Quillen alumnus appointed to ETSU Board of Trustees

Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Dr. Bert J. Smith, CEO and founder of Renuven Health Partners, to the East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. Smith's appointment is effective immediately and runs through June 30, 2032. A 2004 graduate of ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine, Smith is board-certified in internal medicine and completed residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics. He also received his undergraduate degree at ETSU in 2000. "I have lived most of my life in East Tennessee, and I'm honored and humbled to be selected to serve on the ETSU Board of Trustees," Smith said. "I have two degrees from ETSU, and my mother and oldest daughter have degrees from ETSU as well. ETSU had a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I hope to give back as it shapes the lives of so many other students from our region." He founded Renuven Health Partners to provide patient-centered care to seniors at high risk for hospital readmission due to gaps in their care. Through his leadership, Renuven Health Partners continues to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of care for seniors. "Dr. Smith has a deep understanding of healthcare, a commitment to service, and a strong connection to East Tennessee State University," said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. "As a Quillen College of Medicine alumnus and an accomplished physician leader, he has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for the people of this region, and I look forward to the insight and experience he will bring to the ETSU Board of Trustees." Gov. Lee also reappointed current ETSU Board members Charles E. Allen Jr. and Janet Ayers to new terms, effective now through June 30, 2032.