™
Roan Scholars
L e a d e r s h i p Pr o g r a m
2012–2013 Year in Review
Leadership Excellence.
Lifelong Impact.
Inspiring and developing our Scholars;
serving our campus, the region, and the world.
T
o put my experience into
one word, I would choose
‘incredible.’ Coming into
ETSU, I knew basic concepts
of leadership, but had never
had them tested. Through the
Roan Program, I have had a
chance to be molded and
shaped into a better leader . . .
I am so grateful for my
time here.
Craig Mitcham,
Class of 2013
Note to the Roan Steering Committee,
April 29, 2013
From Our Founder
Much more than a scholarship, the Roan Scholars Leadership Program is
a comprehensive, challenging learning experience. Outside the classroom,
Roan Scholars receive leadership development opportunities and unique
educational experiences regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Patterned after the Morehead-Cain Program at UNC (Chapel Hill), we
want to retain, educate, and develop the region’s best potential leadership
talent and to provide tangible benefits to our Scholars, ETSU, and the
Region. The unique Roan Financial Benefits and Program Activities are magnets that attract
well-rounded, high-performing individuals to the university. Selection criteria are character,
leadership, intellectual curiosity, and physical vigor.
Although the Roan Program is now firmly established, we do our utmost to continue to
improve. We participate in the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence Awards Program
and have achieved Level II recognition. We plan to increase the number of incoming freshmen
from 5 to 7. This would boost our Program total from 20 to 28 Scholars on campus, and we
intend to grow class size even further beyond that.
Other specific objectives include:
• expanding our infrastructure and staff to accommodate the above
• enhancing our current activities to include additional personal development opportunities
and international components
Under the leadership of Steering Chair Tom Krieger, Director Scott Jeffress, and the Roan
Steering Committee, I dream of the Roan Program reaching new heights. I visualize our
Endowment exceeding $25 million, the number of Scholars continuing to increase, and
Scholars coming to ETSU from all over the world. Roan Scholars will be nationally and
internationally recognized for their professional and volunteer achievements.
ETSU and our region are, and will continue to be, stronger and better because of the Roan
Scholars Program. Continued progress requires additional resources. Our Endowment
continues to grow. However, we MUST have expanded Program exposure and increased
financial support to meet our current financial obligations and to realize our potential positive
regional impact. If you are not already participating, please join us. If you are involved and can
increase your investment, please do.
Louis H. Gump
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 1
From the Director
As I look back on the past twelve months – my first with the Roan Program –
I’m reminded of what a terrific year it’s been, and of what a privilege it is to be
part of the ‘Roan Family.’ We spent a good deal of the 2012-13 academic year
reexamining our Program: what it means to be a Roan Scholar; how we develop
Roan Scholars for leadership excellence and lifelong impact; what the Roan
Program provides to the community; how we grow the Program - to provide
more opportunities for more talented young leaders, and increase their collective
positive impact on campus, in the region, and (some day) around the world.
Those are some significant questions - well worth all the time we’ve spent (and continue to spend) thinking
and discussing them. I want to thank our Scholars, our Steering Committee members, and the many
others who’ve been part of this process; your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your actions have helped keep us
on the right path, and it’s exciting to think where that path may lead us.
And yet, the past year has not been marked only by questions and planning. Indeed, the year was one of
action, and accomplishment, and impact – by our current Roan Scholars and our Roan Alumni alike. As
you’ll see in the pages that follow, Roan Scholars continue to find creative and powerful ways to lead and
serve – whether they’re elected, appointed, working, or volunteering. On campus, you’ll find Scholars making
a tremendous impact in leadership roles across the spectrum. Among our Alumni, you’ll find outstanding
young professionals: doctors, lawyers, teachers, and a host of others; you’ll also find men and women who
are actively engaged in their communities, on boards, in volunteer roles, in leadership positions. You’ll find
leaders who are recognized for their excellence with numerous awards, but who are much less concerned
with the actual recognition than they are with truly living lives worthy of such recognition. Our Scholars are
making such a positive difference for others . . . it’s exciting to see!
Just as significantly, the past year saw a great deal of growth and development by our Roan Scholars as
they not only responded to, but began to seek out and even embrace, new challenges and opportunities.
Across the board, our Scholars are stepping out, exploring new interests and areas, pushing themselves to
learn and to become stronger leaders. While they certainly benefit from this growth and development, so,
too, does the ETSU community and the entire region.
As we prepare to welcome our fourteenth class of Roan Scholars to campus, we’re excited about what
the future holds. In line with the vision of our founder, Mr. Louie Gump, and the strategic visioning
noted above, we’ve developed a plan to grow both the number of Scholars and the leader development
opportunities available to them. This year, we’ll take some first steps in carrying out that plan. It’s an
exciting time to be involved with the Roan Scholars Leadership Program! Thank you for all you do to
support our Scholars, and thanks for allowing us to share the ‘Roan Story’ with you – I encourage you
to, in turn, share our story with others. Please stop by anytime you’re near campus; we’ll look forward to
seeing you in the coming year.
All the best,
Scott Jeffress
2 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
W
hat I learned this year was that (my)
focus often made me closed-minded to other
opportunities . . . I felt challenged by the Roan
Program to look at different possibilities, look
at other avenues to gain experience, look at other
programs and organizations that I can learn from.
Chelsea Booher, Class of 2014
Letter to the Steering Committee, April 26, 2013
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 3
roan year in review 2012-2013
August
Aug 12-18
Roan Outdoor Leadership Challenge
Class of 2016
Various locations in
North Carolina, Tennessee
Aug 20
Dell laptop presentation to members
of the Class of 2016
President’s Conference Room
Welcome Back Picnic
Shelbridge
Aug 21-22
Roan orientation activities
Class of 2016
ETSU Campus, Johnson City
Aug 23-25
ETSU PREVIEW
Aug 23-31
ETSU Pride Week
Activities
Aug 25
Fall Semester
classes begin
4 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
September
Sep 21-28
Pre-professional preparation
“Life after ETSU” workshop series
Gump Conference Room
October
Oct 3
International Storytelling Festival with Donald Davis
International Storytelling Center,
Jonesborough, TN
Oct 5
College of Business and Technology /
Eastman Chemical Company
Leadership Series Executive Briefing
Travis Bradberry,
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Millennium Centre
Oct 8-9
ETSU Fall Break
Oct 19
Professional interviewing skills
“Life after ETSU” workshop series
Gump Conference Room
Oct 21
Race for the Cure
5K Run/Walk
Kingsport, TN
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 5
November
Nov 2-3
Roan Alumni Panel
Roan Open House
Gump Conference Room
ETSU Homecoming Weekend
Nov 6
Roan Steering Committee Meeting
Gump Conference Room
Nov 9-16
“Who We Are Counts” Workshop
Gump Conference Room
Nov 22-23
ETSU Thanksgiving Break
Nov 28-30, Dec 6-7
Regional Selection Interviews
Northeast TN locations
Nov 30
End-of-semester holiday social
Bristol Motor Speedway
6 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
December
Dec 15
ETSU Commencement
MSHA Memorial Center
Dec 16 - Jan 16
ETSU Winter Break
January
Jan 8
Finalist Day
Gump Conference Room
Jan 12-22
Inside Washington 2013:
The Presidential Inauguration
(a seminar sponsored by
The Washington Center)
Washington, D.C.
Jan 17
Spring Semester classes begin
February
Feb 1
Leadership Impact Seminar
Gump Conference Room
Feb 11
ETSU Day on the Hill
State Capitol
Nashville, TN
Feb 15
Medical School Admissions
“Life after ETSU” workshop series
Quillen College of Medicine
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 7
Feb 22
Senior Scholars Panel
Gump Conference Room
March
Mar 6
Red Bus Project
visits ETSU
Pedestrian Mall
Mar 6
Roan Steering Committee Meeting
Gump Conference Room
Mar 8
College of Business and Technology /
Eastman Chemical Company
Leadership Series Executive Briefing
Liz Wiseman, Multipliers
Millennium Centre
Mar 9-16
ETSU Spring Break
Mar 10-15
Roan Annual Leadership Experience
Washington, D.C.
