Roane State Community College

July 2, 2024

Roane State and its non-profit Foundation hosted a ceremony on July 2, 2024, commemorating a major milestone in the construction of the college’s new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center in West Knoxville.

Construction crews hoisted and installed the final piece of steel for the facility’s frame as part of the event. Project supporters and members of the community were invited to watch the “topping off” ceremony. Many of those in attendance signed their names to the beam prior to it being lifted into place at the top of the structure.

“This moment is symbolic as we move ever closer to opening the doors of this new campus, a facility which will help the college fulfill its mission of strengthening lives through the power of higher education and building thriving communities,” said Scott Niermann, Roane State Foundation’s executive director.

“Healthcare professionals are with us during the best and worst times of our lives, and the need for these skilled workers has never been more critical,” Niermann added. “With the future of the healthcare workforce to be educated right where we stand today, this campus will likely touch each and every one of us.”

Located at 9575 Sherrill Boulevard, across from Parkwest Medical Center, the 130,000-square-foot facility will house health science programs offered by both Roane State and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville.

The Knox Regional Health Science Education Center will replace Roane State’s current Knox County Center for Health Sciences and allow both colleges to significantly expand health science courses and programs. The campus is expected to educate more than 8,000 students each year in a variety of healthcare roles and is currently set to open in the fall of 2025.

Roane State programs to be housed in the new center include nursing, EMS, polysomnography, and respiratory therapy, with the college planning to add new programs such as cardiovascular technology, healthcare administration, ultrasound, and public health.

Additionally, the center will feature a large multi-purpose simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training.

The total estimated dollar amount for the project is $75 million. Roane State Foundation is seeking at least $7.5 million in private philanthropy to complete the project and sustain funding for the students who will attend. Interested supporters can learn more about getting involved with the fundraising effort or making a contribution at thrive.roanestate.edu.