Blazing New Paths Direct Application Announced

Fall 2021 will bring a significant change to the Roan Program: any high school senior living in an eligible county may apply for the Roan. High schools may still nominate students – but being nominated is no longer the only way to become a Roan Scholar.

Blazing New Paths:

Direct Impact Announced

“THIS NEW POLICY makes the Roan accessible to more outstanding students throughout the region and enhances our ability to attract and select exceptional young leaders.” — Roan Director Scott Jeffress

For the first time, high school seniors throughout the region will have the opportunity to apply directly for the Roan Scholars Leadership Program beginning in fall 2021.

Since the Roan selected its first class more than 20 years ago, students have been required to be nominated by their high school in order to be considered for the program. The Roan has expanded to more than 90 high schools in 27 counties across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina, but has remained limited to nominees from those schools. A new policy approved by the Roan Steering Committee during spring 2021 removes that limitation.

“Our existing nomination process has served the program well, and we enjoy working with high school counselors and administrators each fall as they identify some of their top students as Roan nominees,” said Roan Director Scott Jeffress. “But we also recognize that we’re missing some amazing students who aren’t nominated, and we’re hearing from an increasing number of students who would like the chance to be considered. This new policy makes the Roan accessible to even more outstanding students throughout the region and enhances our ability to attract and select exceptional young leaders.”

Eligible high schools will continue to nominate 1-2 top students for the Roan each fall and, as in past years, those nominees will be invited to participate in regional interviews. Direct applications will be evaluated to determine which of those applicants will move forward to the regional interview stage. Homeschooled students and students attending a virtual academy will also be part of the direct application pool.

For the Roan’s founder, Mr. Louie Gump, the new policy marks an important milestone in the program’s history. “The Roan Program has always focused on attracting, retaining and developing the region’s best leadership talent,” Gump said. “This initiative allows us to continue working with school leaders to identify that talent, and also opens up the process so that even more of these outstanding student-leaders can apply to be Roan Scholars. We are excited about students having this opportunity and look forward to this fall.”

Nominations and direct applications for students entering ETSU in fall 2022 open in early August 2021. Direct applicants must reside in one of the 27 qualifying counties. More information about application requirements and instructions are available on the Roan website at www.RoanScholars.org.

Q&A on Roan Direct Application

Will the traditional high school nomination process remain, with the announcement of direct application?

Yes, eligible high schools may continue to nominate 1-2 top students to compete for the Roan, based upon senior class size.

What is the benefit of being a nominee versus directly applying for the Roan?

Nominated students are guaranteed a regional interview. Direct applications will go through a review process prior to regional interviews.

Are there any differences between the application completed by nominees and direct applicants?

No. Nominees and direct applicants will complete the same online application; their files will also include identical reference and leadership evaluation forms.

When does the application window for Fall 2021 open?

Students may begin applying (and high schools may begin nominating) for the Roan in early August 2021. Additional details are available on the Roan website (roanscholars.org).

What is the application deadline for Fall 2021?

All completed online files - for both high school nominees and direct applicants - will be due at 5 pm on Monday, October 18, 2021.

Who will review direct applications prior to regional interviews?

Reviewers may include previous members of the Roan’s Regional Interview Committee, Roan Alumni, ETSU faculty and staff, and other Roan partners.

When will direct applicants know if they will advance to regional interviews?

Direct applicants will be notified of their status by mid-November. Regional interviews will take place in late November and early December.

How do I know if a high school is eligible to nominate a student?

Eligible high schools are listed at roanscholars.org/nominating-schools

Where can I learn more about applying for the Roan?

Visit roanscholars.org/become-a-roan-scholar

High School Nominees

Both complete the same application.

Direct Applicants (including homeschoolers) Applicant File Review

new application process

Regional Interviews Finalist Interviews