Roan Scholars Leadership Program

Roan Scholars Leadership Program Leadership Excellence. Lifelong Impact. As East Tennessee State University's premier leadership-foc Character.

As East Tennessee State University's premier leadership-oriented merit scholarship program, we inspire, develop, and help connect our scholars - to serve the ETSU community, the region, and the world.

Closing out our Roan senior spotlight series, we’re celebrating Natalie White, who (along with her classmates) will grad...
05/08/2026

Closing out our Roan senior spotlight series, we’re celebrating Natalie White, who (along with her classmates) will graduate during ETSU's Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9.

Natalie White ‘26 has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Health Sciences and a minor in Public Health. Throughout her time at ETSU, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, leadership, and improving health outcomes in her community.

Natalie founded ‘Smile with NAT,’ a community service initiative focused on teaching young children the importance of oral hygiene through school visits, presentations, and a children’s book she authored through ETSU Elevates, Tony the Tooth. Her exceptional work earned her state-level recognition in 2025, as she received the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. Natalie also served on ETSU’s Rural Student Leadership Council, and traveled with ETSU Global Brigades to Guatemala, where she helped provide dental, medical, optometry, and pharmaceutical services.

This summer, Natalie will begin dental school at Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Dental Medicine as a member of the Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2030. Reflecting on her time at ETSU, she shares, “Being a Roan Scholar has given me a sense of belonging and support during some of the most formative years of my life. It has challenged me to grow into a more confident, intentional leader while surrounding me with people who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.”

Congratulations, Natalie - and congratulations to all of this year’s graduates; we are so proud of - and grateful for - each of you!

Next up in our Roan senior spotlight series, we are excited to highlight Leah Loveday ‘26.Leah will graduate with a Bach...
05/08/2026

Next up in our Roan senior spotlight series, we are excited to highlight Leah Loveday ‘26.

Leah will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health (concentration in Community Health) and minors in Women, Gender, and S*xuality Studies; Global Health; and Health Administration. She was inducted earlier this year into ETSU’s 1911 Society. Throughout her time at ETSU, Leah has pursued work centered on expanding access to health resources and supporting community well-being.

Her experiences include serving as a facilitator through RISE: Healthy for Life, where she supported education initiatives and improved access to health resources on campus and in the community; contributing to Student Government Association efforts such as the menstrual product program; and working with Remote Area Medical to provide free medical, dental, and vision care through clinics across the region. She is also a Truman Scholar, a remarkable distinction that recognizes her outstanding leadership and commitment to public service.

After graduation, Leah will travel to Washington, D.C. through the Truman Summer Institute as a Policy Fellow with SIECUS: S*x Ed for Social Change. She will spend the next year engaged in public health-focused service while continuing her work to expand access to reproductive health resources, before pursuing graduate school in fall 2027.

Leah shares, “My Roan experience has made the world so much bigger to me. It has empowered me to discern my passion, provide the resources & guidance needed, and push me to action.”

We’re proud to recognize Cooper Johnson from the Roan Class of 2026 as we continue our senior spotlight series.Cooper Jo...
05/07/2026

We’re proud to recognize Cooper Johnson from the Roan Class of 2026 as we continue our senior spotlight series.

Cooper Johnson ‘26 will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accountancy. During his time at ETSU, Cooper has demonstrated initiative and impact through a range of experiences. He co-founded a faith-based student organization that has grown to 14 chapters nationwide, completed four internships in his field, and studied abroad in England, Portugal, and Greece. These opportunities have shaped his perspective, strengthened his leadership, and deepened his commitment to his work and community.

After graduation, Cooper will begin working at a local accounting firm while pursuing his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. He also plans to begin seminary in the coming year.

Cooper reflects, “The Roan has equipped me to be a better leader and person by encouraging me to set audacious goals, sending me around the world, and connecting me with the region’s top leaders. I am forever grateful for the people and opportunities afforded to me through the Roan.”

Continuing our senior spotlight series, we’re excited to highlight Macy Strader from the Roan Class of 2026.Macy Strader...
05/07/2026

Continuing our senior spotlight series, we’re excited to highlight Macy Strader from the Roan Class of 2026.