Mar 22-24
USPAA Scholar Summit
Georgia Tech
8 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
April
Apr 5
Carl & Kathryn Jones
Crisis Communications Workshop
East TN Room
Apr 12-13
Roan Picture Day
ETSU Campus
ETSU By-Invitation-Only Orientation
D.P. Culp University Center
Apr 15
ETSU Summit Awards Ceremony
Millennium Centre
Apr 16
Senior Celebration Dinner
Carnegie Hotel
ETSU Academic Excellence Convocation
Culp Auditorium
Apr 19
ETSU Relay for Life
MSHA Memorial Center
Apr 22
Roan Spring Reception
Shelbridge
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 9
Apr 26
ETSU Spring Gathering
Amphitheater
Apr 29
Roan seminar with Dr. Noland
Gump Conference Room
May
May 10
Leadercast 2013
Toy F. Reid (Eastman)
Employee Center
Kingsport, TN
May 11
ETSU Commencement
MSHA Memorial Center
Jun 11
Roan Steering Committee Meeting
Gump Conference Room
Throughout the year:
Freshman seminar series;
“Lunch with the Director”;
Drop-in Roan birthday celebrations;
Intramurals competition
10 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
E
verything you choose to do should be
done with everything you have. Before
this year I wanted to take every opportunity
and make it my own. Now, I am honored to
make a few opportunities remarkable, and
leave the rest to my peers and other leaders,
to make remarkable in their own way.
Sierra Galloway,
Class of 2015
Letter to the Steering Committee,
April 28, 2013
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 11
SCHOLAR IMPACT
CAMPUS / COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Mollie Bellows ‘14
Cheyna Haas ‘13
President, ETSU Climbing Team
Senior Advisor, ETSU Chapter of
‘To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)’
Co-director, English Outreach Program
(ETSU Language and Culture Resource Center)
Chelsea Booher ‘14
Program Director, Middle School Ministry
(Tri-Cities Baptist Church)
Emily Eisenhower ‘13
President, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Founder and President, Pre-Optometry Student
Organization
Vice President, Sigma Alpha Lamda National
Leadership and Honors Organization
Team Development Chair, ETSU Relay for Life
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
President’s Pride
Brad Fisher ‘16
President’s Pride
Inaugural class member, Dr. Brenda White Wright
Emerging Leaders Academy
Sierra Galloway ‘15
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
Event Chair, Mental Health Awareness Week and
Suicide Prevention Week
Event Chair, Multicultural Expo
Lucas Hitechew ‘14
Parliamentarian-Senator,
Student Government Association
President, Davis Hall (Residential Life) Council
Secretary, ETSU Chapter of National Residence Hall
Honorary (NRHH)
Chair for External Relations,
Communication Studies Association
Chair for Community Service, Alpha Lamda Delta
Honor Society
Victoria Howard ‘15
President, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
Small group leader, Impact Conference
Zach McCamey ‘15
Associate Justice,
Student Government Association (SGA)
Vice President, Pre-Law Society
President’s Pride
Student representative,
ETSU Committee for 125 – Academics Task Force
Maddie Gilmer ‘16
Co-captain, ETSU Intramurals Team
(won Centennial Cup competition)
President’s Pride
Captain, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
(Roan Scholars team)
12 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Cabinet member,
Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL)
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
Craig Mitcham ‘13
Austin Wike ‘16
President’s Pride
President’s Pride
Head Coach, University School Soccer Team
Small group leader, Impact Conference
Inaugural class member, Dr. Brenda White Wright
Emerging Leaders Academy
Shianne Murray ‘13
Erika Wild ‘14
President’s Pride
Matt Pencarinha ‘14
Featured speaker,
Distinguished President’s Trust Dinner
Vice President, Entrepreneur Club
President’s Pride
Vice President (acting President),
Public Health Student Association
Vice President, ETSU Panhellenic Council
Vice President for Membership Education,
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
President, Gamma Sigma Alpha Honors Society
Coordinator, ETSU Freedom Rocks
voter awareness and registration event
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
Audrey Smith ‘16
Student representative,
Hands On! Museum board of directors
Sierra Wilson ‘16
Small group leader/mentor, Disciple Now program
Inaugural class member, Dr. Brenda White Wright
Emerging Leaders Academy
Inaugural class member, Dr. Brenda White Wright
Emerging Leaders Academy
Michael Stallard ‘15
Executive Board member,
St. Jude Up ‘Til Dawn at ETSU
Student representative, ETSU Committee for 125 –
Extramural Resources Task Force
Co-captain, ETSU Intramurals Team
(won Centennial Cup competition)
Teaching Assistant, ETSU at Rome Program
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
President’s Pride
President’s Pride
Alicyn York ‘15
Secretary/Treasurer-elect,
Student Government Association (SGA)
Associate Justice, SGA
Vice President for Membership Education,
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Panhellenic Delegate, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Service Chair, Public Health Student Association
Secretary, Pre-Physician Assistant (PA)
Student Organization
Preview and Orientation (POLO) Leader
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 13
SCHOLAR IMPACT
AWARDS
ACADEMIC HONORS
Emily Eisenhower ‘13
Summa Cum Laude graduate
Outstanding Greek President
Emily Eisenhower ‘13
Lucas Hitechew ‘14
Student Government Association (SGA) Tait White Award
Golden Key International
Honour Society
Charles M. Statham Memorial Award for
Excellence in Speech
Emily Eisenhower ‘13
Victoria Howard ‘15
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity ‘Brother of the Year’,
Superior Leadership Award, and Executive Potential Awards
Led ETSU Chapter to earn the Joseph Torchin Outstanding
Chapter award - one of only two in the nation
Zach McCamey ‘15
Associate Justice of the Year
Erika Wild ‘14
Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
Outstanding Greek Woman
Chelsea Booher ‘14
Michael Stallard ‘15
Erika Wild ‘14
The Honor Society of
Phi Kappa Phi
Chelsea Booher ‘14
Erika Wild ‘14
Dean’s List
Mollie Bellows ‘14
Chelsea Booher ‘14
Emily Eisenhower ‘13
Brad Fisher ‘16
Maddie Gilmer ‘16
Lucas Hitechew ‘14
Zach McCamey ‘15
Audrey Smith ‘16
Michael Stallard ‘15
Austin Wike ‘16
Erika Wild ‘14
Sierra Wilson ‘16
14 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
T
h e Rohtang Pass was the most
breathtaking place we saw. Even though it’s one of the most
dangerous roads in the world,
we couldn’t get rid of our huge smiles
as we peered over the sides of the
cliffs we were driving on. Around
each hairpin turn was a deep valley
underneath a monstrous peak
hosting a waterfall from glacier melt,
and we knew we were on the
adventure of our lives. Victoria Howard, Class of 2015
Notes from her time in the Himalayas,
June-July 2013
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 15
SUMMER 2013 ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCES
INTERNATIONAL STUDY/TRAVEL
ETSU at Rome Program
Rome, Italy
Himalayan Health Exchange
Spiti & Dharamsala, India
Chinandega, Nicaragua
NON-PROFIT /
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City /
Washington County
Coalition for Kids (C4K); Johnson City, TN
Girls, Inc. of Johnson City / Washington County
Greater Kingsport Family YMCA; Kingsport, TN
One Acre Café; Johnson City, TN
River’s Way - Outside Alive program; Bluff City, TN
South Carolina Department of Health &
Environmental Control (SCDHEC)
Camp Burnt Gin; Wedgefield, SC
Summit Leadership Foundation; Johnson City, TN
GOVERNMENTAL /
HEALTH CARE
Baptist Hospital of Cocke County; Newport, TN
Office of Community & Government Relations,
East Tennessee State University; Johnson City,TN
Tri-Cities Regional Office
U. S. Senator Bob Corker; Jonesborough, TN
U.S. District Court; Greeneville, TN
Watauga Medical Center; Boone, NC
16 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 17
Roan Class of 2013
Emily Kate Eisenhower
Emily is a graduate of Cocke County High School. At ETSU she served as the
President of Alpha Delta Pi, Associate Justice on the SGA Student Court, Preview
and Orientation Leader board member, was a member of President’s Pride,
and was a representative on the Student Organization Leadership Council for
Medical Professions Advisement. She also co-founded and was President of the
Pre-Optometry Club at ETSU. Emily was a member of the Chemistry Club, the
American Medical Students Association, Relay for Life Committee, and several
honor societies. In the community she volunteered at Healing Hands Health Center
and the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House. Having graduated Summa
Cum Laude from ETSU, she will attend the Southern College of Optometry, in
Memphis, beginning this fall.
