Five new Roan Scholars chosen

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 entering 2008 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.

“Congratulations to our newest Roan Scholars and their families,” Gump said. “They join our accomplished current and previous Scholars in representing the highest level of leadership and character traits. My sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the area high schools and community members who have made the Roan Scholars Leadership Program such a visible and vital component of East Tennessee State University. It is truly gratifying to know that over the years we have been able to attract some students who might not otherwise have attended ETSU.”

After admitting the first four students in the fall of 2000, the Roan Scholars Program now boasts 34 leaders-in-training. And, with the upcoming spring commencement ceremony in May, 16 of these scholars will have graduated from ETSU, most having gone on to further their education through graduate and professional schools.

ETSU President Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr. said, “The ETSU Roan Scholars are shining examples of the vision and purpose of this university. And, it is important to note that this is not ‘just’ a full scholarship, but an entire leadership development initiative. Selection to the program is only the beginning for these exceptional students who will actively participate in four years of planned leadership opportunities.”

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.

The following students will begin their ETSU classes on Aug. 25 after a full week of challenging and stimulating leadership learning experiences, both on and off campus, designed to forge a bond among the individual Roan Scholars:

Sean McNeil Collins – University School -- His parents are Larry and Christine Collins of Johnson City, and he is the first student from University School (on the ETSU campus) to be chosen as a Roan Scholar. His leadership positions and honors include Senior Patrol Leader of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 37, varsity captain of the basketball and soccer teams, and program leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has received University School Outstanding Achievement Awards in many subjects, as well as two USAA merit awards, and was named to Who’s Who Among American High School Scholars in the 2005 sports edition. Collins plans to major in biology at ETSU with a goal of ultimately becoming a research physician. He also hopes to study in Australia, if given the opportunity. When not involved in school, Collins may lead a scout hike or spend time drawing landscapes and human figures.

Victoria (Tori) Jones – Madison High School, Marshall, N.C. -- The daughter of Chipper and Donna Jones of Marshall has served as class president for three years, as well as captain and co-captain of the varsity cross country team. Her honors include many athletic awards such as 2007 Indoor Track Team MVP, Edward R. Jones Blue Chip Scholar Athlete 2005-07, as well as Western Highlands Academic All-Conference. Her school government experience includes representation at the School and Board Improvement meeting, food drives, community service, a lead role in Project Santa, fostering cooperation between the school’s clubs, as well as event fundraisers. Jones’ favorite club -- BAM (“Because All Matters”) – is a unique service organization providing assistance to the community’s elderly. Regarding her career aspirations, 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.”

Grace Owen O’Neill McCord – Dobyns-Bennett High School -- Her parents are Jeff and Catherine McCord of Kingsport, and her plans include participating on ETSU’s varsity soccer team. She combines her academic and athletic gifts as a student whose honors include AIMS Scholar, SHOUT Graduate, as well as numerous athletic distinctions while proving her leadership abilities as captain of DB’s varsity soccer team, and participation in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, National Honors Society, Epsilon Sigma Alpha service club, and as a student mentor. Recipient of the Kodak Young Leader Award, she was also student representative on the Kingsport City Library Commission. Her school guidance counselor describes her as “infinitely upbeat” and states that “she exudes a warmth and sense of self that tends to draw others to her.” When asked about her most significant activity as a student, McCord described her experience during a mission trip to John’s Island, S.C., where students helped improve the lives of rural residents through service projects.

Daniel Justin Miller – Mountain Heritage High School, Burnsville, N.C. -- The son of Danny and Jane Miller of Erwin has served as yearbook editor, founder and devotion leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council class representative, and captain of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. He has an “intense desire” to help make the community a better place as evidenced by his volunteer experiences with Johnson City Medical Center, James H. and Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital, and Special Olympics. He has been involved with the D.A.R.E. program as a drug-free role model, as well as Operation Christmas Child and March of Dimes. Miller intends to enroll in ETSU’s Pre-Med program to pursue a career in family medicine. His school counselor writes, “In the tenth grade, he …was accepted into the ETSU Rural High School Students’ Medical Camp, our youngest to…be selected thus far.” He recently explained, “I am very enthusiastic about my upcoming college experience, and I am looking forward to becoming part of the Roan family.”

Edwina Michelle Morris – Science Hill High School -- The daughter of Linda Morris of Johnson City has served as president of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), the National Technical Honor Society, and the school service project “Autism Speaks.” She has been involved as class representative in Student Government and Future Business Leaders of America while serving in many other capacities, including a Health Ministry Team, peer tutoring, and leadership positions on the track and basketball teams. Morris, a Tennessee Scholar and graduate of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, plans to pursue the Pre-Med track at ETSU with an interest in becoming a physician or chiropractor. Her school guidance counselor writes, “Edwina amazes me in her ability to make a total commitment in all that she endeavors (and) is truly one of the most outstanding young women that I have had the pleasure of working with over my seventeen years as high school counselor.”

In addition to Gump and Stanton, the Roan Scholars Steering Committee is comprised of ETSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bert C. Bach; Dr. R. Michael Browder, CEO, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services; Kristina Bullock, director, Roan Scholars Leadership Program; Jeff Byrd, president and general manager, Bristol Motor Speedway; John M. Jones Jr., editor, The Greeneville Sun; Tom Krieger, retired president, Fleming Foods; Ken Maness, Kingsport; Dennis Powell, past president of the ETSU Foundation and owner of Dennis Powell Body Shop; James W. Reel, CEO, ICM Corp., Norcross, Ga.; and Brenda White Wright, retired executive director, Kingsport Girls Inc.