Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings,
During my on-campus interview at Nashville State on Valentine’s Day in 2018, I heard a consistent message to my question “what do you like about working at Nashville State?” It was the students and the people. Through every challenge we have endured, it is the commitment to our students and one another that keeps us Nashville State Strong! As we continue to move forward, Vision 2030: A Student Ready College is our charge as an open-access institution to serve students from our local communities who come to us from a variety of backgrounds with differing levels of abilities and support.
As the most racially diverse community college in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, our service area includes urban, suburban, and rural communities; each with its own unique set of needs. The complexity of who we serve challenges us to examine how they are being served at Nashville State. Increasing our knowledge about the who and the how guides are what we can do to improve the outcomes for our students. This work is embedded in our second LEADS Core Value: Equity Driven: We are dedicated to identifying and removing barriers in teaching, learning, and working.
This Core Value is not just about our students, it is for every employee of the college. We all bring our lived experiences, norms, traditions, and biases to work with us each day. Imagine if we could harness that diversity of thought to eliminate barriers to success and improve how we work together. Together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for employees and students. As a college, we have created learning opportunities through Achieving the Dream (ATD), Bookclubs, and the Poverty Immersion Institute. If you have not yet participated, there will be continued learning opportunities each year.
Our work is ongoing. Take some time to ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I still need to learnabout myself and what I need to be successful?
- What do I need to learn about others who are not like me and what they need to be successful?
- How can I help meet people where they are and identify the support they need to be successful?
,
Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
Campus Updates – The Clarksville expansion was included in the Governors FY23 Budget!The next step is for the Appropriations Bill to be funded by our state legislators. A Clarksville Advisory Board has been formed to assist the college in raising financial and community support for the expansion. Humphreys County is making progress, the flooring and other key renovations are in progress.
Sharing the Good – Please use this Good News Submission Form to recognize an individual (faculty, staff, or student), department, program, or group that has had a significant accomplishment or made a difference.
Budget – While we will not need to make significant reductions for our current budget, we are beginning to discuss reductions for the next fiscal year. Senior staff and I will be working with budget managers to reduce expenses, gain efficiencies, and invest in areas that can positively impact enrollment and retention. We are also reviewing input from a fall 2020 college-wide survey for which you provided input on how to reduce expenses and grow enrollment. Several of those ideas have been implemented or are in progress.
Support – Please remember EAP services are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information. I also want to remind you that we have a Financial Empowerment Counselor available to both students and employees through our partnership with the United Way of Greater Nashville that provides free counseling. You can make an appointment by calling 615-748-3620.
I want to remind you that equity is not the same as equality. I know that is not an easy concept for all to support. In education, Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect are equality programs, they are available to all who are eligible. However, we know not every student in either program is starting at the same place with academic preparation and resources. Providing access to education isn’t enough. As we continue to advance our equity-driven core values into all that we do, we solidify our commitment to being a Student Ready college and a welcoming inclusive environment for every employee.
Financial Support Flows to Nashville State
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
21st Century Educational Foundation supports Humphreys County Campus Students
More than 20 students at Nashville State’s Humphreys County campus so far have benefited from a $10,000 gift courtesy of the 21st Century Educational Foundation. The donation is specifically to provide academic support for students who have been personally impacted from the August 2021 flood. Foundation members, along with Campus Director Kim Zills and Nashville State Community Foundation Executive Director Lauren Bell, recently got together to discuss the positive impact of the gracious gift. If community members have questions about the College, please call (931) 296-1739 or email HumphreysCounty@nscc.edu.
UBS Provides Critical Funding in Support of College Access and Completion Programs
UBS, the leading global wealth manager, has committed funding for two strategic grants, aimed at local programs focused on increasing access to college and supporting students while in school. UBS will contribute $75,000 to Nashville Flex, a new program that supports part-time students through mentoring and financial aid, and $50,000 to Beyond Financial Aid, a program that helps students with support for childcare expenses, transportation, textbooks, and hardware.
“We are incredibly grateful to UBS for their investments. This will allow us to provide much-needed support for our students,” said Nashville State Community College Foundation’s Executive Director Lauren Bell. “Often, these resources are a bridge to graduation, and as Nashville State is a workforce solution partner, they help keep talented people in that pipeline. Our work is centered on making sure everyone has the same opportunities to a successful career.”
