Barry and Lucy Stephenson of Kingston have donated $250,000 to the Roane State Foundation in support of the new Knox Regional Health Science Education Center in West Knoxville.

The 130,000-square-foot facility, located at 9575 Sherrill Boulevard across from Parkwest Medical Center, houses health science programs from both Roane State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville. The center expands Roane State’s footprint in Knox County while the existing Center for Health Sciences on Hayfield Road continues operations. Together, the sites enable both institutions to significantly increase capacity for health science courses and programs.

Barry Stephenson, president and CEO of Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc. (MCLinc) in Oak Ridge—which he founded with his wife, Lucy—has been a longtime supporter of the college. He has served on the THRIVE Campaign Cabinet since the start of the fundraising effort for the new campus and currently serves on both the Roane State Foundation board and the Tennessee Board of Regents, representing the Third Congressional District.

The Stephensons have supported Roane State for more than 20 years through donations, endowments, and in-kind contributions. Lucy previously worked as an educator in the college’s nursing program.

“Roane State has successfully made career degrees and post-secondary training accessible to thousands of students throughout its ten-county service area,” said Barry Stephenson. “We are proud to support the college and its mission of transforming lives, strengthening community, and inspiring excellence—especially as healthcare workforce needs continue to grow.”

The first classes at the new campus include nursing, EMS, and medical laboratory technology. Polysomnography and respiratory therapy programs will launch soon, along with continuing education courses for healthcare professionals. Roane State also plans to introduce diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), echocardiography, and neurodiagnostic technology programs.

The facility is also home to Roane State’s flagship Simulation Center—the first of its kind in Tennessee—which immerses students in realistic clinical scenarios. In recognition of the Stephensons’ support, the center’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) simulation room has been named in their honor.

“This pledge means we can provide opportunities to even more health science students, responding to the critical needs of our communities and business partners,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of the Roane State Foundation. “As we transition to fundraising for student scholarships, we welcome the support of those who wish to invest in the future of healthcare education.”

The State of Tennessee contributed more than $67.5 million toward the $75 million project. The Roane State Foundation has raised $5 million of the remaining $7.5 million needed for equipment, operations, and student aid.

For more information on the new campus, the THRIVE scholarship campaign, or expanded programs, visit thrive.roanestate.edu.