Roane State inks articulation agreements with MTSU for aerospace and fire science pathways

Roane State inks articulation agreements with MTSU for aerospace and fire science pathways

HARRIMAN, Tenn. — Roane State and Middle Tennessee State University have signed articulation agreements partnering with Tennessee Flight Training and supporting streamlined transfer opportunities for students pursuing two of the community college’s newest offerings — aerospace and fire science. Presidents from both institutions, along with the president of Tennessee Flight Training, met at Roane State’s campus in Cumberland County on Aug. 6 to formally sign the agreements, according to a Roane State news release. With these pathways in place, qualified Roane State students will be able to transfer seamlessly to MTSU with clearly defined course equivalencies and academic plans that guide them to a bachelor’s degree. “We are proud of our partnership with Roane State, and this agreement we sign today is special in many ways,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. “I am pleased to affirm our shared commitment to a seamless transfer of students pursuing aerospace and fire science careers from this strong community college to Middle Tennessee State University’s world-class programs. Both institutions share a common devotion to student success.” Roane State, Middle Tennessee State University, and Tennessee Flight Training representatives pause for a photo during an articulation agreement signing on Aug. 6, 2026, at Roane State’s Cumberland County Campus in Harriman, Tenn. Seated front row, from left, are RSCC President Chris Whaley, Tennessee Flight Training President Chris Erlanson, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. (Courtesy of Roane State Community College) Under the first agreement, students who complete an Associate of Science degree at Roane State with an emphasis in aerospace can transfer into MTSU’s Bachelor of Science in Aerospace program. Students on this pathway may pursue one of four concentrations: Flight Dispatch, Aviation Management, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology. A fifth concentration is available for Professional Pilot. Students pursuing this concentration will complete 47 credit hours at RSCC before transferring to MTSU to complete their bachelor’s degree, with the option to reverse transfer MTSU credits to earn their associate degree along the way. “We are blessed to be the community college of choice for many students in our service area, serving as a bridge between high school and university, or supporting students returning to the classroom for the first time in years,” explained Chris Whaley, president of Roane State and an MTSU alumnus. “Ensuring the transfer process is an easy one — especially with one of our most popular four-year partners — is a priority for our team. We look forward to seeing how these pathways benefit existing students and attract new students to consider these options.” Roane State Community College President Chris Whaley, left, and Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee shake hands after signing an articulation agreement on Aug. 6, 2026, at Roane’s campus in Harriman, Tenn. The agreement supports streamlined transfer opportunities for students pursuing two of the community college’s newest offerings — aerospace and fire science. (Courtesy of Roane State Community College) RSCC and MTSU have also partnered with Tennessee Flight Training on the aerospace pathways to provide students access to the largest aircraft fleet in the state, certified flight instructors, and advanced simulators. “Roane State has long been one of this region’s greatest educational assets, providing countless students with opportunities to build meaningful careers,” said Chris Erlanson, president of Tennessee Flight Training. “We’re honored to be part of this partnership and to help create a clear pathway for students who want to pursue a rewarding, in-demand career in aviation. Together, we’re making it easier than ever for aspiring pilots to combine a strong academic foundation with high-quality flight training.” The second agreement establishes a pathway from Roane State’s soon-to-be implemented Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology to MTSU’s Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies with a concentration in Public Safety, with program requirements available entirely through online coursework.  This option is designed for students seeking to begin or advance careers in fire service, emergency management, homeland security, and related public safety fields. Several students are already enrolled in RSCC’s new fire science classes this fall. Both agreements provide students with a direct route into Tennessee’s largest locally governed university while preserving transfer credit for coursework completed at Roane State. The pathways also provide access to specialized training in the student’s chosen field and clear academic plans they can follow to achieve their goals. Additional information on the new academic pathways can be found online at roanestate.edu/gentech and roanestate.edu/ait. Details about all of Roane State’s current academic programs are available at roanestate.edu/academicprograms. From left, Roane State Community College President Chris Whaley, Tennessee Flight Training President Chris Erlanson, and Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee sign an articulation agreement on Aug. 6, 2026, at Roane’s campus in Harriman, Tenn. The agreement supports streamlined transfer opportunities for students pursuing two of the community college’s newest offerings — aerospace and fire science. (Courtesy of Roane State Community College) About the partners Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge. For more information, visit roanestate.edu or call (865) 882-4554. Tennessee Flight Training, established in 2010, provides affordable flight instruction from award-winning, FAA-certified instructors and offers state-of-the-art equipment. Its flight training facilities are located at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and throughout the state, including Maury County (MRC), Shelbyville (SYI), Crossville (CSV) and Millington (NQA). More information is available at tnflighttraining.com.