Roane State Community College

Dr. Sherry L. Hoppe was a dedicated educator and visionary leader whose career spanned decades of service to higher education in Tennessee. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she began her career as a teacher and counselor at Chattanooga Valley High School before advancing into administrative leadership roles at Chattanooga State Community College.

Dr. Hoppe went on to serve as Interim President of Nashville State Community College, President of Roane State Community College (1988-2000), and President of Austin Peay State University, where she earned the title of President Emeritus.

While at Roane State, she expanded academic programs and broadened the college's presence in Cumberland and Scott Counties, Oak Ridge, and Knox County—particularly in the area of health sciences.

Under her leadership, Roane State also experienced significant technological advancement, including the implementation of its first email system, online student grade access through IRIS, and the development of IDEA distance education classrooms, positioning the college for long-term growth and innovation.

Dr. Hoppe continued to share her wisdom and life experiences through writing following her retirement. She authored several books and her tenure at Roane State is documented in Dr. John Brown’s Change Over Time: A History of Roane State Community College, 1970–2020, which highlights her lasting impact on the institution.

In honor of Dr. Hoppe’s remarkable legacy, we invite you to consider a gift to Roane State Foundation in her memory. Contributions may be directed to the “Raider Fund” for student scholarships (supporting all Roane State students) or to the Sherry L. Hoppe Endowment (benefitting Roane State's Oak Ridge Campus), helping ensure her commitment to student success continues for generations to come.