Macy Strader ‘26 will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Communication (concentration in Radio/TV/Film) plus minors in Creative Writing, Marketing, and Psychology. She has been recognized as an ETSU 1911 Society honoree and was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Media and Communication. Throughout her time at ETSU, Macy has pursued opportunities that reflect both creativity and leadership. She spent four years with The East Tennessean, including two as Executive Editor. She also served as the organizer of TEDxETSU, helping bring ideas to life and creating a platform for others to share their stories.

After graduation, Macy will attend Columbia University’s school of journalism, where she will pursue a Master of Science degree with a Documentary Specialization.

What has being a Roan Scholar meant to you?
“The Roan has been the best gift I’ve ever received. The staff and my fellow Scholars have meant the world to me, and I found my voice because of this program. I am so grateful that I get to carry these experiences with me for the rest of my life.”

Next up in our Roan senior spotlight series, we are proud to recognize Kyah Powers ‘26.Kyah will graduate with two Bache...
05/06/2026

Next up in our Roan senior spotlight series, we are proud to recognize Kyah Powers ‘26.

Kyah will graduate with two Bachelor of Science degrees - in Political Science and Philosophy - plus a minor in Environmental Studies. As an undergraduate, Kyah has consistently pursued work that reflects both thoughtful inquiry and a strong commitment to impact. She served as Speaker of the House, then as Governor, in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL); completed an honors thesis exploring international law and moral inseparability with case studies from her study abroad in the Balkans; spent one summer serving at an orphanage in Indonesia, and part of another engaged in service-learning in Bolivia; supported the non-profit ‘Appalachian Voices’ as a federal projects research intern; and also interned with Johnson City’s Parks and Recreation department.

After graduation, Kyah plans to continue her studies in international law, with interests in international humanitarian law, the intersection of international arbitration and public interest, transitional justice, and jurisprudence.

Kyah shares, “Being a Roan Scholar has meant that I will always have an opportunity to impact. It’s also meant that I have always had someone around to be impacted by when I needed a friend or mentor.”

As our senior spotlight series continues, we’re excited to highlight the next member of the Roan Class of 2026, Braydon ...
05/05/2026

As our senior spotlight series continues, we’re excited to highlight the next member of the Roan Class of 2026, Braydon White.

Braydon will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. During his time at ETSU, he has engaged in experiences that reflect both curiosity and compassion. He studied abroad in Bolivia and completed his Summer of Service in Kendalia, Texas, working on an animal reserve - opportunities that broadened his perspective and reinforced his commitment to care for others.

Following graduation, Braydon will take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse and begin working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City.

He recently shared thoughts on his Roan experience: “Being a Roan Scholar has meant everything to me, from forming a family here on campus to having the opportunities to grow and experience the world in ways I never thought possible. The amount of passion and effort that is imbued into each and every Scholar builds truly unique, confident leaders who lead in a way that matches their personality.”

We’re excited to continue our senior spotlight series by highlighting Roan senior Sarah Mohammed.Sarah Mohammed ‘26 will...
05/04/2026

We’re excited to continue our senior spotlight series by highlighting Roan senior Sarah Mohammed.

Sarah Mohammed ‘26 will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (Clinical Concentration). During her time at ETSU, she has been inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, which recognizes undergraduate students for “meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities,” and is a member of ETSU’s 1911 Society, which “recognizes the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.” Sarah is also this year’s recipient of the Roger Bailey-Otto Zinser Outstanding Student in Psychology award. Her work reflects a deep commitment to understanding and addressing complex social issues through research and leadership.

Sarah has engaged in undergraduate research in the Social Issues and Relations Laboratory (SIRL) under the guidance of Dr. Stacey Williams and, after winning the ETSU Elevates pitch competition as a sophomore, expanded that work into a research project focused on mental health access for Black and African Appalachians.

Sarah has been accepted into ETSU’s doctoral program in Clinical Psychology, and will study primary care behavioral health beginning this fall.

