Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings Fellow Falcons,
Nashville State continues to lead the way! We are a bridge to opportunity for our students, and talent solution partners for our area employers. As an example, we are the first Community College in Tennessee to have a Federally Registered IT Apprenticeship program. Earlier this month, I attended a graduation celebration for our third cohort of Caterpillar Financial IT Apprentices. These students completed their associate degree from Nashville State while employed at CAT Fin. I was impressed with not only what they learned but how much they contributed to the organization. Both are working toward completing a bachelor’s degree while now working full time at CAT Fin. Partnerships continue to be a key to our success.
Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
TBR Quarterly Board Meeting – The September Quarterly Board meeting took place September 17-18 at TCAT Shelbyville.If you are interested in viewing the meeting, please visit TBR’s Board Meeting Schedule and Materials webpage and select archived board meetings.
Reigniting our Future Open House – We had a wonderful celebration at our Humphreys County Campus September 2. The County Executive and city Mayor attended and gave remarks. During the event we planted a tree in recognition of the catastrophic flood in 2021 and the community’s commitment to build back stronger than ever.
Dickson Campus Grand Opening – You are invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Dickson Center of Higher Education, home to our Dickson Campus, on October 12 at 10:00am. The campus is located at 2575 Highway 46S in Dickson. If you are planning to attend, you can let the planning team know by RSVPing using this link: RSVP HERE
Fall Enrollment Update – Registration is continuing for our 2nd 7-week classes. As of September 23, we had 8,789 students enrolled; our Fall headcount was up 7.8%, and FTE was up 7.3% from the prior year. This is the highest increase in both across the TBR community college system. Most notable is an increase in dual enrollment and adult students.
The persistence, retention, and graduation dashboard is up to date with Fall 26 data. While we remained fairly flat on persistence and retention, we raised our three-year graduation rate from 20% to 23%! Stay data informed by visiting the Data Access Page. Please contact Institutional Research if you have any questions.
Wellness/Healthcare – A campus announcement was sent September 23 regarding the Annual Enrollment period for benefits. It includes a link to book a meeting with Rochelle Williams, our Benefits and Leave Administrator. Please review carefully for changes and options. We will continue to have wellness benefits available online through Partners for Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions for support services.
I cannot believe how fast the fall semester is going. I have already finished my 5-week NSCC 1010 course. I am already looking forward to teaching it again. Special thanks to Jessica Rabb, Marla Perry, and others who provided training and helpful tips along the way. Being in the classroom with first semester students has given me the opportunity to learn what we do well and what opportunities are still in front of us. We have work to do but we are Moving Forward!
New Director of Financial Aid
By the Financial Aid Office
On August 3, the Financial Aid Office at Nashville State Community College welcomed our new Director of Financial Aid, Mr. Husni Abdelqader.
Husni brings more than nine years of progressive financial aid leadership experience from two of the nation’s premier institutions, Columbia University and New York University. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid administration, with particular strengths in Title IV compliance, operational management, regulatory reporting, staff development, and delivering exceptional service to students.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success, Husni has a proven track record of building strong partnerships across enrollment management, student affairs, information technology, and academic departments. His dedication to continuous improvement and innovation will be a tremendous asset as Nashville State continues its mission to expand access and support student achievement.
Please join us in welcoming Husni to Nashville State. In just a short time, he has visited multiple campuses, connected with internal and external partners, and begun identifying opportunities to strengthen and streamline processes within the Financial Aid Office. We are excited to have him leading our team and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our students, employees, and institution.
Human Resources Update
By Connie Daniel, Senior Administrative Assistant, Human Resources
September 2026
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nashville State’s newest employees!
| New Hires | ||
| Susan Austin | Campus Coordinator | Office of Academic Affairs, Dickson and Humphreys County Campuses |
| Tiffany Blalock | Admissions & Records Clerk | Office of Admissions & Records |
| Melissa Flores Griffith | Sterile Processing Manager | Office of Workforce Development & Continuing Education |
| Brandi Myers | Instructional Designer | Office of Online Learning & Teaching Innovation |
| Lydia Snyder | Library Assistant III | Office of Learning Resources |
Please join us in congratulating Nashville State’s employees who are in a new role!
| New Roles | ||
| Jonathan Dructor | Security Guard | Office of Police and Security |
Please join us in saying farewell to these NSCC employees!
| Separations | ||
| Sierra Leach | Director of Donor Relations | College Foundation |
| John Troung | Executive Director of Facilities | Office of Business and Finance |
Meet Melissa Flores, New Sterile Processing Trainer
By Tammy Oropesa, Senior Administrative Assistant, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education
The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education welcomes Melissa Flores as its new Sterile Processing Trainer. In this role, Melissa will lead instruction for NSCC’s Sterile Processing program, offered in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Center for Programs in Allied Health – a program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training to prepare students for careers as sterile processing technicians.