Cheyna Linzie Haas
Cheyna is a 2009 graduate of North Greene High School. On campus, Cheyna has
served as Vice-President of the ETSU Forensics and Debate Team, was a member of
both ETSU’s Climbing Club and ETSU Prevention through Education, Awareness,
and Knowledge of Suicide (ETSU PEAKS), and has played on numerous intramural
teams. Cheyna also founded and served as President of the ETSU chapter of “To
Write Love on Her Arms” (TWLOHA), which seeks to raise awareness regarding
depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. In the spring of 2011 she was named
Chapter Leader of the Year during a national awards ceremony, and Outstanding
Organizational President at the ETSU Summit Award ceremony. ETSU’s
TWLOHA chapter has been named national Chapter of the Year for 2011 and
2012. Cheyna is double majoring in Clinical Psychology and Philosophy, with a
minor in Sociology. She plans to graduate in May 2014, then pursue a doctorate in
Clinical Psychology to prepare her for a career in psychological research. 18 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Craig Woods Mitcham
Craig graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. At ETSU he served as a
member of President’s Pride, the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization, a
worship leader at the Wesley Foundation and as an Admissions Ambassador. In the
summer of 2011 he was part of the ETSU Summer in Rome Program. He was a
member of ETSU’s first-ever Atlantic Sun Championship Soccer team. Craig also
participated in the Medical Horizons Program and interned at the Regional Eye
Center. He plans a career in the medical field.
Shianne Grace Murray
Shianne graduated from Mitchell High School, in Bakersville, NC. A member of
the American Medical Students Association, Chemistry Club, President’s Pride,
Phi Sigma Pi honors fraternity and Alpha Omega Christian fraternity, she served
as the president of the Centennial Hall Council for two years and as a Senator
and a member of the Concert Committee for SGA. Shianne also served on the
Leadership Board for ETSU’s Habitat for Humanity and has been very involved
in intramural sports. She served as a Registered American Heart Association
First Aid and BLS CPR Instructor and volunteered in the Cuddler Program in
the Neonatal ICU at the Johnson City Medical Center. Shianne graduated as
a Health Science Major with a Women’s Studies minor, and plans a career in
medicine, focusing on women’s health.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 19
Roan Class of 2014
Mollie Francis Elizabeth Ley Bellows
Mollie is a graduate of Tuscola High School and is currently pursuing a major in
Spanish. She is president of the ETSU climbing team and a building supervisor
in the Basler Center for Physical Activity; she also teaches English as a Second
Language through the Language and Cultural Resource Center. In the community,
Mollie volunteers at Small Miracles Therapeutic Riding Center in Kingsport,
teaching horseback riding to children with special needs, and works with middle
school students at her local church. She serves as a counselor and arts & crafts
director at Camp Burnt Gin, a camp for children with special needs, in Columbia,
South Carolina. Following graduation in 2014, she plans to attend graduate school.
Chelsea Hopkins Booher
Chelsea is a graduate of Sullivan South High School and is majoring in Mathematics
Education at ETSU. A member of both Golden Key Honor Society and Phi Kappa
Phi, she spends the majority of her time outside the classroom working with youth
at Tri-Cities Baptist Church. As Program Director for the middle school ministry,
Chelsea has led student groups on multiple out-of-state trips during the past year,
and served as logistics coordinator for a weekend conference attended by over 500
students. This summer, she’ll intern with Summit Leadership Foundation.
Lucas Christopher Hitechew
Lucas Hitechew is a graduate of Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain. He
currently serves as Secretary of Allocations of the SGA and President of Davis Hall
Council. He also represents the students’ voices by serving on the Library Strategic
Planning and the Parking, Traffic, and Safety committees. His volunteer activities
include waiting tables at Feast of Joy, singing at local nursing homes, and volunteering
at 4-H Camp as an adult leader. Lucas is double majoring in International Affairs
and Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies.
20 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Matthew Thomas Pencarinha
Matt graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. At ETSU he has participated
in President’s Pride, the Entrepreneurs Club and Campus Crusade; he has also
served as a Peer Advisor for the College of Business and Technology. During his
freshman year, he participated in the Army ROTC program. Off campus he is
involved in the community through Summit Leadership Foundation, the Johnson
City Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Board, and the John Maxwell
Group. He is majoring in Logistics with a minor in Leadership Studies, and plans a
career in the business field.
Erika Love Wild
Erika is a 2010 graduate of Cocke County High School. At ETSU, she is in the
College of Public Health, majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in
Human Health. She is the president of Gamma Sigma Alpha and vice president of
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. A member of the Public Health Student Association
and Vice President for the College of Public Health Student Council, Erika is also
the historian for the Association of Interprofessional Healthcare Students. During
2012-13, Erika was recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and
Colleges, and was named ETSU Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 21
Roan Class of 2015
Sierra Alexis Galloway
A graduate of Science Hill High School, Sierra recently completed the requirements
for a minor in Communicative Disorders, and was also accepted into ETSU’s
College of Nursing, to begin in fall 2013. After graduation she plans to pursue a
career in Speech and Language Pathology, working with children and specializing
in Autism. Sierra is an active supporter of Autism Speaks, Rapha House and the
American Diabetes Foundation. At ETSU, she is also a member of President’s Pride,
the Student Government Concert Committee, a Preview and Orientation Leader for
first-year students, and an active member of BucWild who greatly enjoys promoting
school spirit!
Victoria Ashley Howard
Victoria Howard graduated from Sevier County High School, where she was
involved in multiple community service organizations and peer tutoring. At
ETSU, she is majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology.
She is pursuing a career in optometry while working as an optometric
assistant. She currently serves as President of the Epsilon Xi Chapter of Phi
Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. Aside from classwork, Victoria enjoys
photography as a hobby. Zachary Lynn McCamey
Zach is a graduate of West Greene High School where he served as a class officer for
four years and as secretary and president of the Student Council. He was also game
leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and played basketball and baseball.
At ETSU, Zach currently serves as the Vice-President of the Pre-Law Society on
campus, and the Chief Justice of the Student Government Association; he is also a
Preview and Orientation leader. Zach is heavily involved in the intramural sports
program on campus, and recently captained his team to another “Centennial Cup”
as intramural champions. Last year, Zach also served on a Vision 125 task force that
helped develop ETSU’s vision for the next twenty-five years.
22 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Michael Donald Stallard
Michael graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School where he participated in
football, weightlifting and track. He was involved in a tutoring program, Key Club,
Health Occupations Students of America and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
At ETSU, he is a member of President’s Pride, Preview and Orientation Leader
Organization and is on the St. Jude Up ‘Till Dawn board. He is also a member of the
Alpha Lambda Delta honor fraternity. Michael has also been very involved in campus
intramurals and was a member of the team that has won two consecutive “Centennial
Cup” championships. After spending part of 2012 on a summer Study Abroad
Program in Rome, he returned this past summer as a teaching assistant.
