August 2025 Volume 9 Issue 1

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Hello Nashville State!

We’re bringing back the Basadur Profile — a working style survey that shows how you individually approach problem solving and innovation.

• Not a personality test (not Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, etc.)
• Identifies whether you lean toward generating ideas, conceptualizing, optimizing, or implementing
• Results are plotted on a graph for each person. When team members are grouped together, the graphs reveal how the team fits within the overall innovation process—highlighting strengths, gaps, and collaboration styles.

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Action:

• Complete the Basadur Profile by October 1 (instructions below).
• Skip if you’ve taken it in the last 6–9 months.
• Retake if it’s been a year or more.

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What’s next:
In October, supervisors will be able to schedule a session with me and their team to review results together. These conversations will show how individual styles combine at the team level, spark discussion about collaboration, and help identify opportunities to strengthen innovation.

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You are invited to take the Profile from Basadur Applied Creativity. Please use the following directions to create an account and take the Profile.

1. Click on the following link to get started:
   https://basadurprofile.com/invitation/accept/?key=DSMXBXJM
2. Upon reaching the invitation page, you will be prompted to join our team: Nashville State CC F2025
3. Click Accept and Continue.
4. You will be asked to log in or create a new account.
5. Once your account has been created or you have signed in, you will be prompted to complete the assessment(s). That’s it!

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Contact: donna.whitehouse@nscc.edu or 615.353.3645

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Human Resources Update

By Connie Daniel, Senior Administrative Assistant, Human Resources

August 2025

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New Hires

 Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nashville State’s newest employees!

NAME	TITLE	DEPARTMENT
Paul Atuahene	Instructor, Biology	School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Jonathan Carey	Manager, Enterprise Systems and Applications	Office of Technology Services
Fayeja Easmin	Instructor, Mathematics	School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Kreg Floyd	Police Officer	Office of Police and Security
Mitchell Furtner	Instructor, Business	School of Business and Professional Studies
Benjamin Hillerman	Instructor, History	School of Business and Professional Studies
Scott Hopkins	Instructor, English	School of Arts and Humanities
Charles Isbell	HVAC Supervisor	Office of Facilities Management
Miracle Jackson	Student Success Advisor	Office of Student Success Center
Lafrance Knox	Instructor, Psychology	School of Business and Professional Studies
Francis Makamu	Instructor, Economics	School of Business and Professional Studies
Eric Max	Maintenance Technician	Office of Facilities Management
Alyssa Nunez	Instructor, Sociology	School of Business and Professional Studies
Kimberly Potter	Instructor, Nursing	School of Health Sciences
Carson Prevatte	Instructor, Chemistry	School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Briana Riggs	Student Success Advisor	Office of Student Success Center
Dwanna Shelton	Police Officer	Office of Police and Security
Keith Steffens	Instructor, Cybersecurity	School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Anthony Tillman	Police Officer	Office of Police and Security
Barry VonDeylen	Instructor, Accounting	School of Business and Professional Studies
Megan York	Instructor,  English	School of Arts and Humanities
Tammy Young	Instructor, Nursing	School of Health Sciences

New Roles

Please join us in congratulating Nashville State’s employees who are in a new role!
NAME	TITLE	DEPARTMENT
Jared Bratten	Instructor, History	School of Business and Professional Studies
Aletha Cole	Instructor, English	School of Arts and Humanities
Karina Davis	Administrative Associate	Office of Student Life
Steven Hancock	Instructor, English	School of Arts and Humanities
Shane McCoy	Instructor, English	School of Arts and Humanities
Nicholas Plowman	Instructor, Mathematics	School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Ian Rafferty	Computer Technician	Office of Technology Services
Diana Shanks	Student Success Advisor	Office of Student Success Center
Rebekah Witemeyer	Student Success Advisor, SE Campus	Office of Student Success Center

Separations

Please join us in saying farewell to these NSCC employees!
NAME	TITLE	DEPARTMENT
Valerie Belew	Associate Professor	School of Arts and Humanities
Tatyana Bristol	Development Associate	Office of Workforce Development
Janine Funderburke	Student Services Specialist III	Office of North Davidson Campus

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Welcome to a new Academic Year Nashville State Falcons!  It was wonderful to see everyone’s energy and excitement at Convocation as we kicked off the academic year together.  I’m sure you remember the video featuring staff and faculty from across our campuses and departments, sharing an important message: Education is a Team Sport. 