What has being a Roan Scholar meant to you?
“I have become someone who welcomes challenges fully aware of the support systems that surround her. Subsequently, I have transformed from a timid person who always perceived challenge as a threat to a bolder, more authentic scholar guided by her curiosity. The Roan equipped me with the academic and emotional tools necessary to contribute to campus and the Johnson City community in meaningful ways.”

Leading up to ETSU’s Commencement on Saturday, May 9, we will be highlighting seniors in the Roan Class of 2026. Please ...
05/04/2026

Leading up to ETSU’s Commencement on Saturday, May 9, we will be highlighting seniors in the Roan Class of 2026. Please join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of these outstanding leaders!

Zayda Carver ‘26 will graduate as a dual major with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Throughout her time at ETSU, she has leaned into experiences that reflect both her passion for teaching and her commitment to others - from spending two summers teaching English in the Dominican Republic to serving as an Expedition Leader Intern and POLO Leader, and completing the RITE (Rural Internship for Teaching Excellence) Internship. Each of these experiences has shaped her approach to leadership and deepened her desire to serve through education.

After graduation, Zayda plans to begin her teaching career at a local school.

What has being a Roan Scholar meant to you?
“The Roan didn’t just give me opportunities, it gave me a framework for how to live. It surrounded me with individuals who embody humility, generosity, and excellence and called me to rise to that same standard. The Roan created spaces where I could grow, fail, reflect, and try again, and it consistently reminded me that who I am becoming matters just as much as what I accomplish.”

During this past week's 'Forever ETSU Week of Giving' (April 20–26), we also enjoyed a wonderful evening at the annual R...
04/26/2026

During this past week's 'Forever ETSU Week of Giving' (April 20–26), we also enjoyed a wonderful evening at the annual Roan Spring Reception - honoring our graduating Roan seniors, welcoming the incoming Roan Class of 2030, and coming together in community to celebrate 25+ years of excellence, impact, and gratitude.

There's still time to make a gift to the Roan - and to take advantage of a $25,000 matching opportunity that will double the impact of your contribution. Your support helps develop, inspire, and empower that young leaders that our region and our world needs - and is an invaluable investment in the future. Please join us today!

https://www.givecampus.com/schools/EastTennesseeStateUniversity/forever-etsu-week-of-giving-april-20-26-2026/pages/roan-scholars-leadership-program/?a=12290393

Inspire impact. Empower excellence. Support life-changing experiences and opportunities that develop future leaders. You...
04/20/2026

Inspire impact. Empower excellence. Support life-changing experiences and opportunities that develop future leaders. Your gifts to the Roan do all of that, and more. Please join us in making a gift to the Roan during 'Forever ETSU,' the university's annual week of giving (April 20-26) and help sustain the 25+ year Roan tradition of excellence, impact, and gratitude! https://roanscholars.org/give

As we wrap up our individual profiles of the students who will make up the Roan Class of 2030, we are excited to introdu...
04/09/2026

As we wrap up our individual profiles of the students who will make up the Roan Class of 2030, we are excited to introduce you to Iyla Freed. Iyla lives in Boone, North Carolina and attends Watauga High School.

High school highlights: Iyla is a thoughtful, driven leader who brings grit, empathy, and energy to everything in which she’s involved. A three-sport athlete and captain of her school’s cross country team, she leads with encouragement and a deep commitment to team culture. In the arts, she is a three-time All-State Chorister and serves as vice president of both her concert and treble choirs, where her pursuit of excellence also elevates those around her. Her leadership is rooted in service. Following Hurricane Helene, Iyla spent weeks helping deliver meals and clearing debris - showing up when her community needed it most. Whether building homes on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic, leading worship at her church, or mentoring younger peers, she consistently leads through action, compassion, and a genuine desire to bring people together.

What do others say? “Iyla fosters community and steps outside her comfort zone to form meaningful connections. Her directness builds trust, and her compassion makes others feel seen and valued.” - Frankie Lancaster, Choir Director at Watauga High School

Iyla’s take: “Courage is not one moment for me: it's a muscle I'm constantly training. I will (continue to) look for moments where I can say "Yes!" to new challenges and opportunities”

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247 South Dossett Drive
Johnson City, TN
37614

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