Alicyn Rebekah York
A 2011 graduate of Daniel Boone High School, Alicyn is a political science
major, and was recently elected as ETSU’s Student Government Association
(SGA) secretary/treasurer for 2013-14. She serves as Membership Education Vice
President in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and also served as its Panhellenic Delegate.
Alicyn is also Service Chair for both the Public Health Student Association and
the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization. One of three undergraduate
students on the Dean of Arts and Sciences Grade Appeal Committee, she also
served last year as an Associate Justice for the SGA, Secretary of the Pre-Physician
Assistant Student Organization, and a member of both Sigma Alpha Lambda
leadership honorary and the President’s Pride service honorary, Alicyn works in
the Adult Resource Center (ARC) on campus and teaches piano. Her parents are
Robert and Robin York of Mount Carmel.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 23
Roan Class of 2016
Bradford Sterling Fisher
Brad graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, where he held numerous
leadership positions, including president of Mu Alpha Theta, captain of the track
and field team and the honors Biology II team, and head Mathematics and Science
tutor for an after-school program. He also volunteered at a local nursing home and
with Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, and Relay for Life; and was selected to
participate in the Governor’s School for Scientific Models and Data Analysis. During
his first year at ETSU, Brad was selected as a member of President’s Pride – a student
ambassador program – and participated on the intramural team that won the coveted
‘Centennial Cup.’ He’ll spend part of this summer in India on a health exchange
program – one of many exciting steps on the path to a career in the health sciences.
Mary Madeline Gilmer
Maddie graduated from Tennessee High School where she served as president of
her senior class, president of the Anchor Club and vice president of the National
Honors Society. She was a member of the Beta Club, Student Council, the track
and field team, the varsity cheerleading squad, and the Madrigals Honors Choir.
Maddie also initiated a “Viking Pink Out” campaign to help raise money for Breast
Cancer Awareness Month. At ETSU, she is a member of President’s Pride, and plans
to major in exercise science, with the goal of eventually becoming an occupational
therapist. She also works with children in the community as a gymnastics coach.
Audrey Lee Smith
Audrey graduated from Abingdon High School where she served as president of
her sophomore, junior and senior classes. She also served as class representative
on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Team and as the school board liaison.
She was the founder and vice president of the Youth Alive Club. At ETSU, Audrey
is majoring in Elementary Education. She is a member of the Dr. Brenda White
Wright Emerging Leaders Academy and serves on The Well Ministry Team. Audrey
serves on the board for the Hands On! Museum, and recently interned with the local
non-profit organization, Girls Incorporated of Johnson City.
24 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
William Austin Wike
Austin graduated from Pisgah High School, where he was a member of the Leo Club,
the Key Club, and the National Honor Society and - along with his brother - founded
the Diversity and Inclusion Club, which strives to educate students about diversity. He
was also a member of the track team and the basketball team, and served as captain of
the football team during his sophomore and senior years. At ETSU, Austin is serving
as a Resident Advisor, is a proud member of the reigning ‘Centennial Cup’ intramural
championship team, and is a graduate of the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging
Leaders Academy. Austin recently completed a summer internship with the Boys and
Girls Club of Johnson City / Washington County and plans to continue volunteering
there this coming year. His career plans are to attend medical school after earning a
bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Health.
Sierra Elizabeth Wilson
Sierra graduated from Ashe County High School, where she attended the Governor’s
School-East and was the state’s representative to the FBI National Academy Youth
Leadership Program. A member of the basketball team and the captain of her
tennis team, she also volunteered with the Mission Friends, Operation Christmas
Child, the Feast in the Fields program, and a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Sierra was
involved in the school music program and has received numerous awards in bluegrass
band, fiddle and folk songs competitions. At ETSU, she participates in the Bluegrass
Old Time and Country Music Studies, the Public Health Student Association, and
is an Honors-in-Discipline student in Communication Studies. This past summer,
Sierra completed two internships as an administrative assistant - with One Acre Café
in Johnson City, and Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 25
Roan Alumni – Class of 2004
Heather Jones Cook • Class of 2004
Heather is the Executive Director of the Foundation at Northeast State Community
College. She is a leadership development trainer for the Dobyns-Bennett High School
Band, a member of the Communications Committee for the United Way of Greater
Kingsport, and was recently appointed to serve on the Kingsport Planning Commission.
Heather is also the Club Secretary for the Rotary Club of Kingsport. She remains highly
devoted to the Roan Scholars Program as an alumna. Heather and her husband, Lafe,
reside in Kingsport.
Kristin Truman Farr • Class of 2004
After graduating from ETSU in the spring of 2004, Kristin attended medical school
at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine and graduated in spring 2008. She
completed her internship and residency in pediatrics and is currently working at the
Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City. Kristin and her husband, Jason, reside
in Johnson City.
Carolyn “Addie” Estepp Jarrett • Class of 2004
Addie graduated from ETSU in 2004 with a major in Environmental Health. Upon
graduation she pursued a career as a Naturalist with the Georgia DNR/State Parks
system and worked as a Naturalist at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. Addie and her
husband, Mark, live in Cornelius, Georgia.
Julie Harless Keeton • Class of 2004
Julie graduated from ETSU with a major in Public Health in 2006 and is a proud
mother of 7 children. She is also a featured guest speaker for the Philadelphia Heart
Moms, Philadelphia Foundation, and Gift of Life Donor Services. Her son is awaiting a
heart and double lung transplant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. They reside in
Kingsport and Philadelphia.
26 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Roan Alumni – Class of 2005
Glen Allen Barnett • Class of 2005
Allen became an Officer in the United States Navy after graduating from ETSU in
2005. After completing Basic Underwater Diver/Seal training (BUD/S), he became
a U.S. Navy Seal. Allen has served his nation in Africa, Asia, Central/South America,
Europe and the Middle East. He most recently returned from a combat deployment to
Afghanistan and is currently stationed outside the U.S.
Mikki Glover Hale • Class of 2005
Mikki graduated from ETSU with a B.S. in Marketing in 2005. She is currently
managing her family business, Shadrack Productions in Bristol, home of Shadrack
Campground, Christmas Wonderland and Shadrack Watersports. She actively serves as a
worship leader at Highlands Fellowship Church. Mikki and her husband, Brandon, live in
Johnson City and remain involved with the Roan Scholars Program.
Brittany Smith Hollingsworth • Class of 2005
Brittany graduated from ETSU with a B.S. in Biology in 2005. She then earned her
Master of Arts in teaching from Carson-Newman College in December of 2006. Since
that time, Brittany has taught science at the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade levels. She currently
teaches 7th grade science at Mosheim Middle School in Greene County. She and her
husband, Ryan, reside in Whitesburg, TN.
Brian Thomas McCormack • Class of 2005
Brian graduated from ETSU in 2005 with a B.A. in Political Science and in 2010 earned
a law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He is
currently employed by the State of Tennessee as Assistant to the Governor for Boards and
Commissions. He resides in Nashville, TN.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 27
Roan Alumni – Class of 2006
Philip Joel Benfield • Class of 2006
Philip graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem,
NC, in 2010. He completed an internship in General Surgery at ETSU then returned to
Winston-Salem to complete a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Wake Forest University
Baptist Medical Center. He currently resides and practices in Kernersville, NC.
Aya Fukuda • Class of 2006
Aya was in the inaugural class of the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and
graduated in May 2012 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She completed her Pharmacy
Practice Residency at the University of Texas at Austin and is currently employed with
HEB Pharmacy in Austin, TX. She serves as a preceptor for student pharmacists and
volunteers at the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic.
