Roane State Community College

Cheryl Tays,
Director of Fentress County Campus

Cheryl Tays joined the Roane State team in November 2023 as director of the college’s Fentress County Campus.

Tays has worked in higher education as an adjunct instructor, instructional designer, and competency-based education curriculum coordinator with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Tays also served in secondary education, teaching a variety of career and technical education courses including business, marketing, and information technology.

She finished her bachelor’s degree at Tennessee Technological University in business management and accounting, then obtained her master’s in human resource development at UT Knoxville. Later, Tays earned an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Tennessee Tech along with a second master’s degree in instructional design.

Once a Roane State student herself, Tays received an Outstanding Alumni Award from Roane State Foundation in 2022.
 
In her role as campus director, Tays assists current and prospective students in Fentress County, visits area high schools, collaborates with local business and industry, and shares the opportunities provided by Roane State.

“Helping students craft a strategic educational path toward their degree as they pave the way to a promising career is truly fulfilling,” Tays said. “I’m honored to be part of their journey.”

Tays and her team moved into Roane State’s new Fentress County Higher Education Center in Jamestown during the summer of 2026. This new campus replaces the former site in Clarkrange.

About Us

The Fentress County Higher Education Center is located on a 33-acre site in Jamestown. The all-new 49,000-square-foot facility will host its first classes in the fall of 2026. Associate degrees and certificates in multiple programs will be offered by Roane State and TCAT Oneida/Huntsville, including health science, automotive and diesel technology, welding, construction, and manufacturing technology. These credit programs educate “job ready” students, preparing them for in-demand professions.

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