ETSU: National Organization Learns About Esports Program

From East Tennessee State University:

March 10, 2022

JOHNSON CITY – Leaders from the National Junior College Athletic
Association (NJCAA) recently visited the ETSU esports arena to talk with staff about
gaming, partnerships and possible new opportunities for college students.

The NJCAA is the governing body for two-year sports programs and recently set up a
governing body for esports programs at two-year schools.

Dr. Christopher Parker, president and CEO of NJCAA, and Jeff White, vice president
for Compliance, Legal, Diversity and IT, met with Head Coach Jeff Shell to learn more
about ETSU’s esports program and to see the training facility, which includes the new 32-foot video wall.

“We’re here to really just to learn about ETSU's program,” Parker said. “It’s certainly
been broadcast as one of the best and premier programs in the country, so we're here
to talk about what partnerships and relationships look like, and see their footprint,
their facilities, and what they’ve done. They have done incredible work in just three
years.”

They also discussed potential opportunities for two-year and four-year institutions
to build collaborative relationships.

Northeast State Community College is in the process of creating its own esports program
and attended Wednesday’s meeting to meet with NJCAA.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways for students at two-year institutions
to get into four-year programs, professional development for current faculty, and
other education opportunities for esports players.

This press release was produced by East Tennessee State University. The views expressed are the author's own.