RSCC Press Release:
A Cumberland County couple instrumental to the growth and success of Roane State’s Diane and Jay Brown Campus in Crossville have been honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR).
Ann and Oscar “Pepe” Perron were chosen as recipients of the prestigious award for the 2025 award cycle. The couple was nominated by Roane State President Chris Whaley on behalf of the college. He cited their service, generosity, leadership, and passion for the mission of Roane State when submitting their names for consideration.
“Since 1995, the Perrons have given bountifully to the college through both planned and outright gifts,” Dr. Whaley stated in his nomination letter to TBR. “The Perrons began by supporting students in need through direct communication with the campus director. Upon seeing the impact of their generosity, they began to understand how far reaching their support could be.”
Having helped establish the first permanent Roane State facility in Crossville back in the early 2000s, the Perrons quickly became strong advocates for the college to keep growing. They worked with college leadership and the campus in Cumberland County so that it could expand offerings to include health science prerequisites and eventually a full nursing cohort, helping meet the needs of the community.
Prior to these efforts, Cumberland County students had to travel outside the area for health-related classes. The travel costs, along with time spent commuting to Roane County, Oak Ridge, or Knox County campuses, were often barriers to health science program enrollment.
When the campus sought to construct a new health science wing, the Perrons stepped up once again with a matching gift pledge of up to $50,000 to ensure the project met its goals and challenge other members of the community to invest. This pledge was in addition to their personal campaign contribution that resulted in a classroom being named in their honor.
“The Perrons’ work at Roane State and Cumberland County is greatly appreciated by all students, faculty and staff,” TBR Chancellor Dr. Flora W. Tydings stated. “Student success is the primary mission of TBR. The Perrons’ generosity and partnership allow us to prioritize student needs and help fulfill their goals of earning a degree. Together, we are building a brighter future for students.”
The Perrons started “The Ann and Pepe Perron Annual Scholarship” in 2019 and have given over $240,000 for students so far. Pepe Perron also joined the Roane State Foundation Board of Directors in 2018, where he currently serves on the investment committee.
“The Perrons continue to inspire and be instrumental in helping build the next generation of leaders and successful citizens,” Roane State Foundation Executive Director Scott Niermann said. “Roane State is so very fortunate to have generous and outstanding supporters such as the Perrons to help further the college’s mission.”
Recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy are selected based on their generous donation of resources and volunteer efforts supporting a TBR institution. The Perrons were presented with their award and a framed copy of the letter nominating them for the honor by President Whaley and TBR Director of Legislation and Advancement Patrick Boggs.
Additional information about Roane State Foundation can be found online at roanestate.edu/foundation. To learn more about the Tennessee Board of Regents, visit tbr.edu.