Keely Richardson Goodwin • Class of 2006
Keely earned her B.B.A. degree in marketing from ETSU in 2006. While at ETSU she
served in many leadership roles in the College of Business & Technology and various
honor societies. She is employed at Eastman Chemical Company as a Sales Manager,
and is actively involved with First Baptist Church in Elizabethton, Tenn., and several
local charities. She and her husband, Nathan, publisher of the Elizabethton Star, reside
in Elizabethton.
Carolyn Michele Richards • Class of 2006
Michele graduated from ETSU in 2008 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She
is currently working as the Pediatric Physical Therapist for a school system in East
Tennessee. She also has a small photography business and runs an online vintage
clothing shop.
28 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Roan Alumni – Classes of 2007/2008
Erin Collins Shores • Class of 2007
Erin graduated from ETSU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in May 2007, and
immediately began working for Holston Home for Children in Greeneville, TN, as a
Child and Family Specialist. She is now the Foster Parent Recruiter/Trainer for Holston
Home. Erin is also currently working on a Master of Science in Social Work at the
University of Tennessee. She and her husband, Josh, reside in Greeneville, TN.
Benjamin Joseph (B.J.) Whitt • Class of 2007
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2007, B.J. graduated from the
James H. Quillen College of Medicine in 2011. He completed a preliminary year in
internal medicine at ETSU and is now completing his residency in Diagnostic Radiology
at the University of Louisville. Further plans for his future include completing a fellowship
in interventional radiology.
Caroline Ross Williams • Class of 2007
After graduating from ETSU in 2007, Caroline was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship and
attended Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, Virginia. There, she served as
an editor of the Law Review and as a clerk for the Honorable William G. Petty, a justice on
the Virginia Court of Appeals. Caroline is now a licensed attorney in both Tennessee and
Virginia. She is an Associate with Hunter, Smith & Davis, LLP, where she specializes in civil
and commercial litigation, insurance defense, and personal injury. She remains involved
with Roan Scholars and ETSU, and was recently named a new member of the ETSU
Foundation. Caroline resides in Kingsport with her husband, Jason.
Stephen Miller Linebarger • Class of 2008
Stephen graduated from ETSU in December 2008. While there, he was heavily involved
in the Student Government Association, appointed as Chief Justice during 2006-2007 and
elected Vice President the following year. He was an intramural football and basketball
official, and was the Assistant Executive Producer for Radio with the Buccaneer Sports
Network. An honor graduate of the Jim Evans’ Academy of Professional Umpiring, he
worked for three years as a professional Minor League Baseball umpire. He now lives in
Nashville, where he is preparing for potential postgraduate studies.
Allison Kay Lowe • Class of 2008
Allison graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Purdue UniversityIndianapolis in May 2010. She currently lives in Knoxville, where she works for Child
and Family Tennessee as Women’s Services Coordinator. Allison provides intensive
mental health and substance abuse services to families whose babies are in the specialized
NICU at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital due to prenatal opiate exposure. This is a
pilot program and is the first of its kind nationwide. Allison will be married in September
2013, to Ben Ferguson, a Knoxville native.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 29
Roan Alumni – Class of 2009
Whitney Renee Anderson • Class of 2009
At the end of her junior year at ETSU, Whitney was admitted to the Bill Gatton College
of Pharmacy where she served as a Student Ambassador. She was also a member and
the secretary of the Kappa Epsilon professional fraternity and a dean’s list student. She
graduated in May 2012 and is currently employed with Walgreen’s Pharmacy.
Brittany Lynita Moore • Class of 2009
Brittany graduated in 2009 with a degree in Biology and completed her Master of
Science in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences in 2012. She is an active
participant in the Teach Tennessee Commissioner’s Fellows Program and is currently
teaching secondary sciences and biology at Sullivan North High School where she advises
the Key Club, Raider Revolution, Environmental Club, and coaches volleyball.
Phillip Clay Ross • Class of 2009
Phillip graduated in 2009 with a degree in Accounting. He attended Wake Forest School
of Law, where he received the prestigious Fletcher Scholarship, served as an editor of the
Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude. Phillip is now an Associate at Robinson,
Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. in Charlotte, NC, where he resides with his wife, Liz. Phillip’s
practice areas include general corporate work, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and
software licensing.
Tim William Vanthournout • Class of 2009
After completing his undergraduate degree in management at ETSU, Tim completed his
Master of Education at Milligan College and received his teaching certification in grades
7-12 in Mathematics, Business and Marketing. He currently teaches Personal Finance
at Science Hill High School and serves as Head Freshman Football Coach and Assistant
Varsity Baseball Coach.
30 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Roan Alumni – Classes of 2010/2011
Amber Preston Butler • Class of 2010
Amber graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in December 2009.
During her last summer of college, Amber participated in a study abroad program in
Guaranda, Ecuador, where she completed a minor in Spanish. For the past three years she
has worked at the Johnson City Medical Center and Tri-Cities Gastroenterology’s Center
for Digestive Wellness. Amber recently earned her Master of Science in Nursing Family
Nurse Practitioner degree from King College, and successfully passed the American Nurses
Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) board certification. She resides in Kingsport with her
husband (and fellow ETSU graduate), Scott Butler.
Joshua Stanley Culbert • Class of 2010
Josh completed his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy in the spring of
2010, and his Master of Accountancy in the spring of 2012. He is currently preparing
for the CPA exam. Josh is currently employed at Wofford Brothers Insurance Agency in
Johnson City, TN, where he serves as Accounting/Systems Manager.
Sabrina Satterfield Prosser • Class of 2010
Sabrina graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2009 with a B.S.Ed. While at
ETSU she was President of Alpha Delta Pi, an inductee into the Leadership Hall of
Fame and a member of Who’s Who Among American College Students. In December 2011
she graduated from Liberty University with a M.Ed. in School Counseling. She is
currently working to become a certified Behavior Analyst through a graduate certificate
program at George Mason University. She and her husband live in Fort Polk, LA.
Katharine Elizabeth Jones • Class of 2011
Katie graduated summa cum laude in 2011 with a B.S. in Political Science and a double
minor in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice. While at ETSU she interned for Chief Judge
James P. Jones in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, and for the
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Katie is currently a third-year law
student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where she is a
notes editor on the University of Memphis Law Review, a recipient of the prestigious Herbert
Herff Presidential Law Scholarship, and has been admitted to practice in federal court. She
plans to pursue a career as a Federal Prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Christopher Ryan Mynhier • Class of 2011
Chris graduated in May 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. While at ETSU,
he was involved with the Admissions Ambassadors, President’s Pride, Student Nurses’
Association, and the Health Occupations Students of America chapter at ETSU. Chris
served as Public Relations Committee Co-Chair and Vice-President for ETSU’s Habit for
Humanity. He was also selected for the Honors-in-Discipline program for the College of
Nursing. He is employed at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 31
Roan Alumni – Class of 2012
Sean McNeil Collins • Class of 2012
Sean graduated in May 2012 with a degree in Physical Education and a concentration in
Exercise Science. While at ETSU he completed a semester abroad at Massey University
in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Currently, Sean is pursuing a master’s degree in
Sustainable Design and Construction at Appalachian State University.
Grace Owen O’Neill McCord • Class of 2012
Grace graduated in December 2011 with a degree in Human Services and a minor in
Accounting. She is currently in the second year of a master’s program at ETSU, pursuing
a degree in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health, and working
in the ETSU Alumni Office. After graduating in May 2014, Grace plans on pursuing
international non-profit work within her field of interest. Grace is engaged and will be
married in August 2013.
Daniel Justin Miller • Class of 2012
Daniel graduated in May 2012 with a degree in Biology. At ETSU he served as the Chief
Justice of the SGA Student Court, President of the Preview and Orientation Leader
Organization and as Advertising Manager of the campus newspaper, the East Tennessean.
