Michelle Byrd

A strong campus community is built on relationships, student engagement, and a commitment to inclusion. At East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Michelle Byrd, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, has spent over two decades fostering an environment where students feel supported and empowered. 

In today’s conversation, Michelle sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss her career journey, building unity on campus, and supporting student leadership and wellness initiatives.

Michelle’s Journey

Jack: Let’s begin with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution.

My name is Michelle Byrd and I serve as Associate VP and Dean of Students at East Tennessee State University. ETSU is a regional, public university nestled in the heart of the Appalachian mountains in Upper East Tennessee. We enroll approximately 14,000 students, many of whom are first-generation students. ETSU has an R2 Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity. We have a medical school and pharmacy school and our scholarly efforts and graduates make a distinct impact on the medical services in our region. Our alums also serve our community in other capacities such as business, education, government, and public service.

Jack: This year marks your 21st year at ETSU – what made you decide to stay there for your whole career so far?

I first came to ETSU on a temporary, time-limited contract, expecting to stay for just a year. But opportunities kept coming, and I kept saying yes. Over time, I developed strong connections with colleagues and students, and I just couldn’t imagine leaving. ETSU is special to me because I’m a Tennessee native and a first-generation college student myself. That connection with our students is incredibly important. When I can share my own story with them – about how I faced challenges and persevered – I hope it makes a difference. If it encourages just one student to stay the course, then I’ve done something worthwhile.

Jack: A key focus in student affairs is fostering a positive and unified campus experience. How are you working towards that at ETSU?

One word: community. ETSU has a tight-knit community feel, despite our size. Our faculty, staff, and students share a common goal: helping each other succeed. That starts with listening to students, supporting them through their challenges, and investing in programs that strengthen our campus culture.

We focus on creating strong connections – whether that’s through student success programs, leadership development, or community-building initiatives. Every unit and department on campus plays a role in fostering a culture of unity, and it’s about being intentional in our efforts to bridge gaps and build relationships.

Jack: In the US, particularly post-election, there has been a strong focus on fostering unity and promoting civil discourse on campus. What initiatives have you implemented to encourage students to speak across differences?

We have been intentional about creating spaces for open dialogue. One of our signature events is the Festival of Ideas, an annual event that brings together diverse speakers to share perspectives and experiences. But beyond just hearing from speakers, we also facilitate small-group discussions, where students can engage in constructive conversations and recognize that we’re more alike than different.

Throughout the year, we amplify voices and promote civil discourse through our student organizations and campus events. It’s about creating opportunities for engagement and ensuring that all students feel heard and valued.

Jack: A common challenge we hear about is getting students to engage with these important campus discussions. How do you encourage participation?

Students are busy, and it can be tough to get them to attend events, but timing and incentives play a big role. Food always helps! Sometimes students don’t realize what they’re missing until they show up and experience the value firsthand. Once they engage, they often find these discussions meaningful and impactful.

We also focus on meeting students where they are – whether that’s through social media, residence halls, or student organizations. The key is to remove barriers to engagement and make it as easy and inviting as possible for students to participate.

Jack: Are there any other key focus areas for you right now in terms of student engagement?

Two major areas: developing student leaders and enhancing student wellness. I work closely with our Student Government Association and other leadership programs because investing in student leaders benefits the entire campus. Student leaders set the tone, and their impact reaches far beyond their own organizations.

Student wellness is also a top priority – not just mental health, but holistic well-being. We’ve been expanding resources and workshops to support students in managing stress, building resilience, and finding balance. One key lesson we’ve learned is that good customer service is the foundation of student wellness – listening to students, understanding their challenges, and working collaboratively to find solutions.

Jack: We often hear that peer-to-peer engagement is one of the most effective ways to reach students. Is this something you’ve focused on at ETSU?

Absolutely. Students listen to each other more than they listen to us! If you have strong student leaders, they can influence and inspire their peers in ways that faculty and staff simply can’t. That’s why we focus on identifying and supporting key student leaders – when they thrive, the entire community benefits.

It’s like tree roots spreading out – strong leadership creates positive ripple effects across campus. Conversely, when leadership is lacking, it can negatively impact the student experience. That’s why it’s critical to nurture and develop student leaders, giving them the tools and support to succeed.

Jack: Finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

One story stands out. A university leader once faced a student financial issue – a student had an outstanding balance, and there was a debate over whether the university or the student should cover it. The leader said something to the effect of:

“Let’s eat the cost. The university can take the hit easier than the student can. For the student, this could be a financial blow that derails them for years. For us, by tomorrow, we’ll be focused on another problem.”

That resonated deeply with me. When faced with a tough decision, err on the side of supporting the student. Institutions can absorb setbacks more easily than students can, and our job is to help them succeed, not put up barriers.