Roan Staff
LTC (Ret) scott jeffress
Responsibilities: Director since 2012, overseeing all aspects of the Roan – from recruiting and selection to fundraising and external relations.
Prior experience: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), 22 years in the U.S. Army
Hometown: Born in Alaska, lived on both coasts and overseas while growing up
Education: Dartmouth College, B.A. History; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, M.M.A.S., Military Art and Science
Family: Barbara (wife) and three children: Hannah, Colin and Julia
Matt Williams
Responsibilities: Assistant Director since June 2023, responsible for all aspects of Roan Scholar development – from planning, coordinating, and overseeing programming and enrichment activities to coaching and mentoring Roan Scholars.
Prior experience: Science teacher for nine years (AP Biology, Chemistry)
Hometown: South Bend, IN
Education: Indiana University, B.S. Biology, B.A. Spanish; Indiana University, M.Ed. Secondary Science; Vanderbilt University, Ed.D Leadership and Learning in Organizations
Family: Allison (wife) and Ellie (child)
Other ETSU Support
DESSI FORD
Responsibilities: Director of Development, ETSU Student Life and Enrollment +
Roan Scholars Leadership Program
Prior experience: Director of Development, SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services
Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Education: ETSU, BBA Marketing
Family: Mom to Sierra
Contact: forddk@etsu.edu
Audrey Dillon
Responsibilities: Graduate Assistant since 2023, assisting primarily with communications, marketing strategy, and on-site support as needed
Prior experience: Worked as a Preview and Orientation Leader at ETSU, held offices in student organizations on campus, and worked several years in customer service
Hometown: Lebanon, Virginia
Education: Southwest Virginia Community College, A.A. General Education; ETSU, B.A. History; currently pursuing M.A. in History at ETSU