At Nashville State, fulfilling our mission takes a true team effort.  And one key factor in achieving our mission is to have an effective internal control system.  Just like in sports, success depends on more than the players on the field – it also requires the dedication of those working behind the scenes.  For us, that team includes everyone from management, faculty, and staff.  Whether you’re developing policies or procedures, reviewing financial aid applications, or simply logging in using a strong password, your role contributes to the strength of our internal controls.  Every little thing you do makes a big difference!

Let’s go, Nashville State Flacons! Together, let’s keep our internal controls strong and make this our best year yet!

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Nashville State Expands Mental Health Support with First Aid Training for Faculty and Staff

By: Brian Lee, Mia Sneed, Michelle Gillis, & Curtis Scott

Nashville State Community College (NSCC) is deepening its commitment to mental wellness by offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for faculty and staff during the 2025–2026 academic year. This initiative reflects the college’s ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive and responsive campus environment.

Developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the MHFA program is an internationally recognized, evidence-based training that has equipped over 2.5 million people across North America with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. By participating in this training, NSCC employees will gain practical tools to support students, colleagues, and community members who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.

The MHFA certification course will be offered during both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. It covers a range of essential topics, including:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
• How to interact with someone in crisis
• How to connect individuals with appropriate help
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care
• Participants will also learn how to approach sensitive conversations with confidence and apply evidence-based techniques to de-escalate crisis situations.

Fall 2025 Training Dates and Locations

All sessions run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• September 19 – Clarksville Campus, Room 107
• October 14 – Southeast Campus, Room 1312
• October 24 – White Bridge Road Campus, Room S118
• November 14 – Dickson Campus, Room 111
• December 17 – White Bridge Road Campus, Room S118

Faculty and staff are encouraged to register early to secure a spot in the session that best fits their schedule.

👉 Fall 2025 MHFA Training Registration Link

For questions or additional information, please contact Mia Sneed, HR Administrator/Employee Relations, at mia.sneed@nscc.edu.

By investing in Mental Health First Aid training, NSCC is not only enhancing the well-being of its campus community but also reinforcing its mission to provide exemplary services that improve the quality of life for all.

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📢 What’s New?
A recent clarification from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) has updated the eligibility rules for the Tennessee Reconnect (TNR) program. This change, effective February 2025, impacts students who first enroll in Spring or Summer terms.

📘 Key Update:
Students who begin in Spring or Summer are not subject to GPA review for TNR eligibility until they complete a full academic year (Fall and Spring).

⚠️ Why It Matters:
This update was not communicated to campuses initially, leading to some students being incorrectly marked as ineligible due to GPA.

✅ What’s Being Done?
TSAC is now allowing schools to reinstate TNR funding for affected students without requiring a formal appeal. This includes students who may have skipped Fall 2025 due to perceived loss of funding.

🎯 Action Steps:
Nashville State is identifying impacted students and will contact them directly.
Faculty and staff: If students mention losing TNR or not enrolling due to financial aid, refer them to:📧 financial.aid@nscc.edu

📅 Important Deadline:
The blanket waiver for students unable to enroll in Fall 2025 is only valid if they return in Spring 2026.

📌 Quick Reminder: Who Qualifies for Reconnect?
Reconnect is available to independent students without a prior degree who enroll at least part-time (6 credit hours) in eligible programs. It covers tuition after other gift aid (Pell, TSAA, Hope Scholarship, Discounts/waivers, tuition-only scholarships) have been applied. Students must maintain academic progress (2.0 TNR GPA at end of academic year) and continuous enrollment. MUST do the FAFSA each year and a Reconnect Application in their first year.

🔗 Learn More:
Visittnreconnect.gov or contact the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@nscc.edu.

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Nashville State is about to hit the road with learning! Later this year, the College will unveil a state-of-the-art mobile classroom designed to bring opportunity directly to communities across Middle Tennessee.

Think of it as a classroom on wheels — complete with modern technology, flexible space, and all the tools needed for workshops, certifications, and career-focused training. From digital literacy to health care programs, the mobile classroom will open doors for learners who might not otherwise have access.

This classroom on wheels is more than just a place for workshops and training — it’s a mobile hub for student success. Inside, current and future students will find resources for advising, college and career planning, and connections to programs that open doors. Whether it’s registering for classes, exploring financial aid, or learning about pathways to high-demand careers, the mobile classroom will make it easier than ever to take the next step.

Sneak Peek Alert
Check out these first-look photos of the mobile classroom taking shape — and stay tuned for the official launch schedule. Nashville State is bringing education, support, and opportunity right to our communities doorstep!

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