ETSU Honors the First Black Students Who Desegregated Its Campus with a New Memorial Featuring Life-Sized Bronze Statues

ETSU Unveils New Memorial to Honor Pioneering Black Students

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has selected a new memorial design to honor the five Black students who desegregated its campus in the late 1950s. The tribute will feature life-sized bronze statues of these trailblazers, created by Detroit-based sculptor Austen Brantley. The statues will be installed near the existing memorial fountain in Borchuck Plaza, in front of the Sherrod Library.

This decision follows damage to the original sculpture in the memorial fountain caused by extreme winter conditions. The university formed a committee to find a more lasting and meaningful way to commemorate these historic students.

The Significance of the New Memorial

The five students—Eugene Caruthers, Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Clarence McKinney, George L. Nichols, and Mary Luellen Owens Wagner—played a crucial role in desegregating ETSU. Their courage helped pave the way for future generations of Black students.

Keith Johnson, ETSU’s Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, emphasized the importance of this recognition.

“We honor presidents and donors who played key roles in the university’s history,” Johnson said. “These five students made a bold and pivotal decision to attend ETSU when they had other options, and their impact deserves to be recognized.”

A More Interactive and Informative Experience

Unlike the previous abstract design, the new memorial will provide a clearer tribute to these historic students. The university is also considering adding an interactive element, such as a QR code, to share the life stories of the honorees.

One of the students, George L. Nichols, was involved in ETSU’s ROTC program. Johnson hopes visitors will be able to scan the code and learn about Nichols’ experiences both academically and in the military.

Currently, two of the five students—Elizabeth Watkins Crawford and George L. Nichols—are still alive. Crawford lives in Elizabethton, while Nichols recently moved to Nashville. Nichols remains connected to ETSU through the George Nichols Academy, which provides mentorship and resources to students.

Honoring Black History Amidst National Trends

ETSU’s commitment to celebrating Black history contrasts with ongoing debates about historical erasure in education. Johnson pointed out the significance of recognizing Black pioneers at a time when some institutions are reducing or altering historical curricula.

“While we see some parts of the country attempting to remove African American history, ETSU is preserving and celebrating it,” Johnson stated.

The university plans to hold a ceremony for the unveiling of the statues, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and historical recognition.

Completion and Unveiling Timeline

Brantley has already begun sculpting models and molds for the statues. The project is expected to be completed by August of this year. Once installed, the memorial will stand as a lasting testament to the resilience and courage of the students who helped shape ETSU’s history.