TeamHealth donates $200,000 in support of Roane State’s new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center

TeamHealth has donated $200,000 to Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus being constructed 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.

Once open, 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.

“TeamHealth is proud to support this important project in partnership with Roane State and TCAT Knoxville, and we are excited about the potential of the new center to bring more qualified healthcare professionals to our region,” said Leif Murphy, CEO of TeamHealth.

TeamHealth co-founder and chairman Dr. Lynn Massingale is also serving as co-chair of the Thrive Campaign, Roane State Foundation’s campaign to raise funds and community awareness for the new facility.

Current Roane State programs to be housed in the new center include nursing, EMS, polysomnography, and respiratory therapy, with the college planning to add new programs such as cardiovascular technology, healthcare administration, ultrasound, and public health.

Additionally, the center will feature a large multi-purpose simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training.

“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.”

“This pledge 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 strong partnership with TeamHealth as we prepare to welcome the first students through the doors of this new campus next year.”

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 students.

“As our fundraising campaign continues, we welcome the support of citizens across the region who value a healthy, thriving community,” Niermann added.

Roane State broke ground on the project in the summer of 2023 and plans to move into the facility this fall with classes beginning in the spring semester of 2026. 

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