Dr. Arliss L. Roaden

Dr. Arliss L. Roaden, age 85, of Nashville, TN, passed away Sunday, April, 10, 2016. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who will be greatly missed. He was born in Corbin, Kentucky, on September 27, 1930, to the late Johnie and Ethel Roaden. Arliss was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church for thirty years where he served as moderator and deacon and found great joy in singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School most of his life. Dr. Roaden enjoyed a distinguished career in education. He served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, President of Tennessee Technological University, and Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Research at The Ohio State University. He was past Chairman of the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation and served on the Board of Trustees of Bryan College and the Board of Trustees of the National Center for Youth Issues. He also served as Vice President of NCAA for Division I Schools. Beyond his work as an educator, Dr. Roaden has authored, and co-authored five books and numerous professional research articles. His passion for supporting youth led to his work with the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America and STARS, a school-based program that addresses youth problems of drugs, alcohol, and bullying. He received the Resolution of Commendation from the Tennessee Legislature and the Centennial Medallion from The Ohio State University for Outstanding Faculty and Alumni. He also received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Cumberland University in Kentucky. The Roaden University Center at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville was named in his honor and the Ohio Valley of Athletic Conference inducted him into its Hall of Fame. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Etta Mitchell Roaden, daughter, Janice Skelton (John) of Columbus, OH, sister, Reba Moore (Herman) of Corbin, KY, four grandchildren --Michelle Muse (Steven), David Skelton (Amanda), Mindy Scibilia (Marc), Karen Bailey (Nick), and three great grandchildren – Andrew Hagen, and Alexis and Emily Muse. In addition to his parents, Arliss was preceded in death by an infant daughter, and another daughter, Sharon Vogt, and brother, Ray Roaden. Visiting hours will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th , with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2:00. Visiting hours and Celebration will both be held at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville, TN, 37215. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Arliss and Mary Etta Roaden Scholarship Fund, University Development, Tennessee Technological University, Campus Box 5047, 1000 N Dixie, Ave., Cookeville, TN, 38501-9921. Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com.