Established in 2011 by the East Tennessee Historical Society Board of Directors, the award periodically recognizes and honors an East Tennessee history maker who is an ambassador for the region. The 2019 honoree for the East Tennessean of the Year Award will be Phillip Fulmer, vice chancellor/director of athletics at the University of Tennessee. The award recognizes a recent accomplishment or compilation of accomplishments in history, politics, business, entertainment, education, research or humanitarian work.