From the president
Abbie McCully, a junior majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Public Health at East Tennessee State University, exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose and lead with heart. As President of Volunteer ETSU, Abbie mobilizes more than 500 student volunteers each year, expanding service opportunities and building partnerships that strengthen communities across our region. Under her leadership, Volunteer ETSU has deepened its impact, fostering a culture of engagement and empowering students to become changemakers.
Abbie's commitment to service extends beyond campus borders. Through her involvement with Global Brigades, she has worked alongside dental professionals in Panama and Guatemala, providing care and education in underserved communities. Her ability to lead peer teams, engage across cultures, and promote access to health education reflects both her adaptability and her deep respect for the dignity of every individual.
Closer to home, Abbie has contributed to Appalachian Miles for Smiles, Remote Area Medical Clinics, and Bridge Refugee Services, demonstrating a sustained commitment to health equity and access. Whether organizing with ETSU’s Pre-Dental Chapter, serving with the Allied Health Student Association, or leading outreach efforts in local schools, Abbie consistently inspires and empowers those around her.
She represents the very best of ETSU—a scholar, a servant leader, and a changemaker dedicated to advancing the common good.
Personal Statement
Through my leadership in Volunteer ETSU, the university’s long-standing, campus-wide volunteer initiative, I’ve come to believe that service is most effective when rooted in relationships, not quick fixes. As President, I’ve worked to connect students with nonprofits in ways built on trust, sustained involvement, and a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of local challenges. In the process, I’ve helped expand awareness and engagement across campus, encouraging students to serve with intention.
The issues we face, from food insecurity and housing instability to gaps in healthcare access, are deeply interconnected and require more than temporary solutions. I’ve led Service Saturdays, coordinated donation drives, and helped organize volunteer partnerships with clinics, shelters, and after-school programs. But the real impact comes from how we engage: by listening first, understanding each organization’s unique needs, and adapting to support their mission - not our own agenda.
This work has shown me the power of collaborative, community-informed strategies. When students serve in ways that build capacity, not dependency, they become true partners in progress. I hope to carry this mindset into my future as a general dentist serving underserved areas - and more importantly, as someone who listens, learns, and stays.