Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings Fellow Falcons,
The fall semester is quickly approaching, and I know all our teams are busy preparing for the new academic year. One of the ways we prepare as the larger Falcon team is to come together at Convocation to share the great things happening at the college and celebrate the people who are making a difference – and, of course, have some fun together.
During the All-Staff meeting at Convocation, employees will have the opportunity to learn more about the college from Senior Staff and other leaders. If you are reading this before August 4, there is still time to tell us what you want to know by filling out this form: Tell Us What You Want to Know! Although Faculty will be in the Faculty Meeting during this time, we encourage Faculty to respond as well, as the collective responses will provide ideas on what to address in The Voice and at future Faculty and Constituency meetings. This form will close at the end of the business day on Monday, August 4.
I can’t wait to see you all on the White Bridge Campus on August 14! If you are reading this before August 4
Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
College Master Plan –This fall we will start the process of updating our facilities Master Plan. The bidding process is led by TBR, and once a consultant is selected, I will provide an update.
New Hire Orientation – On August 1, Human Resources is launching a new day-long orientation for new hires called Flight School. We are expecting one of our largest new hire groups with more than 20 new Falcons expected! In addition to the more comprehensive orientation, HR has also created an opportunity for our new hires to be paired with current employees to help them acclimate to working at the college. If you are interested in becoming a Co-pilot, you can still Sign Up or reach out to Human Resources for more information.[JS1] [NO2]
Fall Enrollment Update – Fall headcount is up 12% and FTE is up 14%. Leading the growth is a strong increase in our continuing students, which is up more than 400 students than the prior year! This is a testament of the great work happening inside and outside the classroom. Stay data informed by visiting the Data Access Page. Please contact Institutional Research if you have any questions.
Wellness – It is worth repeating that it is ok not to be ok. You have to take care of yourself before you can help others. Please take the time to review the Partners for Health’s online wellness benefits and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) for support services.
We are entering the last five years of our Vision 2030: A Student Ready College plan. During Convocation, you will learn more about where we are and where we are going. What I know to be true is that we cannot achieve our big bold vision to be a national leader for our diverse community of learners without being excellent in People, Places, Programs and Partnerships. And all of our success centers on each of us working together to make it happen. I am looking forward to what we can do together!
Academic Affairs & Workforce Development Update
By Dr. Jo Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
As summer draws to a close and the fall semester approaches, I remain energized by the meaningful work happening across Nashville State. While summer is often considered a quieter season in higher education, our campuses have stayed vibrant with students enrolled in summer classes, participating in workforce training, and engaging in a variety of enriching activities. From classrooms to community events, the momentum has not slowed. Below are just a few highlights from this summer that reflect the dedication and impact of our college community.
This summer, we expanded our partnership with the Belmont Fast Forward program to offer two summer opportunities for incoming freshmen. Twenty-one students participated in the Seven Credits in Seven Weeks program, earning seven credits at no cost while taking part in lunch and learn workshops focused on college readiness and career exploration. Another 49 students participated in the NSCC 1010 in Two Weeks program, completing NSCC 1010 and engaging in the same informative workshops. Both programs were hosted at the Southeast and North Davidson campuses.
We also celebrated the accomplishments of students completing workforce training programs. Seven students graduated from the Medical Assistant program, and another seven completed the MIG Welding program. Through our ongoing partnership with Vanderbilt, we recognized 10 additional Medical Assistant graduates and 14 newly credentialed Pharmacy Technicians. In collaboration with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Centers for Programs in Allied Health, Nashville State hosted a commencement ceremony honoring all 26 graduates of the Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician Trainee programs.
Our commitment to providing access and opportunity was also on display through two graduation ceremonies for incarcerated students. In June, we celebrated four students at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution who earned their Associate of Science in Business Administration; and in July celebrated four students at the Turney Center earning the same degree. Each of these graduates exemplifies the power of education to transform lives regardless of circumstance.
Congratulations are also in order for six faculty members who earned tenure and promotion this year. TBR approved promotion applications for Doug Godwin, Zachary Mills, Elizabeth Slade, and Mary Womack, and granted tenure to Brian Curtis and Gracie King. I commend each of them on this well-deserved achievement and extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty who serve on our tenure and promotion committees for their time and thoughtful contributions. We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of educators advancing our mission.
I hope each of you found time to rest and recharge this summer. I look forward to seeing everyone back this fall!
