Roane State Community College

August 12, 2026

An Oak Ridge couple recently gifted $100,000 to Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus in West Knoxville.

Bonnie Carroll and her husband Roy Cooper are the latest community members to become major donors toward the project, supporting Roane State students who will become the next generation of healthcare heroes in East Tennessee and beyond.

Carroll and Cooper said they have long been impressed with the college. They explained that Roane State’s reputation, along with the ever-increasing need for highly trained medical professionals in our area, fueled their decision to give back.

“When we were introduced to the plans for the new facility, we felt it was an investment that would have an immediate and then a continuing impact on the health of our community and the region,” Carroll said. “After seeing the operating simulation center, we are even more convinced that our investment will be an enduring one.”

Earlier this year, the couple had a chance to tour the new campus located at 9575 Sherrill Boulevard, across from Parkwest Medical Center. The location houses health science programs offered by both Roane State and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville.

The flagship Roane State Simulation Center – the first of its kind in Tennessee – is fully integrated within the 130,000-square-foot facility. It features equipment and training technology that immerses students in real-world scenarios to elevate the learning experience.

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

With the added space, Roane State is also planning to launch diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), echocardiography, and neurodiagnostic technology programs.

“We are thrilled to have the support of engaged citizens like Bonnie Carroll and Roy Cooper. Their generous donation 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 look forward to building on this partnership.”

The State of Tennessee contributed more than $67.5 million toward this $75 million project. Roane State Foundation has raised more than $6 million of the additional $7.5 million needed to equip the campus and sustain operations.

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