KeiAndra Harper, a recent East Tennessee State University graduate and Roan Scholars Leadership Program alumni, won a coveted spot for the Tennessee Governor's Management Fellowship Class of 2026. She is one of five selected from across the country to participate in the two-year program. 

The fellows will gain a deeper understanding of Tennessee's state government while working on project management and strategic planning.   

Originally from Morristown, she graduated from ETSU in May 2023 with a bachelor's in psychology and minors in anthropology and women's, gender and sexuality studies. 

She credits her involvement on and off campus at ETSU for helping her get where she is today. In addition to being a Roan Scholar, she gave tours as an Expedition Leader, was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, spent a semester abroad in Norway and represented ETSU in a roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. 

Providing students with hands-on learning opportunities is at the heart of the university's approach to education. From jobs at Disney to guaranteed employment with BlueCross BlueShield, ETSU faculty and staff work tirelessly to help students land jobs, secure fellowships and more.   

Since graduating, she has worked as an undergraduate admissions counselor at ETSU.  

"It's wonderful to see KeiAndra selected as a Governor's Management Fellow; she is an exceptional individual who will make a significant impact in this new role," said Roan Scholars Executive Director Scott Jeffress. "The Roan empowers and supports outstanding young leaders from our region, and KeiAndra embodies the best of those qualities. We are so proud of her and are eager to see what this exciting opportunity holds as she works with top state officials on key projects and initiatives to benefit Tennessee communities."   

KeiAndra plans to move to Nashville at the end of July, with the Fellowship starting on August 1st. In the meantime, she "will continue working with the amazing team in the Admissions office and enjoying the summer" as she prepares for the move.  

"I have lived in East Tennessee my whole life, so I am trying to soak in all the things I love about it before leaving," she said. "This community is truly a family and I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of it and to feel supported and encouraged through every opportunity I've had, including this one. It is a bittersweet time, but I am very excited to see where this opportunity leads."  

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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