“With UBS’s significant presence in Nashville and across the state, we see first-hand the benefits of increased college completion for individuals as well as the broader community,” said Jamie Sears, Head of Community Impact and Corporate Responsibility, Americas at UBS. “We are committed to supporting programs with measurable outcomes that drive educational attainment and economic opportunity, and we’re confident that through Nashville Flex and Beyond Financial Aid, these students will go on to thrive and achieve college and career success.” Nashville Flex Nashville Flex, is a new program created by The Tennessee College Access and Success Network that supports part-time students residing in Davidson County and attend Nashville State Community College. Nashville Flex closely mirrors Nashville GRAD, a similar program that provides support beyond just tuition assistance to full-time students. GRAD data shows that wraparound support is making a difference in student persistence. As part of Nashville Flex, part-time students will receive:
- $150 per semester for textbooks
- $100 monthly for transit and/or food
- A new laptop
- Advisor/mentoring support
Additionally, Nashville Flex aims to support neighborhoods that fall into the Nashville Promise Zone, to increase the number of students enrolling and re-engaging in higher education. Nashville Flex will train an additional 100 community members to become Reconnect Ambassadors, who will help connect potential students to the program, especially from the Classes of 2020 and 2021, to the individuals and resources they need to succeed.
“UBS’s investment in Nashville Flex is a commitment to advancing equity and opportunity in Nashville,” said Bob Obrohta, executive director of The Tennessee College Access and Success Network. “State-funded programs, such as Tennessee Promise, are only available to full-time students. Nashville Flex provides opportunities and support to students forced to choose between attending college or meeting their family’s basic needs.” Beyond Financial Aid Beyond Financial Aid is a student-support program administered by the Nashville State Community College Foundation. Over the past few years, programs have been developed and implemented that aid with childcare, nutrition, textbooks, and transportation. There is also a Helping Hand Fund that provides students with immediate, short-term emergency financial assistance to keep them from dropping out in times of crisis. While the Tennessee Promise scholarship and Tennessee Reconnect grant get students to college, Beyond Financial Aid helps students get through college, to graduation and beyond. However, the pandemic has compounded the effects of the challenge’s students face, and the utilization of the Beyond Financial Aid program has increased significantly during the past year:
Food Assistance (Campus Cupboard)
- Over the last year, an online ordering system to access the Campus Cupboard was implemented and physical facilities were added at the Southeast (Antioch), Humphreys County, and Clarksville campuses.
- 375students served.
Transit Assistance
- Due to partnerships with WeGo Public Transit and the Clarksville Transit Authority, free bus passes are available for students. Students can also request electronic gift cards for ride-share services.
Child Care Assistance
- $24,850 has been paid in daycare fees.
Textbook Assistance
- So far, during the 2021-2022 academic year 755 students have received textbook assistance, with average award being $182.00
Nashville State and its supportive strategic partners will continue to look holistically at the needs of students to ensure they are successful in college and beyond.
New Career Tools to Assist Students
by Nicole Hubbs, Director, Welcome Center and Career Services
Career Services is excited to share two new career tools to assist students.
InterviewStream is a mock interview tool for students, allowing them to complete mock interviews from anywhere at any time and submit the interview for review. Students need a webcam and microphone, or a device with those built in to access the system.
InterviewStream has over 8,000 recorded questions in a wide range of career fields and majors for students to practice answering. There is also the ability to record customized questions to make the experience more personalized. Students can customize an interview and choose questions they would like to practice, or take a pre-set interview created by Career Services. A recorded video question plays (along with the written text of the question) and the student responds to the question. Before going to the next question, they can review it and re-record if they wish.
The flexibility of this tool allows students to complete mock interviews outside of business hours or when their schedule allows. Profiles have been created for all currently enrolled Spring 22 students, and many have begun to access the system. Faculty and Advisors can work with Career Services to customize an interview assignment for students. The results can be sent to Career Services, faculty, or advisors for review. If you would like to learn more about InterviewStream, please email Nicole Hubbs.
Candid Career is a video library made up of 3–4-minute videos offering career or “get hired” advice. The videos are organized by major or title of occupation. Many employers, as well as faculty and staff, often express interest in developing students’ soft skills for the workplace.
