celebrated as one of nation’s most transfer-friendly universities
For the fifth consecutive year, Carson-Newman is recognized for its approach to aiding students wishing to transfer to the University. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society named Carson-Newman to its 2025 Transfer Honor Roll. The honor is in recognition of Carson-Newman’s “excellence in developing and supporting dynamic, innovative pathways for community college transfer students.” The Honor Roll is chosen from among the […]
Jefferson Memorial Hospital Unveils New Advanced 64-Slice CT Scanner with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Jefferson Memorial Hospital announces the installation of its new 64-Slice CT scanner, expanding advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities for patients in the community. To celebrate this significant investment in patient care, the hospital hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 30th, marking another milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing healthcare close to home. The new […]
Hook, line and sinker: Carson-Newman’s Helton and Wheat take Bassmaster College Series team honors
Carson-Newman University’s Zach Helton and Blake Wheat won the Bassmaster College Series Lunker Trail Division Team of the Year. The duo landed the top spot by earning the most points throughout the three regular-season events. “This accomplishment is very impressive because it recognizes the most consistent team throughout the season,” said Hunter Sales, Carson-Newman’s Eagle […]
Legacy of Service: Dandridge VFW Post Turns 80
As the summer season unfolds, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3380 in Dandridge, Tennessee, continue their steadfast dedication to honoring America’s heroes. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Post, a milestone celebrated during the town’s Memorial Day event on May 26, 2025, where the Mayor and Board of Aldermen presented an […]
Carson-Newman Nursing Students Help Children Lessen Fears of Doctor’s Office Visits
Children with Carson-Newman University’s Child Development Lab make new friends with C-N Nursing faculty and students during the second annual Teddy Bear Clinic. Hosted by C-N’s Nursing Department and held at the Drama and Ted Russell Center, the event allows children to bring their favorite stuffed animals and experience a doctor’s office or hospital setting […]
Carson-Newman online nursing program adds The Princeton Review to 2025 accolades
Carson-Newman University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is hailed by The Princeton Review as one of the best programs in the nation. The organization cites Carson-Newman’s program in its 2025 Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs listing. Carson-Newman’s MSN-FNP program is designed for nurses looking to advance their education and careers. Graduates are […]
