~ from Roane State
The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) selected the Office of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs as a recipient of the 2025 Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, a recognition reserved for those who go above and beyond in financial and volunteer aid.
Representatives from TBR, Roane State, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville, and Pellissippi State honored the mayor’s office during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Roane State’s new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center in September. Mayor Glenn Jacobs accepted the Regents Award trophy at the event.
“I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of Knox County from the Tennessee Board of Regents,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Knox County is proud to partner with our higher education institutions to expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and invest in the long-term health and success of our community.”
The awards are the highest honor TBR can give to those who have helped support system colleges through donations of cash, land, time, and support.
Roane State, TCAT Knoxville, and Pellissippi State submitted a joint nomination for the 2025 award cycle highlighting the partnership with Knox County Government and its support of the new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center. The mayor’s office is one of only four recipients chosen for the honor this year.
“Knox County Government was one of the first to commit to this important project with a generous pledge of $500,000,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said. “We continue to be so grateful to Knox County for supporting our mission of improving lives through higher education and building communities that truly thrive. With this transformational gift, Knox County Government has not only earned this nomination for the Regents Award, but also the respect and gratitude of those for whom and with whom Knox County Government serves.”
The new 130,000-square-foot health science campus is located at 9575 Sherrill Boulevard, across from Parkwest Medical Center, and includes a large multi-purpose simulation center aimed at immersing students in real-world scenarios that elevate their training.
The facility will significantly expand health science education programs at Roane State and TCAT Knoxville, helping address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in East Tennessee. Construction was completed earlier this year and spring classes are set to begin in January.
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.
The total estimated dollar amount for the project is $75 million with at least $7.5 million in private philanthropy needed to complete the project and support health science students who need additional assistance to attend and complete their chosen programs.
Roane State Foundation’s THRIVE Campaign team have raised nearly $5 million of that goal so far. Interested supporters can learn more about getting involved with the fundraising effort or making a contribution at thrive.roanestate.edu.
