Roane State Community College

April 28, 2026

Barry and Lucy Stephenson, of Kingston, gifted $250,000 to Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, an all-new Roane State campus recently opened in the heart of West Knoxville.

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

The center expands Roane State’s presence in Knox County, with the nearby Center for Health Sciences on Hayfield Road also continuing operations, and allows both Roane State and TCAT Knoxville to significantly increase health science courses and programs.

Barry Stephenson is president and CEO of Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc., (MCLinc) in Oak Ridge, a business he launched with his wife, Lucy. Barry has served as a member of the THRIVE Campaign Cabinet since the beginning of the fundraising effort for the new campus, led by Roane State Foundation. He is also a current member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, representing the third congressional district, as well as a Foundation board member.

The Stephensons have supported Roane State for more than 20 years through various donations, endowments, and in-kind support. Lucy also worked for several years as an educator in Roane State’s prestigious nursing program.

“Roane State has successfully made career degrees and post-secondary training accessible to thousands of students throughout its ten-county service area,” Barry Stephenson said. “We are proud to support the college and its mission of transforming lives, strengthening community, and inspiring excellence, especially as healthcare workforce needs continue to grow.”

The first Roane State classes in the new location included nursing, EMS, and medical laboratory technology. Polysomnography and respiratory therapy courses will be offered soon along with continuing education courses that assist healthcare professionals with maintaining licensure.

Roane State is also planning to introduce diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), echocardiography, and neurodiagnostic technology programs.

The facility’s flagship Roane State Simulation Center – the first of its kind in Tennessee – is also open under the same roof, immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate training. To recognize their investment in the project, the center’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Room has been named in honor of the Stephensons.

“This pledge means we can provide opportunities to even more health science students, responding to the critical needs of our communities and business partners,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “As we transition to fundraising for student scholarships, we welcome the support of those who wish to invest in the future of healthcare education.”

The State of Tennessee contributed more than $67.5 million toward this $75 million project. Roane State Foundation has raised $5 million of the additional $7.5 million needed to equip the campus, sustain operations, and provide student aid.

For more information on the new campus, the fundraising campaign for scholarships, and the expanded programs offered, visit thrive.roanestate.edu.