Roane State Community College

^{_{Pictured (L-R): First Horizon Bank Public Relations Liaison Emily Scheuneman, Roane State Foundation Executive Director Scott Niermann, First Horizon Senior VP & Manager Michelle Hardin, First Horizon Knoxville Market President Jim Atchley, Roane State President Chris Whaley, and Roane State Foundation Student Aid Specialist JoRene Finnell.}}

February 19, 2025

First Horizon Bank recently established a new scholarship endowment with Roane State Foundation to help students in nursing and other critical health science programs.

The initial gift of $25,000, received in 2024, is already being used to assist traditional, dual enrollment, and non-traditional adult students as they work to complete their health science degrees.

“First Horizon has a long history of investing in and strengthening our communities which need strong health care systems and professionals,” said Jim Atchley, Knoxville Market President of First Horizon Bank. “Funding education is a top priority, and we are proud to invest in the future of our community by supporting scholarships for nursing and health science students. First Horizon’s gift reflects this commitment, and empowers and equips the next generation of professionals to make a lasting impact.”

Completion data shows that students who receive at least $1,000 in scholarship support from Roane State Foundation are more than twice as likely to graduate, and to graduate on time. This extra boost toward success increases workforce opportunities and contributes to the economic growth of our local communities.

With the added benefit of these newly available scholarships, a quality education and rewarding careers in health sciences are being made accessible for even more East Tennesseans.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with First Horizon Bank and appreciate their continued support of Roane State students,” said Scott Nierman, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “This support can be a catalyst for changing not only a student’s life but also the lives of their family members and future generations.”

First Horizon Bank opened in Memphis in 1864 and continues to serve Tennessee and the Southeastern region with more than 400 locations. For more info, visit firsthorizon.com.

Roane State Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests, and to manage monies or properties given to the Foundation, including more than $30 million in endowments and other investments. Roane State Foundation supports the college with capital projects, equipment, educational programs, and scholarships. For more information or to make a gift to support Roane State students, visit ywt99.com/foundation, email Foundationdept@ywt99.com, or call (865) 882-4507.