He was also a member of President’s Pride and the Centennial Planning Committee,
and participated in two medical mission trips to Mexico. Daniel is currently attending
optometry school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Edwina Michelle Morris • Class of 2012
Edwina graduated from ETSU in the spring of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Biology with a minor in Leadership Studies. While enrolled at ETSU she served in
various leadership roles on campus and in the community of Johnson City while also
being an employee at the National Healthcare Corporation in Johnson City. She was a
member of President’s Pride, American Medical Student Association, the Public Health
Student Association, Admissions Ambassadors, and was co-president of the NAACP
chapter at ETSU. During the fall of 2013, she will begin a Master of Public Health
Program in Health Planning and Management, at the University of Tennessee.
32 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
O
ver the past year . . . the opportunities
I have been given, the programs,
and the expectations that come with
being a Roan Scholar . . . I feel like
I am being prepared to lead in my
community in the future.
Austin Wike, Class of 2016
Letter to the Steering Committee,
April 28, 2013
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 33
Regional Selection Committees
Mr. P.B. Bachman
Assistant to the CFO, BachmanBernard Motors; Greeneville, TN
Mr. Jason Berry
Executive Director, VA Highlands
Small Business Incubator
Councilman,
Town of Abingdon, VA
Mr. Rolland Boles
Retired – Eastman Chemical
Company; Gray, TN
Ms. Kathy Boone
Vice President,
Bank of America - Banner Elk, NC
Ms. Lori Cooper
Senior Vice-President,
The Tombras Group;
Knoxville, TN
Ms. April Eads
Business Development Manager,
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
Ms. Tammy Eldridge
Property Manager, Grace
Commercial Properties;
Jonesborough, TN
Ms. Lori C. Fatherree
Retired – CEO, Johnson City
Specialty Hospital;
Rotary Assistant Governor –
District 7570
Mr. Scott E. Galpin,
CPCU, CLU
Sales Leader Northeast Tennessee
State Farm Insurance Companies;
Johnson City, TN
34 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Ms. Keely R. Goodwin
(Roan ’06)
Business Manager, Eastman
Chemical Company;
Kingsport, TN
Mr. Joe Grandy
President/General Manager
Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. Leighton Hart
TriSummit Investment Services /
Infinex Financial Group;
Johnson City, TN
Ms. Leanna Johnson
Valley Equipment Company, Inc.;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. John M. Jones, Jr.
Executive Editor, Greeneville Sun;
Greeneville, TN
Mr. Olan Jones, Jr.
President/CEO, Eastman Credit
Union; Kingsport, TN
Mr. Richard “Dick” Heydt
Retired - Associate Director, Procter
& Gamble Co.; Johnson City, TN
Ms. Jennifer Keller
Shareholder / Department Chair
Baker, Donelson, Bearman,
Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC;
Johnson City, TN
Dr. Richard McGowan
Gastroenterologist;
Johnson City, TN
Ms. Nikki Niswonger
Board Member - Niswonger
Foundation; Greeneville, TN
Ms. Donna Noland
First Lady, East Tennessee State
University; Johnson City, TN
Mr. Arthur S. Powers
Retired - Vice President &
Publisher, Johnson City Press;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. K. Newton Raff
Chairman of the Board, First
Tennessee Bank - Northeast
TN; Johnson City, TN
Mr. A. Lee Shillito
President & CEO, Triad Packaging
Company; Johnson City, TN
Mr. Ed Simerly
Retired - VP, Sales & Marketing,
Moody Dunbar, Inc.;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. Josh Smith
News Anchor, WHJL /
Channel 11; Johnson City, TN
Ms. Melissa
Steagall-Jones, CPA
Partner - Blackburn,
Childers & Steagall, PLC;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. Bill Stover
Stover Investment Services;
Johnson City, TN
Mr. ‘Spike’ Tickle
Managing Director,
Three Horse, LLC
Director, Strongwell Corporation;
Bristol, TN
Mr. Dennis Vonderfecht
President & CEO, Mountain States
Health Alliance; Johnson City, TN
Ms. Caroline Ross Williams
(Roan ’06)
Attorney - Hunter, Smith &
Davis LLP; Kingsport, TN
Roan Steering Committee
Dr. Bert C. Bach
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs
East Tennessee State University
Ms. Sharon S. Boles
Retired – Eastman Chemical
Company; Gray, TN
Ms. Claudia Byrd
Director, Speedway Children’s
Charities; Bristol, TN
Dr. Nancy Dishner
(Vice-Chair)
Executive Vice President, Niswonger
Foundation; Greeneville, TN
Mr. Courtney Mauzy
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital;
Spruce Pine, NC
Dr. Brian Noland
President
East Tennessee State University
Ms. Sandy Powell
Board member –
Johnson City Symphony;
Ms. Lottie Ryans
VP/GM – Century Link;
Johnson City, TN
Ms. Nita Summers
Board member –
Children’s Advocacy Center;
Member – East Tennessee
State University Foundation;
Jonesborough, TN
Performing Arts Steering
Committee; Limestone, TN
Louis H. Gump
(Program Founder)
President, Impact Management;
Johnson City, TN
LTC(Ret) Scott Jeffress
Director, Roan Scholars
Leadership Program
Mr. M. Thomas Krieger
(Chair)
Retired – President,
Fleming Foods of Tennessee;
Jonesborough, TN
Mr. Sam LaPorte
Attorney, LaPorte & Norris;
Elizabethton, TN
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 35
From the Steering Committee Chairman
This past year has been one of the most exciting and productive years in the history of
the Roan Scholars Leadership Program. Last July, we welcomed LTC (Retired) Scott
Jeffress as our new Director. Scott hit the ground running and brought many new ideas
regarding leader development. Our Scholars responded to his challenge and have
taken advantage of many new opportunities for growth. As you have seen throughout
this annual review, the Roan Scholars are really making an impact on campus and in
the local community.
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my thanks to ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland,
Provost Dr. Bert Bach, and Roan Founder Louis Gump for their ongoing commitment and support of the Roan
Program. I would like to also thank Kathy Feagins and Joan Van Eaton for the important role they’ve played
from the beginning days of the Program, offering administrative support and assisting wherever they were
needed – they’ve truly been invaluable to our success. And I offer a special thank you to those community leaders
who served on our Regional Selection Committees, helping select those students who would become the Roan
Scholars Class of 2017.
Because the Roan is primarily supported by private funding, our Strategic Plan has historically been relatively
conservative, focused on quality programming for a small number of Scholars, along with financial stability. Our
goal has been to “get it right” before we expanded the size and scope of the Program, and I believe we have
done that. The Roan has begun to establish a strong reputation within the region, and our Alumni – though still
quite young – are certainly beginning to make an impact in their professions and their communities. We are now
poised for growth and anticipate beginning that process this year, as we look to increase the number of Scholars
we select. Growing a program or a business typically brings with it some challenges – for us, those challenges
include growing our endowment to support our planned growth, and ensuring we have the necessary staffing
to administer our Leadership Program with the same detail and efficiency that has been our benchmark. We’re
working hard to address both, and I invite you to partner with us if you’re not already doing so.
My final thanks go to our Roan Steering Committee, whose role is to guide the structural, operational, financial,
marketing, and fundraising aspects of the Program. Our dedicated Committee members are all respected
community leaders who exemplify the same qualities we look for in our Scholars. I know the entire Program
shares my gratitude to the members who rotated off this summer; thank you to Dr. Bert Bach for his nearly 16
years of steadfast service, and to Mr. Sam LaPorte for his outstanding service and strong support. Dr. Joe Sherlin,
ETSU’s Vice President for Student Affairs, and Mr. Art Powers, recently retired publisher of the Johnson City
Press, join the Steering Committee in their place.
