Community leaders get first glimpse of Roane State’s Cumberland County campus expansion

Roane State’s Cumberland County campus recently welcomed a group of community leaders to its new health science education wing, giving them a first glimpse at the growing opportunities for health science students.

The new portion of the campus will include a flex lab and two flexible classrooms as well as a dedicated nursing area with its own lab and classroom. This added space will allow the college to offer a full nursing program at this location for the first time.

Guests were able to tour the nearly completed expansion and learned how the ability to serve more students will impact their communities.

“This is a wonderful facility with skilled and dedicated educators that, combined, will create the platform to transform nursing education in the region,” said Dr. John Sherrill, campaign chair for the project.

As the campus reached its capacity to serve health science students, the expansion was proposed to meet the increased demand for programs and the growing healthcare workforce needs of the region. Construction began in 2023 and is estimated to be complete this summer.

“Growing our campus in Crossville to better accommodate student needs will mean far less travel for those who are having to commute to other campuses for certain classes and labs,” explained Roane State President Chris Whaley. “Serving these students locally helps us eliminate barriers that might otherwise prevent students from reaching their goals.”

The total estimated project cost is $2.5 million. The State of Tennessee has funded $1.7 million, and local government has provided a combined $250,000 between donations from the City of Crossville and Cumberland County.

Roane State Foundation is raising the additional funds needed to complete the expansion, furnish the rooms, and provide scholarships for student needs. Dr. Sherrill is spearheading the effort as campaign chair to meet a fundraising goal of $800,000. With the latest donations, the campaign is approximately halfway to that mark.

To learn more about the project or to make a direct donation, visit roanestate.edu/cccdonate.

Roane State’s Cumberland County Campus is located at 2567 Cook Road in Crossville. Additional information about this site can be found online at roanestate.edu/cumberland.

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Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge. For more information, visit roanestate.edu or call (865) 882-4554. Remember, eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect.

Roane State Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests, and to manage monies or properties given to the Foundation, including approximately $25 million in endowments and other investments. Roane State Foundation supports the college with capital projects, equipment, educational programs, and scholarships. For more information or to make a gift to support Roane State students, visit roanestate.edu/foundation, email Foundationdept@roanestate.edu, or call (865) 882-4507.