Roane State Community College

Roane State Community College is a public community college located in Harriman, Tennessee, with multiple campuses serving a nine-county area in East Tennessee. Established in 1971, it is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and provides a range of associate degree programs, certificate programs, and workforce training. The college is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering technology, and its transfer pathways to four-year institutions like the University of Tennessee.

History

The institution was founded by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1971 to serve the educational needs of the Cumberland Plateau region. Its first classes were held in temporary facilities in Oak Ridge before moving to its permanent main campus in Harriman. Early growth was supported by the federal Appalachian Regional Commission, which aimed to bolster economic development. Over the decades, it expanded its reach, adding campuses in Knoxville, Crossville, and Lenoir City to better serve students across the Tennessee Valley Authority service area.

Academics

The college offers over 100 areas of study, awarding Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. It maintains a prominent Division of Health Sciences with programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and respiratory care, with clinical partnerships at facilities like Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. The Engineering Technology program includes specialized training in mechatronics and industrial maintenance. Roane State is also a leader in dual enrollment through the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect initiatives, and it houses a renowned Environmental Health Technology program.

Campus locations

The primary campus is situated on 104 acres in Harriman, featuring the O'Brien Theatre and the Paul and Marion Childress Building. The Oak Ridge branch campus, located near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focuses on science and technology programs. Other significant locations include the Knoxville County Center, the Cumberland County campus in Crossville, and the Loudon County campus in Lenoir City. Additional instructional sites operate in Campbell County, Fentress County, and Morgan County.

Student life

Student activities are coordinated by the Office of Student Services and include over 30 clubs and organizations such as the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Student Government Association, and the Raiders basketball teams. The college hosts annual events like the Scholar's Bowl and cultural programs at the O'Brien Theatre. Students have access to the Learning Center for tutoring and the Career Services office for internship placement, often with local employers like the Y-12 National Security Complex. Intramural sports and fitness facilities are available at the main campus.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Pat Summitt, the legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach who began her studies at the college; David Keith, an actor known for roles in films like An Officer and a Gentleman; and Randy McNally, the Tennessee Senate Speaker. Faculty of distinction have included Dr. George Meghabghab, a mathematician recognized by the American Mathematical Society. The college's early development was significantly influenced by Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Quill E. Cope.

Category:Community colleges in Tennessee Category:Educational institutions established in 1971 Category:Tennessee Board of Regents