East Tennessee State officially became a college in 1925 when it changed its name to East Tennessee State Teachers College. The college became a University in 1963, adopting the name it holds today. The international students have found their place at the university, studying diverse topics in everything from art, biology, and criminal justice to public health, storytelling, and technology. It pursues its mission through a student centred community of learning reflecting high standards and promoting a balance of liberal arts and professional preparation, continuous improvement, and based on core values where People come first are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

ETSU houses 10 colleges and schools offering some 160 degree programs in the arts and sciences, business and technology, education, and the health sciences, including numerous honours enrichment opportunities for undergraduate students. The university prepares students to become productive, enlightened citizens who actively serve their communities and the world. Education is the university's highest priority, and the institution is committed to increasing the level of educational attainment in the state and region. ETSU conducts a wide array of educational and research programs and clinical services and is the only Academic Health Sciences Center in the Tennessee Board of Regents System.

The university is in the foothills of the rolling Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee. The area is home to what is known as the tri-cities, made up of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. The beautiful campus spans over 350 acres and contains a certified Arboretum.