Crossville
Press Release:
Roane State Community College will soon celebrate the opening of its newest permanent campus in Jamestown, an all-new facility serving the Fentress County community.
The opening celebration is scheduled for August 24, 2026, starting at 11am CT. Students, college employees, members of the community, and project supporters are invited to attend.
The Fentress County Higher Education Center is already operational, having opened its doors earlier this summer after the relocation from the previous Roane State campus in Clarkrange.
In addition to Roane State programs and courses, the facility will also house programs offered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Fentress County, a TCAT Oneida / Huntsville Campus. With RSCC and TCAT in the same building, students have more convenient access to a wide variety of degree and certificate programs, specialized courses, and workforce training.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome students to this new campus and share with them the life-changing opportunities that are possible through the power of education,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said. “Having our friends at TCAT under the same roof with us means we can offer even more choices and better serve the people of Fentress County.”
As part of the event, Roane State will unveil the official naming of the facility as the “Ken Yager & Jimmy Johnson Building.” The name was approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) earlier this year, with new signage recently installed on the exterior of the campus bearing the name of the honorees.
President Whaley noted it was clear when the time came to name the facility that Sen. Yager and Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson should receive the honor in equal measure. They have long been dedicated to securing the college’s first permanent campus in the county.
“This naming means so much to all of us who have witnessed the many years of support and advocacy by Sen. Yager and Mr. Johnson,” President Whaley added. “We are so pleased to be able to announce this honor as part of our celebration kicking off the first fall semester here.”
Following a brief welcome by the presidents of both colleges and remarks from special guests, including Sen. Yager and Jimmy Johnson, attendees will be invited to explore the new campus and learn about current offerings and future plans.
Refreshments will be served during the event. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. If you would like to note your planned attendance or have any questions about the event, please contact Sherry Kirkland by emailing jacksons3@roanestate.edu.
Additional information about the Fentress County Higher Education Center is available online at roanestate.edu/fentress.
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