Hope

LEADING THROUGH

HOPE

In March 2020, Roan Scholars wrote notes to Governor Bill Lee about their personal hopes for the future of Tennessee. Scholars were scheduled to meet with and deliver those notes to the Governor during their Leadership Exploration in Nashville but, after a series of devastating tornadoes struck Middle Tennessee in the early morning hours of March 3, the notes were never delivered. This page contains excerpts from those notes; together, they paint a powerful picture of leadership – and hope for the future.

“Tennessee is a wonderful place with beautiful landscapes and amazing people. My hope for Tennessee is that we continue to improve the care of these NATURAL RESOURCES, as well as its people.” - Rebecca Frazier ’23

"As an aspiring healthcare practitioner, it is my hope that the future of Tennessee holds more AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE for all, especially those without health insurance.” - Casey Bonnell ’22

“As a young entrepreneur, I would love to see continued growth and expansion of

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PROGRAMS, especially in smaller communities. Entrepreneurship truly can help improve the quality of life of all people throughout the state of Tennessee.” - Austin Ramsey ’21 "I want to see greater

ACCEPTANCE AND INCLUSION

for individuals with disabilities. I want to see improvements in special education in our public schools." - McKenzie Templeton ’22

“I would like to see passion restored to those disenchanted by our politics and government. Hopefully, in the future citizens will have GREATER TRUST in government.” - Jordan Teague ’22

“As a future attorney, my hope of the state of Tennessee is to become A LEADER AND

MODEL STATE FOR

REENTRY PROGRAMS and service to successfully reintegrate those who have previously been incarcerated back into our communities to prevent future reincarceration.” - Taylor Osborne ’20

“As an artist and lover of the arts, my hope is that the electric, creative energy I have seen in Nashville will spread across Tennessee, developing our state into a NATIONAL HUB OF ARTS.” - Clara Reynolds ’22

“My hope for Tennessee is to see a more diverse General Assembly that represents the interest of all our citizens. As a woman of color, I believe that having people like me in government is important and essential that every group deserves that REPRESENTATION.” - KeiAndra Harper ’23

“As a future teacher, I’m excited for the CONTINUOUS GROWTH OF EDUCATION. The Drive to 55 is a great goal for our state, and I look forward to contributing to this effort.” - Logan Carmody ’20

“As a future physical therapist, I hope for a future in Tennessee full of

MOVEMENT, EXERCISE,

AND PHYSICAL VIGOR!” - Brianna McCoy Donachy ’20

"I hope to live in a Tennessee where all people will have ACCESS TO THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE, so as to build our society on a foundation ‘FREE FROM WANT AND FEAR . ’” - Connor McClelland ’21

“My hope is that Tennessee will become a champion for equal rights for everyone.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

will improve the lives of everyone in our great state.” - Sydney Ross ’20

“It is my hope for Tennessee that all citizens of the state continue to be afforded the rights granted to them by THE CONSTITUTION.” - Braden Trent ’20

FROM OUR FOUNDER

“FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS, THE ROAN PROGRAM HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO ITS MISSION OF DEVELOPING AND INSPIRING LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE. LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS AND BEYOND, I WANT OUR EXTENDED ROAN FAMILY – SCHOLARS, ALUMNI, STAFF, AND SUPPORTERS – TO DEMONSTRATE THE VIRTUES NEEDED TO MAKE POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS IN CHALLENGING MOMENTS: LEADING WITH INTEGRITY AND REASON; PROMOTING DIALOGUE AND UNDERSTANDING; GENERATING PROGRESS AND BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE.”