Melissa brings direct, hands-on experience to the classroom. As a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), she has worked in instrument decontamination, sterilization, and surgical tray assembly, and is skilled in operating and troubleshooting sterilization equipment, including Bowie-Dick and autoclave challenge testing. She has also served as a preceptor, training and mentoring new team members – experience that translates directly into her new role preparing NSCC’s next generation of sterile processing technicians.
Before entering healthcare, Melissa spent more than four years as an Executive Assistant supporting a team of real estate professionals, sharpening the organizational and multitasking skills that now serve her in a fast-paced training environment.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from California State University at San Bernardino and completed her Sterile Processing education at Martinson College. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!
Melissa Flores, Sterile Processing Trainer
New Program Highlight at The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education
New Six-Week Course Explores the Healing Power of Music
The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education welcomed its first cohort into Introduction to Music Therapy this month, a new six-week course meeting Thursday evenings at the East Davidson Campus.
The course introduces students to the clinical applications and professional practices of music therapy – from wellness and rehabilitation to mental health and end-of-life care. Students explore how music engages the brain, supports emotional and cognitive well-being, and offers a uniquely accessible form of healing across ages and abilities. By the end of the course, participants will be able to define music therapy’s historical development, identify clinical goals, and design basic therapeutic interventions.
Leading the course is Professor James “Mitch” Rollins, Associate Professor of Psychology at Nashville State. A lifelong musician and 20-year veteran of teaching psychology, Rollins says the idea took on new meaning as he watched music help both of his parents through declining health. “Music Therapy sooths our souls and restores our memories,” he says, “to create a holistic healing effect that gives us hope for tomorrow.”
Watch for future course offerings through the Center for Workforce Development.
Clarksville Campus Spotlight
By Ann M. Rowley, Student Services Specialist III, Clarksville Campus Welcome Center
Students, faculty, and staff recently came together for an engaging lunch and learn hosted by Instructor Mike Knap on the Clarksville Campus. Designed to connect students with valuable Nashville State resources, the event encouraged conversation, self-improvement, and student success through highlighting academic and non-academic resources.
Presenters included Doctor Kenisha Burke, who led an invigorating presentation emphasizing the impedance of an ego mindset and importance of a growth mindset. Jeffrey Johnson highlighted Nashville State Foundation resources and described the care referral process. Career and Transfer Services Director, Andrew Burton, led an informative discussion regarding available assistance for students and graduates. Clarksville Campus Student Success Specialist, Dawne Ramaker, provided encouraging words regarding advisement and navigating higher education; and Dr. Jessica Rabb, as the lead of the NSCC1010 program, shared her educational experience and discussed making the most of the first-year experience.
The lunch and learn provided a unique opportunity for students to step out of their traditional classroom and interact directly with the people and programs dedicated to supporting their success. Reflecting on the lunch and learn, Knap described it as “a cool way to make class more engaging” that was “chock full of information.” With such a positive student response, Knap looks to incorporate events like this as a series of multiple events in future semesters. Experiences such as this help build student connections, inform students, and assist students in discovering resources that can be used to support them in achieving their educational and personal goals.
Discover Your Strengths, Find Your Path: YouScience in NSCC 1010
By Jessica Rabb PhD, Biology Professor and NSCC 1010 Course Lead
My main job at Nashville State is biology instructor. My side job is NSCC 1010 First Year Experience instructor. When I started at Nashville State more than 15 years ago, if you had asked me which classes I would like teaching the most, I would not have said NSCC 1010. This class did not even exist. Yet this class has become one of the most important parts of my Nashville State career.
I wish I had a course like NSCC 1010 when starting college. When I picked a college major, I picked a major based on what I thought I couldn’t do.
School of Arts and Humanities Majors
- Nope: Not an artist, not a writer, not a reader
School of Business and Professional Studies Majors
- Nope: Not a people person
School of Health Science Majors
- Nope: Not good with blood
School of STEM Majors
- Technology, Engineering & Math – Nope: Not good at math
That left me with Science. I thought physics and chemistry would have too much math. So, I chose biology as my major because I thought I couldn’t do anything else.
What If I had chosen biology because I understood it matched my strengths? What if I had confidence in my academic and career path?
In NSCC 1010, students and instructors complete career aptitude tests in an online program called YouScience. When I completed the aptitude tests a few years ago, I “crushed it.”
I discovered my primary strength is sequential thinking which means I am good at organizing things. In high school, I didn’t have a class on “organization.” I didn’t recognize this as my strength and yet I agree, when I organize things I “crush it.”
YouScience shows careers that match your strengths. A top match for me was Validation Engineer, someone that determines if products meet quality standards. When I think about it, I am essentially a Validation Engineer at Nashville State. I determine if students are learning and meeting quality standards. I create detailed plans for instruction and assessment. I keep trying to improve my teaching and my courses.
Through YouScience I found out my career superpower is organization. This helps me consider the path my career will take now as I lean into my strengths. Imagine the guidance YouScience provides our NSCC 1010 students at the start of college. What’s your career superpower? If you’d like a YouScience account let me know.
