Roane State Community College

^{_{Pictured (L-R) is Roane State President Chris Whaley, BarberMcMurry Architects CEO Chuck Griffin, Johnson & Galyon Construction CEO Doug Kennedy, and Roane State Foundation Campaign Manager Joey Gilbert.}}

August 22, 2025

Knoxville’s Johnson & Galyon Construction and BarberMcMurry Architects have each pledged $25,000 to Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus in the heart of West Knoxville.

The 130,000-square-foot facility is located across from Parkwest Medical Center on Sherrill Boulevard. Once open, the center will house health science programs offered by both Roane State and TCAT Knoxville, allowing both colleges to significantly expand courses and programs.

“Johnson & Galyon is honored to be involved in this important project,” said Doug Kennedy, CEO of Johnson & Galyon Construction. “It is obviously critical for our region to be able to educate skilled medical professionals who can fill the various healthcare positions in our community, and this facility will be state-of-the-art in every way.”

Current Roane State programs to be offered at the new campus 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.

The new facility also features a fully integrated simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training, making this campus the first of its kind in the State of Tennessee to offer classroom, laboratory, and simulation under one roof.

“In addition to this pledge, the Johnson & Galyon and BarberMcMurry teams have generously donated their time and expertise to various elements of this project, and their continued partnership moves us closer to our goal of ensuring all students have access to an excellent health science education,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for their support as we prepare to welcome the first students through the doors of this new campus next year.”

The total estimated dollar amount for the project is $75 million. Roane State needs at least $7.5 million in private philanthropy to complete the project and sustain funding for students.

“As our fundraising campaign continues, we welcome the support of citizens across the region who value a healthy, thriving community,” Niermann added.

Roane State broke ground on the project in the summer of 2023 and classes will begin in Spring 2026. The college plans start moving into the facility this fall and will host a “Countdown to Grand Opening” celebration in mid-September. Additional details will be shared soon.

More information about getting involved with the fundraising effort can be found online at thrive.roanestate.edu.