Evelyn Roach appointed to TN Council on Developmental Disabilities

(July 20, 2023) Helping students of all abilities succeed is a professional and personal passion for Dr. Evelyn N. Roach, director of the East Tennessee State University Curriculum Innovation Center.

Her work in this space will be elevated with her recent appointment to the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, which is made up of Governor-appointed private citizens who either have a disability or are a family member of a person with a disability. The council supports many different leadership and advocacy trainings for Tennesseans with disabilities, family members and professionals who serve the disability community. Helping people find and utilize resources to ultimately advocate for themselves and others, as well as increasing awareness around disability issues, are key goals.

“To be part of the council you have to be impacted by disability,” said Roach. “I have two children with diagnosed neurodevelopment disabilities, and they have taught me so much about ability and determination. My child with a learning disability just obtained her bachelor’s degree with honors and has taught me that with the right support and services, anything is possible.”

Roach recently completed certification as a family advocate in the Vanderbilt Consortium LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment Disabilities) program. This program helps reduce and prevent neurodevelopmental disabilities and related disabilities in children and to increase access to family-centered, community-based and culturally competent interprofessional services.

Roach received her doctorate in educational leadership from ETSU in 2007. Prior to that, she earned her MBA from ETSU in 2000.

Roach is one of the most recent examples of professional success at the university. ETSU faculty and staff regularly win competitive grants and fellowships and are named to boards and organizations that improve the lives of the people of the state and region.

“Dr. Roach’s appointment to the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a testament to her advocacy and knowledge of disabilities,” said Dr. William Flora, associate provost for curriculum at ETSU. “She cares deeply about improving the quality of life for those with disabilities within the region and across the state. She will be a leader in work to enhance policy and expand opportunities in this area.”