Human Resources Update
By Connie Daniel, Senior Administrative Assistant, Human Resources
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nashville State’s newest employees!
| New Hires | ||
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
| Saxton Keitt | Student Success Advisor | School of Health Sciences |
| Sharon Miller | Admissions & Records Clerk | Office of Student Affaairs & Enrollment Management |
| Carlos Montas | Access Services Coordinator | Office of Access Center |
| James Rooks | Security Guard | Office of Police & Security |
Please join us in congratulating Nashville State’s employees who are in a new role!
| New Roles | ||
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
| Matthew Burdette | Veteran Affairs Specialist | Office of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management |
| Kati Murphy | Institutional Research Analyst | Office of Strategic Analytics & Planning |
Please join us in saying farewell to these NSCC employees!
| Separations | ||
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
| Amy Bryant | Associate Professor, Communications | School of Arts and Humanities |
| Michael Christensen | Associate Professor, Mathematics | School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics |
| Jayla Crawford | Senior Administrative Assistant | Office of Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education |
| Kathy Flick | Director | Office of Accounting & External Reporting |
| Fred Fraizer | Advisor | Office of Student Success Center |
| Marc Ware | Accounts Receivable Manager | Office of Student Billing & Account Services |
| Genna Younge | Grant Manager, Gear Up Grant | Office of High School Initiatives and Dual Enrollment |
Staff Assembly Committee Highlight
Kelsie Huffman (Clement), Student Services Specialist III, Welcome Center
Our May 2025 Employee of the Month is Kaylyn Cole, Admissions and Records Specialist, White Bridge Campus
This is what nominators had to say:
I would like to nominate Kaylyn Cole for Employee of the Month. Kaylyn always brings a positive attitude- in person and on Teams to the extended campuses! 🙂 She is always willing to assist others with Records related questions. Her reliability and teamwork are much appreciated by all!
Thank you, Kaylyn, for consistently bringing a positive attitude and being a dependable, supportive team member!”
The Workforce Minute: East Davidson Campus is Powering Up Workforce Development
By Joseph Johnson, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education
If you’ve been to Nashville State’s East Davidson Campus lately, you might’ve noticed something exciting in the air—momentum. From hands-on healthcare certifications to buzzing job fairs and strategic planning sessions, East Davidson is quickly becoming a hub for workforce development in our region.
The Center for Workforce Development has been busy, bringing impactful training programs straight to the East side. Here’s just a glimpse of what’s happening on campus:
- Medical Assistant Training in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Ready to Reconnect Medical Assistant Training, supporting adult learners and career changers
- Central Sterile Processing Training, helping fill critical roles in healthcare
- Ready to Reconnect Barber & Natural Hair Care Certification (coming soon—stay tuned!)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Training, because lifesaving skills matter
What do all these programs have in common? They’re laser-focused on career-ready certifications, especially in healthcare, where the demand for trained professionals just keeps growing.
But it’s not just students making moves at East Davidson—employers and community organizations are also showing up in a big way. We’ve welcomed:
- Southwest Airlines
- Nashville Fire Department
- Safer Building Coalition
- Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
- JobWise
- Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA)
Whether it’s for trainings, hiring events, or community-focused conferences, these partners are part of something bigger: a thriving network where education, employment, and community impact all meet under one roof.
If you’re wondering what’s next, here are a few key events:
- American Job Center Job Fairs – Happening the third Wednesday of every month
- Northern Middle Tennessee Workforce Board Meeting – August 2025
- State Workforce Board’s Strategic Planning Session – August 2025
- Nashville Fire Department EMS Neonatal Training (Session 2) – October 2025
These gatherings aren’t just calendar fillers—they show that East Davidson is becoming a go-to space for serious conversations about workforce, public service, and regional growth.
Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Falcons’ News on NSCC.EDU
By Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Nashville State Community College Foundation Announces Seven New Board Members
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-foundation-announces-seven-new-board-members.php
Working Mom Shows What’s Possible at Nashville State
https://nscc.edu/news/working-mom-shows-whats-possible-at-nashville-state.php
Nashville State, VUMC Partnership Continues to Fast-Track Surgical Support Careers
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-vumc-partnership-continues-to-fast-track-surgical-support-careers.php Students and Faculty Build Cultural Understanding and Awareness in Japan
https://nscc.edu/news/students-and-faculty-build-cultural-understanding-and-awareness-in-japan.php
Whitely Shares Experience and Exudes Compassion to Help Students Find Their Way
https://nscc.edu/news/whitley-shares-experience-and-exudes-compassion-to-help-students-find-their-way.php
The NSCC Voice
Founded 2017
Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Kevin Woods, Layout
July 2025 Contributors
Connie Daniel
Tom Hayden
Kelsie Huffman
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Joseph Johnson
Dr. Jo Williams