PIONEERING PRESIDENT OF ROANE STATE BECOMES FIRST RECIPIENT OF ATHLETICS LEGACY IMPACT AWARD

Dr. Cuyler Dunbar speaks at a podium in a gymnasium, gesturing with his left hand while addressing an audience. He is wearing a dark blazer, light blue shirt, and glasses, with a name tag on his jacket. — Dr. Cuyler Dunbar addresses the crowd at Roane State's 2025 Raider Rally

May 1, 2025

Through a lifetime of service to academics, athletics, and the community, Dr. Cuyler Dunbar has been awarded one of Roane State's highest honors — the Athletics Legacy Impact Award.

Dr. Dunbar served as the founding president of Roane State Community College from 1970 to 1988, helping transform the college from a vision into a thriving institution.

Classes began in 1971 at the former Fairmont Elementary School in Harriman before he helped transition the main campus to its current location in 1973. Known for his hands-on approach, Dr. Dunbar took on multiple roles in the college's early days, including directing traffic and ensuring student attendance while establishing a lasting standard for academic excellence and community involvement.

Dr. Dunbar was presented with the inaugural award during the recent Raider Rally event, which brought together RSCC alumni, current student-athletes and coaching staff, and supporters of Roane State Athletics to celebrate more than 50 years of excellence in sports.

"This award is absolutely tremendous," Dr. Dunbar said. "It takes me back to the very beginning of being right here, in this spot, in a field full of cows — no buildings. Nothing but dreams. Look what's happened. Thousands of students have come through. It means a lot."

The college expanded well beyond the pasture that ground was broken on, now operating ten campuses across Anderson, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties. Dr. Dunbar was a visionary in expanding Roane State Athletics to include both men's and women's basketball, cross country, and golf as well as baseball, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

"Dr. Dunbar, from the very beginning, started athletics and allowed it to become a reality and then supported it through all the years," Roane State Athletics Director David Lane said. "Now, it's an integral part of these players' lives. Players come here now that wouldn't have been able to before. They make a contribution to the college, to the community, and we have those relationships that last forever."

As the first president at the college, Dr. Dunbar was a pivotal force in establishing academics and athletics at Roane State. Today, he continues to inspire Roane State student-athletes to greatness, both academically and athletically, and looks forward to what they will accomplish in the community and across the world.

"Enjoy your time and work hard and look what you can accomplish," Dr. Dunbar said. "I look forward to seeing all of these resumes and hearing about them in the days to come. It's just tremendous. We have been very fortunate to have so many great student-athletes."

The Athletics Legacy Impact Award is presented to an individual who has made a profound and lasting impact on Roane State's athletics programs, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, support, and unwavering enthusiasm throughout the history of the college's athletic endeavors.

With a passion for helping athletes succeed during their time at Roane State, as well as preparing them for their future endeavors at four-year institutions and beyond, the recipient of this award has been a key promoter of the growth and continued success of Roane State Athletics. Their leadership and dedication have not only shaped the college's athletics legacy but have also contributed to the personal and professional development of countless student-athletes.