Roane State Community College

June 23, 2026

By Deborah Robbins
Roane State staff writer

Non-traditional college students in Fentress County now have more options to pursue an education without worrying about tuition costs thanks to a group of York Institute graduates who recently partnered with Roane State Foundation.

Meeting every month near Jamestown, the York Institute Class of 1965 has stayed close over the years. They continue to share pride in their community while also carrying a deep desire to help fellow citizens succeed.

As part of this collective mission, they created the York Institute Class of 1965 Scholarship Endowment with Roane State Foundation last September, as well as an annual scholarship to provide support to non-traditional students – those not enrolling immediately after high school.

Non-traditional students are often older, with some returning after being away from the classroom for years. Many of these students have job and family responsibilities to consider as well as limited time and resources. The added expense of attending college can place higher education out of reach, which is what led the Class of 1965 to act.

“We created this endowment because we know Fentress County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Pat Garrett, Class of 1965 member. “In giving back, we wanted to make sure cost wasn’t a factor for those students who have considered higher education and balancing life’s other duties. Our community supports each other, and we know the power of an education can make Fentress County even stronger.”

The York Institute Class of 1965 scholarships will be awarded to current or incoming non-traditional students upon completing the Foundation’s application process each year. Current Fentress County residents who are graduates of York Institute and enrolled at Roane State will also be eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.

The Class of 1965 recently had the opportunity to tour the new Fentress County Higher Education Center in Jamestown. Roane State is already in the new campus, with an official ribbon-cutting to celebrate the first semester of classes planned for later this summer.

Cheryl Tays, director of Roane State’s campus in Fentress County, highlighted the strengths of non-traditional students and the impact the new campus will have on the community.

“Non-traditional students bring tremendous determination and life experience to the classroom, and they need flexible, local opportunities to pursue a degree,” Tays said. “This campus will strengthen our workforce, support local families, and help create a culture where higher education is more accessible and attainable for future generations.”

The 49,000-square-foot facility, located at 823 S. York Highway, is a shared campus between Roane State and TCAT Oneida/Huntsville. Associate degrees and certificates will be offered in multiple programs including health science, automotive and diesel technology, welding, construction, and manufacturing technology. These credit programs will educate “job ready” students, preparing them for in-demand professions.

With the all-new campus up and running, and more educational opportunities than ever before, members of the Class of 1965 said they are now challenging other graduating classes from Fentress County to establish their own scholarships.

“It’s been such a pleasure to partner with the Class of 1965 on this project,” shared Pam Rudnitzki, Director of Student Programs for Roane State Foundation. “They are truly dedicated to helping students – and in turn, their community – be successful. We are hopeful that these efforts will inspire other like-minded community members to make a difference in the lives of local students.”

Those interested in helping support students through the Class of 1965 Scholarship endowment are invited to donate. Gifts by check are accepted and should be made out to Roane State Foundation.

To give online, donors can visit roanestate.edu/donate, choose the “Other” option under General Giving and specify the York Institute Class of 1965 Scholarship Endowment.

If you would like to start your own scholarship, please contact Roane State Foundation at 865-882-4507 or email foundationdept@roanestate.edu.

Other opportunities to support Fentress County students include the Fentress County Scholarship Campaign and the Brick Campaign, a special project that will leave a lasting legacy with custom pavers installed on the brick patio at the new site.