Candid Career has videos to help. Videos can be embedded in course shells, presentations, shared over email and embedded on websites. All videos have an optional quiz to complete. The quiz results can be submitted to an instructor/advisor for credit. Candid Career is featured on the Career Services website at this link: https://www.nscc.edu/current-students/on-campus-resources/career-services/additional-resources. Lisa Fletcher also led a Teaching Center training session on Candid Career for faculty. The recording can be found here: https://ww2.nscc.edu/theteachingcenter/session-recordings-spring-2022/. If you would like to learn more about you can use Candid Career, please email Lisa Fletcher.
Helping Students Find Success
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
“Nashville State prepared me in ways I didn’t realize,” says Surg Tech Grad
From her native West African country of Ghana to Nashville, Cecilia Nartey is leaving her mark through service to others and an optimistic attitude that challenges the sun’s brightness.
To hear and meet Cecilia, you can’t help but smile.
The Nashville State Surgical Technology program graduate recently spoke with the current cohort of students to share her story and offer words of encouragement.
Cecilia’s mantra “Keep Going, Don’t Stop,” was the theme of the discussion she led.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, she was working in a healthcare environment and had ambitions to serve in a patient-facing role. Using a tuition reimbursement program offered by her employer, Cecilia set her eyes on getting an education at Nashville State.
While juggling the life of a mom with two small children and working full time, Cecilia graduated and became a certified surgical technologist.
“Nashville State prepared me in ways I didn’t realize while in school. It is the best place to be.”
Her love of helping others has been passed on to her children. Her oldest son, Charles, works as a Sterile Processing Technician at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, having graduated from Nashville State’s Central Sterile Processing Technology program in 2017. Her older son Gabriel is a former Nashville State student who is studying at TSU.
Everyday at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Cecilia strives to make a difference through the quality of her work, the understanding that she is helping people during a vulnerable time, and being a good colleague.
But, her service doesn’t stop in Nashville. She is actively building and continuously raising funds for a surgical technology school back in Ghana.
Cecilia’s care for others knows no bounds. We couldn’t be prouder of her.
Nashville State Helping Hillsboro High Graduate With Her “Why?”
Sara Thaher, a graduate of Hillsboro High School, an International Baccalaureate World School, in the Marketing Pathway, is working toward her associate degree in Management at Nashville State. She has been taking classes online and virtually to better suit her schedule. After earning her degree, Sara plans to transfer to Vanderbilt or Tennessee Tech where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Attending college to Sara means she is working toward “living my dream of running my own business—a beauty-driven business to make others feel beautiful inside and out. I strive for excellence when it comes to my business career.” While going to school, Sara has become a qualified shift manager at a local McDonald’s franchise. She is using that experience to make money and acquire leadership and business management skills.
Nashville State Alum Finds Passion in New Career
After 10 years in the insurance business, where she found professional success and enjoyment, Tressa Reed began thinking more about what may make her truly happy and inspired.
Tressa knew she had a strong interest in creating processes to solve complex problems and loved incorporating technological applications to accomplish what was needed.
So, she began exploring career training and educational options to get into the technology field.
“I believed in myself and was looking for the best value to get me into the game,” Reed said.
As someone who is highly motivated, getting into the industry as quickly as possible was important to Reed. At the same time, she wanted to feel prepared and confident implementing the technical skills she would need to be successful.
“I explored different options and found that specific computer information technology programs at Nashville State gave me comfort and the direction I felt I needed for my journey.”
Reed was able to go to school tuition free via the Tennessee Reconnect grant.
During her two years at the College, Reed built relationships with faculty and staff, who were instrumental in her development and were constant sources of encouragement.
Associate Professor of Computer Science David Welch and Assistant Director of the Technology Services Division (TSD) Beth Rogers were both cited by Reed.
“Tressa was always a hard-working student,” Welch recalled. “There was no problem that she could not tackle and master quickly. I found her to be a self-starter and very motivated. I feel that Tressa will be an asset to any endeavor that she puts her mind to.”
Interestingly, Welch came to Nashville State to earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Computer Information Systems after getting his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Technology Maintenance and Management from MTSU. He has also earned a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Strayer University. Rogers mentored Reed on a few hands-on projects.
“Tressa started working remotely as a student worker in TSD during the pandemic—not an easy time to begin your first technology position,” said Rogers. “Being a highly motivated self-starter, she conquered every project I assigned her, regardless of the operating system or application.”
