Ann and Oscar “Pepe” Perron, a Cumberland County couple, have been named recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy by the Tennessee Board of Regents for the 2025 award cycle. Nominated by Roane State President Chris Whaley, the Perrons were recognized for their longstanding service, generosity, leadership, and dedication to the mission of Roane State Community College, particularly in supporting the Diane and Jay Brown Campus in Crossville.

Since 1995, the Perrons have provided substantial support to the college through both planned and outright gifts. They began by directly helping students in need and soon became key advocates for campus growth. Their efforts were instrumental in establishing the first permanent Roane State facility in Crossville in the early 2000s and expanding academic offerings to include health science prerequisites and a full nursing program. This development addressed a significant barrier for local students, who previously had to commute long distances to other campuses for health-related classes.

The Perrons continued their support by pledging up to $50,000 as a matching gift to help fund a new health science wing, in addition to their own campaign contribution that resulted in a classroom being named in their honor. In 2019, they established The Ann and Pepe Perron Annual Scholarship, and have contributed more than $240,000 in total for student scholarships. Pepe Perron has also served on the Roane State Foundation Board of Directors since 2018, including on the investment committee.

TBR Chancellor Dr. Flora W. Tydings and Roane State Foundation Executive Director Scott Niermann both praised the couple’s contributions for advancing student success and helping build a brighter future for the community. The Perrons received the award and a framed copy of the nomination letter from President Whaley and TBR Director of Legislation and Advancement Patrick Boggs. More information about the Roane State Foundation is available at roanestate.edu/foundation, and details on the Tennessee Board of Regents can be found at tbr.edu.