Again, it has been a year of both significant change and very significant improvement as we continue to
challenge ourselves on ways to “make the good better and the better best.” Thank you for your part in that, and
we look forward to continued partnership with you as we move toward an exciting future for the Roan Program.
Sincerely,
Tom Krieger
36 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
I
have seen myself, beginning with the Outdoor Leadership
Challenge, become open to so many new experiences and be
more willing to try new things. Even though I was hesitant at first,
I learned to rely on the members of my team to keep me encouraged
and to use their strengths to cover my weaknesses.
Sierra Wilson, Class of 2016
Letter to the Steering Committee,
April 26, 2013
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 37
Incoming Roan Scholars – Class of 2017
James William Grindstaff
James graduated from Unaka High School and is the son of Jerry and Teresa Grindstaff
of Elizabethton. Captain of the football team and senior class treasurer, he has also been
actively involved in numerous other school organizations, including membership in the
National Honor Society and serving as president of both the Spanish Club and Future
Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Within the Stoney Creek community, he has
volunteered his time with a local daycare service, the Christmas Angels project, Unaka
Baptist Church, and a school restoration effort sponsored by Lowe’s. James is a member
of the local “Clean Teens” organization, and also volunteers weekly at a local elementary
school, working directly with the students and serving as a basketball coach. He plans to
pursue a career in the environmental science field.
Carlee Dawn Haas
Carlee is a graduate of North Greene High School in Greeneville, where she was the
co-founder of the school’s anti-bullying awareness club, and founder of the “To Write
Love On Her Arms” (TWLOHA) organization, which organizes volunteer efforts at
local rehabilitation centers, coordinates counseling (both peer and professional) for
students, and addresses mental health-related issues (such as depression, addiction, and
suicide) which affect teens. She also served as captain of the Color Guard and Winter
Guard teams, editor of the school newspaper, and vice president of both Future Business
Leaders of America (FBLA) and Upward Bound. Within the local community, she
functioned as student coordinator for annual events such as a breast cancer awareness
walk and a “Keep Greene Beautiful” walk; she has also volunteered at Takoma Hospital
and Baileyton Elementary School. The daughter of Thomas Haas of Chuckey, TN,
Carlee’s career plans include attending medical school and becoming a surgeon.
38 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Taylor Anne Martin
Taylor is a graduate of the Bristol Youth Leadership program and heavily involved as a
youth leader in local community and church activities. A youth minister for Wyld Life,
a Kingsport Young Life program for middle school students, she also serves as a student
mentor at the YMCA and volunteers at Holston Middle School. During high school, she
was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and both the Science and Math
National Honor Societies. Additionally, she was a member of the varsity soccer team,
a student minister with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and a member of the
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) team that placed second in the annual
regional competition. The daughter of Peter and Helen Martin, she resides with her
mother in Kingsport, where she graduated from Sullivan Central High School. She plans
to pursue a career in nursing.
Chandler Caroline Parris
Chandler hails from Canton, NC, and is a graduate of Pisgah High School. The firstever female member of the school’s Key Club, she served during her senior year as the
club’s president and was active in the organization at district level. A student council class
representative during her sophomore, junior, and senior years, she was a class officer, a
National Honor Society member and photo editor for the school yearbook, a member of
the cross country and track teams, and involved with Pep Club, Leo Club, and Fellowship
of Christian Athletes (FCA). Additionally, she served as a freshman mentor, working weekly
with the students in a 9th grade homeroom and mentored elementary school students
through the “Breakfast of Champions” program. Outside of school, Chandler volunteers
with Open Door Ministries and at a local soup kitchen, and has been actively involved each
year with the local Relay for Life event. Chandler plans to pursue a career in pharmacy. Her
parents are Stephen and Shawn Parris.
Millie Patricia Robinson
Millie is the daughter of Marc Robinson and Hazel Fulton Robinson, and lives with her
mother in Johnson City. She is a graduate of Science Hill High School, where she was
co-founder and president of the Science Hill Ambassadors Club, vice president of the
National Beta Club, a student leader with the “First Priority of Science Hill” club, and
chapter president of the school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) team.
Also active in her community, Millie taught Sunday School, volunteered with the Parent
Teacher Student Association and Rise Up! Mentoring program, and was an assistant
tennis coach. During her senior year, she also tutored other students. The recipient of
numerous individual awards for academic excellence, Millie also helped her HOSA team
earn many state and regional-level awards in the medical reading and public service
announcement competitions. She plans to major in nursing at ETSU, and then to pursue
a career in the mental health care field.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 39
T
h e Himalayan mountains
are breathtaking and amazing,
but Tennessee mountains are my home.
Feels good to be back.
Brad Fisher, Class of 2016
Tweeting on July 16, 2013,
after returning from a month in India
with Himalayan Health Exchange
40 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
Roan Donors Honor Roll
As of June 30, 2013 New members (or previous members who have changed level) are in italics.
Roan Scholars graduates are denoted with “+”.
Peak Society
$100,000 or More
Cloudland Society
$50,000 - $99,999
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick “Pal” Barger
Sharon and J. Rolland Boles
Citizens Bank Tri-Cities Foundation/
Citizens Bank Tri-Cities
C. L. Butler
– In Memory of Wanda R. Butler
In Memory of Mabel Haire Campbell
– Richard* and Janey Diehl and Family
Capital Bank
Eastman Chemical Company
ETSU Alumni Association
Louis H. and Lucy Gump
Estate of Jane Dulaney Hilbert
Mr. Ted R. Hughes
William L. and Kathryn M. Jenkins Family
Carl A. and Kathryn P. Jones*
John A. Jones and Janet Snodgrass Jones
Travis and Linda Keller
Carol G. Ferguson
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones, Jr.
Edward J. Kelly, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Lane Latimer III
Danny and Mary Ellen Miller
Pauline M. DeFriece
– Belvedere Fund / Pauline M. DeFriece
– Hogoheegee Fund / Mr. and Mrs. Frank
W. DeFriece, Jr.
Moody Dunbar, Inc.
Dell Computer Corp.
Ed and Kathy Simerly
Bobby and Jean Hurt
Jack and Judy Smith Foundation
Barbara and Andrew Massimilla
– In Memory of Joseph J. and
Yvonne T. Massimilla
Dr. and Mrs. Paul E. Stanton, Jr.
C. E. Parker
Regions Bank
Mr. and *Mrs. Roy A. Stone, Jr.
The Mooneyhan Family Foundation
The Powell Foundation – Jim and Sandy Powell
Newt and Carmen Raff
James E. Rhein
Rab and Nita Summers
Dogwood Society
$5,000 - $9,999
Charles W. “Bill” and Dot Ballew
Dr. Wilsie Bishop and Mr. Paul Bishop
Tom and Becky Krieger
– In Memory of Haskell Tate and
Ruth Stout Hodges
– In Memory of Iona B. and
Helen F. Shields
Rhododendron Society
$25,000 - $49,999
Dr. Bonnie Burchett
Mr. Sam J. LaPorte
Harold and Nancy Dishner
Terry and Patricia D. Muse
Warren M. Gump
Johnson City Kiwanis Club /
Col. Lee B. Harr Scholarship
Patricia G. Holland
Scott M. Niswonger
* deceased
Stephen and Sherry Bryant
James and Anne Reel –
In Memory of W.E. Reel
Edna S. Lewis
Ann and John Tickle
SunTrust Bank
Dr. Gwendolyn Wallace –
The F. L. Wallace Family Scholarship
Bedford and Carol Transou
Dennis and Mary Powell
Frederick B. Warren
Free Service Tire Company, Inc. –
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis P. Wexler, Sr.
