ORAU donates $100,000 in support of Roane State’s new Health Science Education Center
Oak Ridge Associated Universities has donated $100,000 to the Roane State Foundation in support of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, a new Roane State campus being constructed in West Knoxville.
The 130,000-square-foot facility will be 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 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, a Roane State news release said.
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, and public health, the release said.
Additionally, the center will feature a large multi-purpose simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training.
Roane State broke ground on the project Aug. 1, with completion scheduled for fall of 2025.
“As part of ORAU’s ongoing commitment to advancing national priorities in science, health, and education, we are honored to be a partner in bringing the new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center one step closer to reality,” said ORAU President Andy Page. “This center will help prepare students to be a vital part of our future healthcare workforce, further strengthening the economy of East Tennessee.”
“This project will allow us to serve our students at the highest level so they can enter the healthcare workforce highly skilled, ready to save lives and enhance patient care,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said. “ORAU’s gift supports our mission of improving lives through higher education and building communities that truly thrive.”
The total estimated dollar amount for the project is $75 million. The state contributed $67.5 million. Roane State needs at least $7.5 million in private philanthropy to complete the project and sustain funding for the students who will attend.
Parkwest Medical Center gave the largest single gift in Roane State history, donating a 10-acre parcel of land to house the new facility.
Interested supporters can learn more about getting involved with the fundraising effort or making a contribution at roanestate.edu/foundation.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: ORAU donates $100,000 for Roane State’s new Health Science Center
