Roane State Community College

October 3, 2025

Community Trust Bank has donated $25,000 to Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus opening soon in the heart of West Knoxville.

The 130,000-square-foot facility is located at 9575 Sherrill Boulevard, across from Parkwest Medical Center, and will house health science programs offered by Roane State and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville. With the added space, both colleges will be able to significantly expand health science courses and programs.

“Community Trust Bank is proud to support this project, and we are excited about the new center’s impact and improvement of healthcare in our region,” said Rhonda Longmire, Market President of Community Trust Bank and longtime Roane State Foundation board member.

Current 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 need for highly skilled healthcare professionals is more critical than ever,” said Roane State President Chris Whaley. “In order to bridge that gap for our communities, we are expanding our footprint and growing programs already responsible for educating an estimated one in three first responders and healthcare workers in our region.”

“Community Trust Bank has been a strong partner for Roane State, having supported student scholarships in Campbell County as well,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “We are grateful to them for stepping up these critical programs and training facility as we work to ensure all students have access to an excellent health science education.”

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 the students who will attend.

“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 plans to move into the facility later this fall, with classes beginning in the spring semester of 2026.

Interested supporters can learn more about getting involved with the fundraising effort or making a contribution at thrive.roanestate.edu.