Roane State establishes new Applied and Innovative Technology Division, Dr. Sylvia Pastor to serve as dean

Roane State has announced the launch of a new Applied and Innovative Technology Division, appointing Dr. Sylvia Pastor as founding dean to lead the next generation academic unit.

The addition becomes the college’s fifth academic division, joining Health Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics and Sciences, and Social Science, Business, and Education. It will focus on advancing academic innovation and strengthening partnerships within the community and industry to prepare a highly skilled, sought after workforce for the region.

Several existing academic programs will move into the new division, including computer science, nuclear technology, chemical engineering technology, mechatronics, project management, and environmental health technology. An all-new aerospace option will also be incorporated soon – more information on the launch of this new pathway is forthcoming.

When searching for the right person to lead the new division, the college did not have to look far. Dr. Pastor has been a valued Roane State faculty member for the past ten years, having also served as an interim program director, coordinator for the Lab-in-a-Box program, and multiple other roles.

“Dr. Pastor’s experience, innovative leadership, and commitment to student success make her exceptionally well suited to lead this new division as we expand opportunities for our students and strengthen our workforce partnerships,” said Dr. Diane Ward, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President for Student Learning. “It is an exciting time for Roane State as we launch the Applied and Innovative Technology Division, and I am honored to welcome her as its inaugural Dean.”

Dr. Pastor’s office will be located at the college’s Oak Ridge Campus where several of the academic programs now residing in the Applied and Innovative Technology Division are also headquartered.

“This new division will sit at the intersection of education, innovation, and workforce development,” Dr. Pastor explained. “Roane State has an astonishing opportunity to play a pivotal role in preparing our region for the nuclear renaissance, and I’m eager to contribute to that effort.”

Dr. Pastor earned her doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of California. She was named Tennessee’s Science Teacher of the Year in 2018. She also received Roane State’s Sarah Ellen Benroth Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2021, further demonstrating her dedication to student success and academic excellence.

“By expanding industry partnerships, strengthening pathways to employment, and supporting innovative academic programs, this division will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in East Tennessee,” Dr. Pastor added.

An overview of the new division can be found online at roanestate.edu/ait. Information on all of Roane State’s academic programs is also available at roanestate.edu/academicprograms. Fall 2026 classes begin August 19 at Roane State. Students can apply for free at roanestate.edu/apply.

Author: Deborah Robbins, Communications Specialist for Roane State