The Roan provides funding for four years of tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies. But the Roan is much more than just a scholarship; it also empowers Roan Scholars through unique, out-of-the-classroom experiences that challenge, inspire, and encourage. Roans take it from there, committing to leadership excellence and lifelong impact. They are campus leaders, and Roan Alumni continue to excel and make a significant positive impact after they graduate.

Last year, ETSU’s Student Government Association president and chief of staff (as well as multiple cabinet members and senators) were Roan Scholars. Roans took the top three spots at the 2023 ETSU Elevates pitch competition and second place in 2024. Roans were selected as finalists for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship each of the past two years (alumnus Shivam Patel ’22, Trent White ‘25); and Trent White ‘25 was recently selected as a Truman Scholar - the first from ETSU in more than 30 years.

OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE*

A week-long adventure that takes incoming first-year Roans through the Appalachian Mountains and ends with Roan orientation on campus. Why? There’s nothing like camping and hiking to make friends out of strangers and help each class of Roan Scholars learn to work together and thrive outside their comfort zones.

SUMMER OF SERVICE*

Roan Scholars participate in a six-week, individually designed service internship. The internship is required for all Roans the summer after their first year. Why? Leaders learn through personal experience - and through service.

*Both the Outdoor Leadership Challenge and Roan Summer of Service are sponsored by Eastman Credit Union.

ROAN LEADING VOICES

A series of events each semester for community and campus leaders to share insights and experiences with Roan Scholars. Past event participants include representatives from Bristol Motor Speedway, Bell Helicopter, Eastman Chemical Company, Holston Home for Children, and Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, as well as ETSU’s senior administrators. Why? Hearing from other leaders, we believe, helps us emulate what leaders do well and learn from their past mistakes.

LEADERSHIP EXPLORATIONS

Roan Scholars are invited to represent the Roan at regional and national leadership conferences; they also take part in annual Roan leadership learning experiences. Past locations have included New York City, San Francisco, Charlotte, Washington, D.C. and Charleston. Why? We believe leaders grow when exposed to new people, places and ideas.

ROAN CONNECTIONS

Roan Scholars meet regularly as a group to connect, share, plan, and learn from each other. They also meet in small group seminars during their first and second years, to tackle big issues like leadership development, character, and citizenship. Why? Leaders strive to constantly learn and grow. This is one way we expand learning beyond the classroom and share practical advice with each other.

COACHING & SUPPORT

Roan Scholars regularly meet with Roan staff to discuss challenges, areas for growth and opportunities. Staff also connect Roans with program alumni, community leaders, and others. That’s lots of individualized support during a Roan Scholar's academic career. Why? Customized to the individual, our goal is to develop and inspire leaders of excellence and impact.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

We encourage Roan Scholars to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities ETSU offers and spend a full semester abroad during their undergraduate years. We also encourage Roan Scholars to consider other experiences outside the region and around the world. Why? In today's world, leaders need a global perspective.

THE ROAN EXPERIENCE