BucHouse: Empowering Local Businesses and Students at ETSU
BucHouse, a student-run marketing agency out of East Tennessee State University’s School of Marketing and Media, is positioned as a valuable resource for local businesses. Launched in January 2025 and located in the historic Ashe Street Courthouse, BucHouse has gained recognition for its unique approach to community-engaged learning.
Community-Engaged Learning Model
BucHouse has recently been designated as a Community-Engaged Learning initiative, enhancing the educational experience for students. Each project includes reflective components, allowing students to evaluate what they’ve learned, identify the skills they’ve developed, and understand the real-world impact of their work. According to Betsy Holleman, a marketing professor and BucHouse faculty lead, “Community-engaged learning is at the heart of BucHouse.” This model enables students not only to gain real-life experience but also to make meaningful contributions to community partners.
Benefits for Students
Students involved with BucHouse benefit from paid opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. They receive support from faculty mentors, which further enhances their learning experience. The diverse range of skills students develop includes:
- Marketing
- Film production
- Animation and visualization
- Visual effects
- Digital and social media
- Public relations
- Business strategy
Benefits for Local Businesses
Local business owners gain fresh insights and creative strategies by partnering with BucHouse. By outsourcing marketing projects, they can focus on other critical aspects of their business while leveraging the talents of emerging professionals. This collaboration not only addresses business needs but can also lead to discovering future marketing hires.
Preparing Students for Success
Holleman emphasizes that BucHouse is not just about career readiness; it’s also about integrating students into the community. With a focus on mentorship and hands-on experience, BucHouse aims to support both students and the broader region.
To learn more or to get involved—whether as a student or a community partner—visit the BucHouse webpage at etsu.edu/cbat/marketing-media/buchouse.
