August 2024 Volume 8 Issue 1

Welcome to a new and vibrant academic year. Our first weeks back have been filled with the energy and excitement of faculty and students returning to campus. Convocation gave us an opportunity to connect and share while the enriching learning opportunities provided by the Teaching Center equipped us with the tools we need to have a successful academic year.

As a new school year begins, we will continue to create and foster relevant and rewarding opportunities that support the success of our students. Several initiatives are planned for academic affairs this year. The following were highlighted during convocation:

New Programs and Partnerships: In a continuing effort to support local industry needs and provide our students with degree programs and continuing education opportunities that lead to high wage, high demand jobs, we are pursuing immediate and long-term opportunities to develop and enhance our credit and non-credit program offerings.

Affordable Textbook Costs: Textbook costs continue to be a barrier for our students. Exploring how we can reduce this burden is a current priority. The adoption of Zero Cost Textbooks or Open Educational Resources is a great way to decrease financial barriers for our students and guarantee that they will have the learning resources they need to be successful.

Increased Academic Supports: Providing strong academic support for our students is crucial to their success and can impact persistence and retention. We are exploring new ways that the College can best utilize resources to provide academic supports to students in the most efficient and accessible way possible.

LEADS: During convocation, we celebrated many employee achievements including ACUE certifications, tenure & promotion, and the completion of new degree and certificate programs. These achievements highlight our commitment to the L (learning) and A (accountability) in LEADS. Employee growth equals college growth and I look forward to celebrating future accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students.

I wish everyone a rewarding academic year!

Jesmin Akther
Halley Andrews
René Bataille
Bir Bohara
Kristen Bradley
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Audrey Cross
Brian Curtis
Howard Doty
James Edwards
Genevieve El Chaer

Pamela Esposito
Todd Gannon
David Gerth
Michelle Gillis
Doug Godwin
Hannah Hurdle
Karen Kendrick
Helen Kunkel
Robert Ladd
Emily Lewis
Rachel Lewis
Jonathan Murray

Maryellen Nash
Harlan Pease
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Jessica Rabb
Amelia Rinehart
Cliff Rockstead
Piper Sesnan
Flora Setayesh
Neelyann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Elizabeth Slade

Mr. Bledsoe does a great job keeping our maintenance department running smoothly throughout all campus. He is respectful by always letting administrators and staff know if anything needs to be done for events on campus. He goes above and beyond his job description to help his colleagues and does it with a smile. He and his team had to put in a lot of effort to fulfill all requests, organize all activities, and execute it all at a high level. Specially, he has been working on H, A, C, and K projects. We are proud of his achievement, and we look forward to seeing him carry out many more of our projects in the future. Thank you for being such a distinguished professional.

Congratulations from all of us at Nashville State Community College!

Meanwhile, the Facilities & Maintenance Department has several projects that are on-going as follows:

• Clarksville: 
  Construction and renovation of Clarksville Campus
  
• Dickson:
  Design Phase of the Dickson Higher Education Center
  
• South East:
  Interior and exterior updates including culinary kitchen equipment replacement and bottle water fountain upgrades
  
• White Bridge Road:
  HVAC, cooling tower, and boiler upgrades and working punch list for H-K-C-A building projects

The Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant (DEG) is an initiative that offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, providing a head start on their postsecondary education. At Nashville State Community College (NSCC), this program has become an essential tool for student success, fostering academic achievement, and encouraging a seamless transition from high school to college.

How the Dual Enrollment Grant Works

The DEG allows eligible high school students to enroll in college courses at NSCC, earning credits that count toward both high school graduation and a college degree. Currently, the grant covers the cost of tuition for up to five courses, and will pay $100 per credit hour toward an additional five courses.  Students across the state are taking advantage of these opportunities and significantly reducing the financial burden on both them and their families. This makes higher education more accessible, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.

Benefits for Student Success

1. Early College Experience:
By participating in the Dual Enrollment program, students gain valuable exposure to college-level coursework and expectations. This experience can ease the transition to college after high school, reducing the likelihood of “freshman shock” and increasing overall academic confidence.

2. Cost Savings:
The financial support provided by the DEG helps students save on tuition costs, making higher education more affordable. This is particularly beneficial for students who might otherwise be deterred by the cost of college.

3. Accelerated Degree Completion:
Students who earn college credits through dual enrollment can potentially graduate from college sooner.  This would allow them to either enter the workforce or continue their education at an advanced level more quickly.

4. Academic Rigor:
The program encourages high-achieving students to challenge themselves with more rigorous coursework, which can enhance their college applications and prepare them for the demands of higher education.

Support for Faculty and Staff

For faculty and staff at NSCC, the Dual Enrollment program offers an opportunity to engage with high school students early in their academic journeys. By fostering these connections, NSCC can help shape the academic and career paths of these students, guiding them toward success in their chosen fields.

Additionally, the program supports NSCC’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body. Faculty can play a crucial role in ensuring that dual-enrolled students receive the guidance and support they need to thrive in a college environment.

At Nashville State Community College (NSCC), both the High School Initiatives department and the Financial Aid office play distinct but complementary roles in supporting the Dual Enrollment program. The High School Initiatives department is dedicated to creating pathways for high school students to participate in college-level coursework, coordinating with local high schools, and providing support and resources to students and families. They focus on ensuring students are academically prepared and informed about the benefits and opportunities of dual enrollment. In contrast, the Financial Aid office is responsible for administering the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant, managing the financial aspects of the program, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. While the High School Initiatives department is primarily concerned with the academic and logistical components of dual enrollment, the Financial Aid office handles the grant’s financial processes, ensuring that students receive the funding necessary to participate in these valuable educational opportunities. Together, these departments ensure that the Dual Enrollment program at NSCC is both accessible and effective in fostering student success.

The TN Dual Enrollment Grant is more than just a financial aid program; it is a gateway to academic achievement and a brighter future for Tennessee’s students. By continuing to support and expand this initiative, Nashville State Community College can help more students reach their full potential and contribute to the success of the broader community.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s honorees for the 2024 Falcon Awards. This prestigious event celebrates our exceptional alumni who have achieved remarkable professional success and made significant contributions to their communities.

Please join us on Tuesday, October 1st, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 14TENN, located at 1410 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209, as we honor and celebrate these outstanding individuals.

Visit event.gives/falconawards24 and use the code TFA24FS to access $50 general admission tickets for Faculty and Staff. 

We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!