SEPARATE ITEM – Though it could be right below or to the side
NSCC 1010 is 10 YEARS OLD
We started NSCC 1010 in Fall 2016. These faculty and administrators have been involved from the beginning. Thank you!
Brian Curtis
Karen Kendrick
Rachel Lewis
Devora Manier
Roslyn Mize
Marla Perry
Jessica Rabb
Sarah Roberts
Robert Ross
Marlene Sigar
Julie Williams
Community Support Makes a Lasting Impact at the New Dickson Campus
By Telaina Wrigley, MSM, Dickson Campus Director / Associate Dean
Since opening the doors of the new Dickson Campus, we have been incredibly blessed by the generosity and support of the Dickson community. Most recently, the campus received a meaningful donation from the GFWC Dickson County Women’s Club, demonstrating their commitment to helping our students succeed.
The partnership began when members of the organization visited the campus for a tour. Following their visit, Kelly Jo Stephens reached out to ask how the club could support our students. At the time, we were in the process of furnishing our Student Entertainment Area with games, puzzles, comfortable seating, blankets, and other items designed to help students relax and connect with one another. When asked about potential needs, we mentioned a puzzle table and inquired whether the club might be interested in sponsoring one.
Not only were they excited to provide the puzzle table, but they also expressed a desire to do even more for our students.
During their campus visit, club members noticed the NSCC Foundation’s Falcon Market Quick Takeoff Station, which provides students with free food items for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack throughout the day. Recognizing the positive impact of this resource, they asked if they could supplement the program with additional food donations.
We were honored to accept such a generous offer. Their contribution helps ensure that students have access to food when they need it, allowing them to focus on attending class, studying with their peers, and working on their studies without the added stress of hunger.
On September 18, Kelly Jo Stephens, along with Sissy Driver, Ann Cothron, Becky Videau, and Barbara Brazzell, returned to campus with a car full of food donations for our students. Their kindness and generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many students throughout the semester.
We are deeply grateful for the support of the GFWC Dickson County Women’s Club and for the continued support and generosity shown by the entire Dickson community. Partnerships like these exemplify the spirit of service and community that make our campus such a special place, and we are proud to serve a community that invests so wholeheartedly in student success.
Thank you, GFWC Dickson County Women’s Club, for helping us support and empower our students.
Nashville State of the Groove: Updates from the Music Department
By Meghan Perdue, Ed.D., Instructor of Music and MUS 1030 Course Lead
Introducing Nashville State of the Groove, the Music department’s official guide to the concerts, workshops, and musical events bringing the Nashville State community together.
This August, we kicked off the second year of our folk ensemble, Nashville State Roots, now available to be taken for credit as well as for community members, staff, and faculty to participate through Workforce!
In September, we launched our brand-new series of contra dances right here at the White Bridge campus. Contra dancing is a lively, community-style dance driven by a caller and live acoustic music. Nashville State Roots provides the tunes, and everyone is welcome, with no experience or partner necessary! There are two more dances coming up this fall—come join the fun! October will bring our first guest artist workshops of the semester, and concerts featuring everyone from guest performers to student ensembles start ramping up in November and December. Check out the calendar below to see what is happening, and we hope to see you there!
Unless otherwise noted, all events will occur in Falcon Theater in the H building on the White Bridge Campus.
Fall 2026 Music & Dance Events:
Student Life Events!
by Dr. Kelsey A. Johansen, Director, Student Life
Student Life is excited to share photos from Student Life from fall semester!
Remember, you can also stay informed through the Wednesday What’s Happening sent through Campus Announcements and posted to @NashstatestudentLife on Instagram and Facebook.
Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Nashville State Graduates Complete Chemours Apprenticeships, Earn Full-Time Positions
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-grads-complete-chemours-apprenticeship-earn-full-time-positions.php
Nashville State School of Business and Professional Studies Dean Selected for TBR Academic Leadership Collaborative with Vanderbilt
https://nscc.edu/news/school-of-business-and-professional-studies-dean-selected-for-tbr-academic-leadership-collaborative.php
Nashville State and Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network Recognized for Strengthening Regional Healthcare Workforce Pipeline
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-and-vanderbilt-health-affiliated-network-recognized-for-strengthening-healthcare-workforce-pipeline.php
Nashville State Faculty Selected for TN Board of Regents AI Fellowship
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-faculty-selected-for-tn-board-of-regents-ai-fellowship.php
Cat Financial, Nashville State Celebrate Graduation of Third Apprenticeship Cohort
https://nscc.edu/news/cat-financial-nashville-state-celebrate-graduation-of-third-apprenticeship-cohort.php
Reigniting Our Future: Community Leaders Join Nashville State for Tree Planting Ceremony
https://www.nscc.edu/news/community-leaders-join-nashville-state-for-tree-planting-ceremony.php
The NSCC Voice
Founded 2017
Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Kevin Woods, Layout
September 2026 Contributors
Connie Daniel
Financial Aid Office
Tom Hayden
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Kelsey A. Johansen
Tammy Oropesa
Jessica Rabb
Ann M. Rowley
Telaina Wrigley