ETSU Named Chelsie Dubay Eastman Chair
Chelsie Dubay will guide artificial intelligence initiatives and industry partnerships at the university.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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East Tennessee State University has appointed Chelsie Dubay as the Eastman Chair of Leadership. She will focus on incorporating AI into college programs and connecting students with industry partners.
Why it matters
The position is designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry workforce needs. It aims to support the ethical adoption of artificial intelligence within the College of Business and Technology.
The Eastman Chair of Leadership was established through a $1 million investment from the Eastman Chemical Company in 2002. This endowment supports the chair's mandate to foster industry relationships and lead technological advancement.
The players
Chelsie Dubay
She serves as the newly appointed Eastman Chair of Leadership at East Tennessee State University.
East Tennessee State University
This public university located in Johnson City hosts the College of Business and Technology.
Eastman Chemical Company
This global specialty materials company provided the initial funding for the endowed leadership chair.
The details
Chelsie Dubay will translate industry requirements into educational opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni. Her background includes prior tenures as a helpdesk technician, student success coordinator, and assistant professor.
Timeline
2002: Eastman Chemical Company funded the endowed chair.
October 5, 2026: The university announced the appointment.
Market Landscape
This appointment reflects the growing institutional effort to integrate academic research with corporate technical standards. It follows the principles established in the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework regarding ethical technology deployment.
Students and industry partners can expect tighter integration between classroom curriculum and emerging workplace technologies. This shift may create new opportunities for internships and collaborative research projects for the local community.
The takeaway
The move underscores how universities are adapting to the rapid pace of technological change by formalizing leadership roles in AI strategy. Students should prepare for a curriculum that increasingly emphasizes the practical application of artificial intelligence in business settings.
Further reading
For more information on faculty appointments and leadership roles, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greeneville Publishing Company.
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