Non-traditional college students in Fentress County have a brand-new pathway to higher education without the burden of tuition costs, thanks to a generous new partnership between a dedicated group of local alumni and the Roane State Foundation.

The York Institute Class of 1965, a tight-knit group of graduates who still meet monthly near Jamestown, recently established the York Institute Class of 1965 Scholarship Endowment along with an annual scholarship. The fund is specifically designed to support adult learners and non-traditional students—those who did not enroll in college immediately after high school.

Non-traditional students often face unique challenges, including balancing job and family responsibilities with limited time and financial resources. For many, the added expense of tuition places college out of reach.

“We created this endowment because we know Fentress County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Pat Garrett, a member of the Class of 1965. “In giving back, we wanted to make sure cost wasn’t a factor for those students who have considered higher education and balancing life’s other duties.”

The scholarships will be awarded annually based on financial need. Eligible applicants include current or incoming non-traditional students, as well as current Fentress County residents who graduated from York Institute and are enrolled at Roane State.

The announcement comes at a milestone moment for the community. Members of the Class of 1965 recently toured the brand-new Fentress County Higher Education Center, located at 823 S. York Highway.

Roane State has already begun operating out of the new 49,000-square-foot facility, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for later this summer to celebrate the first semester of classes. The state-of-the-art campus is shared with TCAT Oneida/Huntsville and will offer associate degrees and certificates in high-demand, “job-ready” fields, including Health Science, Automotive and Diesel Technology, Welding, Construction, and Manufacturing Technology.

Cheryl Tays, director of Roane State’s Fentress County campus, noted that non-traditional students bring “tremendous determination and life experience” to the classroom. “This campus will strengthen our workforce, support local families, and help create a culture where higher education is more accessible and attainable,” Tays said.

With the new campus officially up and running, the Class of 1965 is issuing a challenge to other Fentress County graduating classes to follow their lead and establish their own scholarship funds.

Pam Rudnitzki, Director of Student Programs for the Roane State Foundation, expressed hope that this initiative will inspire other like-minded community members to step up. “They are truly dedicated to helping students – and in turn, their community – be successful,” Rudnitzki said.

The community is invited to contribute to the Class of 1965 Scholarship Endowment.

To Give Online, visit roanestate.edu/donate, select the “Other” option under General Giving, and specify the York Institute Class of 1965 Scholarship Endowment. To Give by Mail, checks can be made out directly to the Roane State Foundation. And to start a new scholarship, contact the Roane State Foundation at 865-882-4507 or via email at [email protected].

Additional local initiatives, including the Fentress County Scholarship Campaign and a commemorative Brick Campaign for the new campus patio, are also open for community support.