A dedicated supporter of Roane State Community College has been selected to receive a 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.

Joy Goldberg was nominated by the college earlier this year and was presented with her award at the Roane State Foundation’s May board meeting.

The philanthropy awards are bestowed annually by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the governing body for the state’s 37 community and technical colleges.

Goldberg will soon mark her 20th year serving on the Roane State Foundation Board of Directors, during which time she has helped hundreds of students access the scholarship funds needed to complete their degrees.

“Joy is the kind of board member, staff member, and volunteer that any community would be proud to know,” said Dr. Chris Whaley, Roane State president. “While she often prefers to serve in the background, Joy understands and appreciates the importance of leadership. We are grateful for her many years of support.”

Joy and her late husband Dr. Paul Goldberg previously served as Roane State staff members. She held several positions with the college and ultimately retired as director of financial aid. Dr. Goldberg was described as one of Roane State’s most passionate advocates. He had worked at the college from its inception in 1971 and founded Leadership Roane County in 1985.

Through her volunteerism and financial giving, Joy Goldberg has continued to support both Leadership Roane County and its subsequent Youth Leadership programs. Over the past few years, Goldberg has also helped revive the Roane State Leadership Institute that was founded in 2007 by her late husband.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to see Joy Goldberg recognized for her service, generosity, and for exhibiting the mission of Roane State for decades,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “She has volunteered for nearly every Foundation fundraising event and continues to be there for us when we need her, far beyond her current role as board secretary. A more deserving recipient would be difficult to find.”

Over the years, the Goldbergs have gifted nearly $200,000 to Roane State Foundation. Those funds were used to support student scholarships, local leadership programs, and further professional development for Roane State staff.

Additional information about Roane State Foundation can be found online at roanestate.edu/foundation. To learn more about the Tennessee Board of Regents, visit tbr.edu.