Hunter, Smith & Davis, LLC
Chancellor and Mrs. G. Richard Johnson
Carleton Jones, III
Dr. William and Mrs. Kathy Linebarger
Courtney and Bo Mauzy
Dr. and Mrs. W. Richard McGowan
Laurel Society
$10,000 - $24,999
Jeff and Beth Anderson
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services –
Dr. R. Michael Browder
NN, Inc.
Jeremy and Lauren Ross
Sandy and Tony Satterfield
Joseph L. Smith
Daryl and Eva Thompson
Jeff* and Claudia Byrd
Robert and Vicky Van de Vuurst
Eastman Credit Union
WJHL-TV Channel 11
First Tennessee Bank
Roan Scholars Leadership Program | 41
Roan Donors Honor Roll
Roan Trail Society
$1,000 - $4,999
Mountain Empire Oil –
Mr. Warren Broyles
Anonymous
Niswonger Foundation
Anonymous
Aviation Strategies Group –
John and Julia Seward
Bill Breeding, Jr.
Dr. R. Michael and Mrs. Linda Browder
Dr. Cynthia Burnley and Mr. Bob Riser
John G. and Gail Campbell
Clyce Distributing – Bill F. Breeding, Jr.
Dr. William and Mrs. Harriet Cone
+ Dr. Heather Jones Cook ‘04
J. Mitch and Barbara A. Cox
Eric P. Dillenbeck
Ronald G. Edmond
David C. Evans
Al and Lori Fatheree
Kathryn L. Feagins
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Garland
Elizabeth V. Gavlak
General Shale, Inc.
Edwin and Jennie Gerace
Roy and Ann Nicks
Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.
Pereda R. Paty
Don* and Elaine Pectol
People’s Community Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Cameron E. Perry
Bob and Carol Plummer
John C. Rambo
James E. Rogers
Lottie and Eric Ryans
Edward Schell
Carol and Patrick Sloan
Allan and Cecilia Spritzer
Charles and Janet Stahl
Mr. and Mrs. Bill J. Stewart
Robert and Carolyn Stewart
STRONGWELL
Dr. Jennie Carter Thomas
Mrs. Alice Jones Torbett &
Judge David Torbett
Andrews Florist, Inc.
Heather Bagnell
+ Lt. Glen A. Barnett ‘05
Thomas H. Bayless II
+ Dr. Philip J. Benfield’06
Jason N. Berry
William and Nancy Bovender
Dr. Martha W. Bradley
Dr. Ed Brenegar
Robert M. Browder, Jr.
+ Amber Preston Butler ’10 and Scott Butler
Sebastian and Rosemary Cabrera
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Cadwallader
CenturyLink
Cecil J. Clark, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Coleman
Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Collins
+ Sean M. Collins ‘12
+ Joshua S. Culbert ‘10
Kasey and Joseph Decosimo
Don’s Landscaping
Delmas I. Dugger
Edwards Ragan & Associates
In Memory of Charles O. Gordon
Dr. Carroll P. Vance and
Mrs. Michele M. Vance
Alan Gump and Serena Fisher
Kenneth A. and Sheila Wandell
ETSU Faculty and Staff
Mr. & Mrs. Willis E. Hawkins, Jr.
WCYB-TV, Channel 5
+ Dr. Kristin T. Farr ‘04
Robert L. Hendry
Louise B. Wexler
Helen and Robert Finney
Inland Foundation
Dr. Susan Gentry Williams &
Judge Scott Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Fly
James C. and Mary Johnson
Dr. Hal and Mrs. Terri Knight
Mr. Sam J. LaPorte
A. Richard Wilson
Stuart E. Wood, Jr.*
Ted and Jane Lyon
Gary and Jackie Mabrey
Miss Avery H. Fly
Mr. Maxton W. Fly
Mr. Reid D. Fly
+ Dr. Aya Fukuda ‘06
Reverend and Mrs. Lester D. Lattany
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Loar
+ Emily K. Eisenhower ’13
Roan Horizon Society
Under $1,000
Colonel and Mrs. Patrick J. Gagan
Dr. Linda R. Garceau and Mr. Al Garceau
Dr. and Mrs. Patton M. Giles, Jr.
Dr. Richard A. and Mrs. Lois A.
Manahan Family
In Memory of Magda Alden
Mildred Goines*
Dr. & Mrs. Frank Anderson
Martha and J.H. “Bill”* Meredith
+ Keely R. Goodwin ’06 and Nathan Goodwin
Mr. Frank Anderson, Jr. and
Margaret B. Fugate
Mr.* and Mrs. Charles O. Gordon, Sr.
Coralie A. Morgan
Jay R. Gump
Louis K. Gump
42 | 2012-2013 Year in Review
+ Mikki Glover Hale ‘05
Leanna C. Robertson
Dr. Ramona Williams
D. Wade and Melanie Hembree
+ Philip ’09 and Elizabeth Ross
Dr. Bettie K. Wilson
Heritage Insurance Group, Inc.
Donna and Norris Sneed
Dr. Charles P. Wofford*
Richard and Penelope Heydt
Miriam M. Story
Friends of Andy Womack
+ Brittany S. Hollingsworth ‘05 and
Ryan Hollingsworth
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Thomas
Dr. Brenda White Wright
Elizabeth Hughes
Holston Distributing Company
LTC(Ret) Scott Jeffress
Johnson City Bedding Company
Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington
County Chamber of Commerce
Johnson City Power Board
Mrs. Elizabeth Jones
Dr. Janet Keener
+ Julie Harless Keeton ‘04
Dr. and Mrs. Gene Tinnon
Regina Tucker
+ Timothy ’09 and Martina Vanthournout
Philip J. and Mary Susan Ward
In Memory of Lt. Gen. Steven G.
Warren, Sr.
Phoebe D. and Michael J. White
+ Dr. Benjamin J. (B.J.) Whitt ’07
Anita Williams
Roan Scholarship
Annual Sponsors
Citizens Bank Tri-Cities Foundation
Barbara and Andrew Massimilla –
in Memory of Joseph J. and
Yvonne T. Massimilla
The Powell Foundation – Jim and Sandy Powell
Rab and Nita Summers
+ Caroline Ross Williams ’07 and
Jason Williams
Keys Natural Images
Mr. Ben Keys
George G. Keys*
Jocelyn & Steven Lacey
Mr. and Mrs. W. Hanes Lancaster, Jr.
+ Stephen M. Linebarger ‘08
+ Allison K. Lowe ‘08
Floyd E. May
+ Grace O. McCord ‘12
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. McCormack
Nancy McIntosh
Randall R. and Brenda E. Merritt
+ Craig W. Mitcham ‘13
+ Brittany L. Moore ‘09
+ Shianne G. Murray ‘13
Dr. Maria A. Niederberger
Northeast Tennessee Association of
Realtors
George E. Oldham, III
Keith & Retha Patton
Jennifer J. Penley
+ Sabrina ‘10 and Chad Prosser
Allan and Suzanne Reaves
The Roan Class of 2013:
(l-r) Emily Eisenhower, Craig Mitcham, Cheyna Haas, Shianne Murray
Special thanks to our Roan Alumni for sponsoring this year’s Senior Dinner,
and for their gifts in honor of the graduating Scholars.
Mark A. and Paula G. Reed
+ Dr. Carolyn M. Richards ‘06
ETSU is an AA/EEO employer. Designed by ETSU Printing and Publications. TBR 000-000-13 0.0M
Established in 1997 by Mr. Louis H. Gump, a long-time friend of ETSU,
to attract, retain, and develop the region’s best leadership talent,
the Roan Program draws its inspiration from Roan Mountain - the highest peak in the area,
a motivational sight, and a symbol of the character, strength, and idealism of the region’s people.
Roan Scholars Leadership Program
Box 70304 • East Tennessee State University • Johnson City, TN 37614
423-439-7677 • [email protected] • www.etsu.edu/RoanScholars
www.facebook.com/RoanScholars