For the first time since its inception in 2000, ETSU’s Roan Scholars Leadership Program has selected five high school students for the scholarship. The “outstanding” high school seniors chosen for the Roan Scholars Class of 2008 participated in a rigorous interview process with 47 other nominees.
The ETSU Roan Scholars Leadership Program awards up to four full scholarships annually. However, due to both the investment performance of the Roan Endowment in the ETSU Foundation and continued support from donors to the Roan Program, a fifth Roan Scholarship was made possible for this class. The number of future awards will depend on endowment status and financial feasibility.
The program was envisioned by Louis H. Gump, a Johnson City businessman and entrepreneur, who now chairs ETSU’s Roan Scholars Steering Committee. His vision was to implement a “dynamic ETSU initiative emphasizing leadership, intellectual curiosity, character and physical vigor” modeled after the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, in which he was a participant.
After admitting the first four students in the fall of 2000, the Roan Scholars Program now boasts 34 leaders-in-training. The Roan Scholars awards are based on performance and merit as noted in the nominations submitted by the students’ high school principals. Candidates then undergo personal interviews by panels of the region’s community leaders before being selected to participate as scholars. The awards cover four years of leadership activities, full tuition, room and board, and a book allowance. In addition, the Roan Scholars receive laptop computers and printers from the Higher Education Division of Dell Computer Corp. Collins of Johnson City is the first student from Univeristy School to be chosen as a Roan Scholar. He has received University School Outstanding Achievement Awards in many subjects, received two USAA merit awards, and was named to Who’s Who Among American High School Scholars. He plans to major in biology with a goal of becoming a research physician.

Jones of Marshall, N.C., attends Madison High School. She has served as class president for three years. Her favorite club, BAM (Because All Matters) is a service organization providing assistance to the community’s elderly. She wrote, “It has been my dream to be a counselor. I really want to make an impact on people’s lives in a positive, helpful way.”

McCord attends Dobyns-Bennett High School. She received the Kodak Young Leader Award, and was a representative on the Kingsport City Library Commission. Her most significant activity as a student was her experience during a mission trip to John’s Island, S.C., where students helped improve the lives of rural residents through service projects.

Miller of Burnsville, N.C. attends Mountain Heritage High School, Burnsville, N.C. He desires to make the community a better place. Miller intends to enroll in ETSU’s Pre-Med program to pursue a career in family medicine. He explained, “I am very enthusiastic about my upcoming college experience, and I am looking forward to becoming part of the Roan family.”

Morris of Johnson City, attends Science Hill High School She served as president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), the National Technical Honor Society, and the school service project “Autism Speaks.”
Morris plans to pursue the Pre-Med track at ETSU with an interest in becoming a physician or chiropractor.

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