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.
During 2023-24, ETSU’s Student Government Association president and chief of staff (as well as multiple cabinet members and senators) are Roan Scholars. Roans took the top three spots at the ETSU Elevates pitch competition last fall. Roan alumnus Shivam Patel ’22 became ETSU’s first finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, and Trent White ‘25 was recently selected as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship.
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 leadership VOICES
A series of events each semester for community and campus leaders to share insights and experience 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.