Roane State Community College

June 20, 2023

Submitted by Megan Trotter, originally published by Tennessee Tech on June 7, 2023

In the fall of 2021, Tennessee Tech University and Roane State joined together to create “Roane to Tech”– a program designed to provide a seamless transition from the two-year community college to the four-year university. Those graduating from Roane State would have guaranteed admission to Tennessee Tech, without losing any credits they had earned at the previous institution.

Now, the first student to cross the graduation stage at Roane State as a Golden Raider – a term that combines the Roane State Raiders and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles – is on his way to Tennessee Tech this fall.

Richard Barnes of Harriman, Tennessee, graduated from Roane State this past spring with an associate degree in business management. Now he will continue his studies at Tech to finish his bachelor’s.

“I decided to apply to the program because I was unsure of what to major in or where to transfer to later, and the Roane to Tech program was suggested,” he said. “It seemed like a doable option where I did not need to take a transfer exam or worry about losing any credits.”

Through the Roane to Tech program, students have multiple opportunities to take advantage of dual enrollment benefits. Those in accounting, agriculture, biology, business, psychology or sociology programs will be considered students at both institutions, receiving predefined degree plans, advising services from both schools, access to special events, waived application fees and free Roane to Tech gear. Students in elementary education and interdisciplinary studies can also join 2+2 programs to earn their bachelor’s degree entirely on a Roane State campus.

“I found it to be very helpful, because it was very streamlined,” Barnes said. “I did not have to plan anything on my own because there was already a guide to follow. I also did not have to worry about transfer requirements because I was immediately a Tech student. It was a very easy choice for anyone like me who did not have a definite plan."

For other students who are thinking of joining the Roane to Tech program, Barnes recommends scheduling time with an advisor and getting their input for choosing the classes they need for each semester, to help ensure they make the most of the resources available.

Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said, "We are driven by putting students first, so when we joined with Roane State, we started with what students need and want. Together, we have made it seamless to get a four-year degree from Tennessee Tech by starting at Roane State."

For more information about Roane to Tech, visit roanestate.edu/goldenraider.