[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ``BEST GRADUATE SCHOOLS'' IN THE NATION

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, when East Tennessee State University 
opened its doors in 1911, it had 29 students and one primary mission: 
the education of future teachers. A lot has changed in 85 years.
  While teacher preparation is still a crucial part of its mission, 
ETSU today consists of nine schools and colleges that offer over 125 
different programs of study to more than 12,000 students every year--
including some fairly unique offerings such as its one-of-a-kind 
master's degree in reading and storytelling, and the only bluegrass and 
country music program offered at a four-year institution.
  Over the last two decades, there has been an increasing emphasis on 
the health sciences at ETSU--an emphasis that began in 1974 with the 
establishment of the James H. Quillen College of Medicine which was 
created to help alleviate a critical shortage of primary care 
physicians in East Tennessee.
  Mr. President, this year the Quillen College of Medicine celebrates 
its 25th anniversary. But that proud accomplishment, although 
noteworthy, is not the basis for my remarks this morning. Rather, I 
rise to commend its recent listing in U.S. News and World Report as one 
of the ``Best Graduate Schools'' in the Nation--a ranking well-deserved 
and well-earned.
  According to the magazine, Quillen College earned the distinction of 
placing third among all the schools in the Nation for its programs in 
rural medicine. Last year, it placed sixth in the same category.
  I also rise, Mr. President, to commend the ETSU College of Nursing--
which was also ranked among the Nation's best. And, like Quillen 
College, this is also the second year in a row it was so honored.
  Both these schools, Mr. President, embrace the values of the people 
of Tennessee. Both are community oriented, both provide a valuable 
resource to local citizens and businesses, and both are making valuable 
and needed contributions to the practice and the quality of medicine.
  My heartiest congratulations to the entire staff, faculty, students 
and alumni of both East Tennessee State University School of Nursing 
and the James H. Quillen College of Medicine for their splendid 
accomplishment.

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