Roane State receives $125,000 from Truist Foundation in support of new health science campus in Knox County

Roane State Foundation has received a $125,000 grant from Truist Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus under construction in the heart of West Knoxville.

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

The center will replace Roane State’s current Knox County Center for Health Sciences and allow both colleges to significantly expand health science courses and programs. 

“The need for highly skilled healthcare professionals is more critical than ever,” explained Roane State President Chris Whaley. “In order to bridge that gap for our communities, we are expanding our footprint and growing programs already responsible for educating an estimated one in three first responders and healthcare workers in our region. Additional programs meeting workforce needs, particularly in rural areas, will also be offered at the new campus.”

The center is expected to serve more than 8,000 students each year in a variety of healthcare roles. Additionally, the campus will feature a large multi-purpose simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training.

“Truist is proud to support Roane State Foundation and the new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center,” said Truist Market President Harry Gross. “Our purpose at Truist is to inspire and build better lives and communities. We live out that purpose by supporting a wide range of programs, including this one at Roane State.”

“This donation moves us much 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 strong partnership with Truist as we prepare to welcome the first students to this new campus.”

The total estimated dollar amount for the project is $75 million. Roane State needs at least $7.5 million in private philanthropy to complete the project and sustain funding for future students.

“As our fundraising campaign continues, we welcome support from organizations across the region that value a healthy, thriving community,” Niermann added.

Roane State broke ground on the project in the summer of 2023 and expects to begin moving into the new campus in the fall of 2025.

Interested supporters can learn more about getting involved with the fundraising effort or making a contribution at thrive.roanestate.edu.