As she neared graduation, Reed began working with the College’s Career Services department for guidance. In addition to résumé development assistance, Career Services set up several meet and greets with potential employers. As part of this process, it was where Reed first learned of a new paid apprenticeship program with Accenture, a Fortune Global 500 company, that specializes in technology, operations, and consulting. Accenture has been specifically recruiting community college graduates.
Reed applied and was offered a position.
As an apprentice, Reed is a full-time employee, who has access to benefits and is paid a competitive salary. The year-long program is hands-on and allows the apprentice to be in control of the career path. After the 12-month period, Reed and other apprentices will have the ability to continue within the company.
With coaching and guidance, Reed has been working from home, where she is analyzing systems, creating databases for reporting, and working to train agents who staff the human resources call line for the state of New Mexico.
“Given the quality of Tressa’s work as a student, I am not surprised to see that she is already succeeding in the profession. I am proud of her,” said Rogers.
During her time at Accenture, she has connected with some of her peers from Nashville State and, as a result, two graduates have been hired. With her Associate of Arts and Science in Computer Information Technology in the Systems Analysis concentration and the continued support of her alma mater, Reed is building a career path and progressing as the analyst she wanted to be.
NSCC Faculty Earn ACUE Microcredentials
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
42 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment. Teaching practices included focusing on leading the first day of class, promoting a civil learning environment, engaging underprepared students, helping students persist in their studies, embracing diversity in the classroom, checking for student understanding, and providing useful feedback.
Jesmin Akther
Valerie Belew
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Genevieve El Chaer
Jay Chambers
Jill Cooksey
Audrey Cross
Valencia Darnell
Christie Ferguson
Desiree Genter
David Gerth
Doug Godwin
Gail Harris
Mark Helm
Karen Kendrick
Gracie King
Robert Ladd
Robyn Lear
Leda Longwood
Devora Manier
Connie Mathews
Roslyn Mize
Cynthia Morgan
Jennifer Paulk
Harlan Pease
Nikki Pergram
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Karen Powers
Jessica Rabb
Anna Richards
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Piper Sesnan
Neely Ann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Maria Smith
Kathy Sorenson
Ruth Elizabeth Stein
Don Turner
Rhonda Watson
Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton
Five NSCC faculty recently earned the Certificate in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and the American Council on Education. They have demonstrated their commitment to teaching excellence and to ensuring that our students receive the best education possible by completing ACUE’s rigorous, 25-module Course in Effective Teaching Practices, which required them to implement evidence-based teaching practices in their classes. These teaching practices are proven to help students learn more, stay engaged, and graduate in higher numbers, as well as close equity gaps.
- Amy Bryant
- Jay Chambers
- Christie Ferguson
- Janusz Polanowski
- Piper Sesnan
Congratulations!
2 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Designing Student-Centered Courses. Teaching practices included establishing powerful learning outcomes; aligning assessments with course outcomes; aligning activities and assignments with course outcomes; developing fair, consistent, and transparent grading practices; developing and using rubrics and checklists; and preparing an effective syllabus.
Amy Bryant
Janusz Polanowski
35 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Promoting Active Learning. During the fall semester, these faculty have engaged in professional learning about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, implemented inclusive and supportive practices in their courses, reflected on the impact of these practices, and planned for how to use these practices in their teaching moving forward. Teaching practices included developing effective class sessions and lectures, teaching powerful note-taking skills, using groups to ensure active learning, using the active learning cycle, planning effective class discussions, and facilitating engaging class discussions.
Valerie Belew
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Genevieve El Chaer
Jill Cooksey
Audrey Cross
Christie Ferguson
Desiree Genter
David Gerth
Doug Godwin
Mark Helm
Karen Kendrick
Gracie King
Robert Ladd
Robyn Lear
Devora Manier
Connie Mathews
Roslyn Mize
Cynthia Morgan
Jennifer Paulk
Harlan Pease
Nikki Pergram
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Karen Powers
Jessica Rabb
Anna Richards
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Neely Ann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Maria Smith
Kathy Sorenson
Ruth Elizabeth Stein
Rhonda Watson
Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton
2 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners. Teaching practices included motivating your students, providing clear directions and explanations, using concept maps and other visualization tools, using student achievement and feedback to improve teaching, using advanced questioning techniques, and developing self-directed learners.
Amy Bryant
Janusz Polanowski
Congratulations!
Student Life Events!
Kelsey A. Johansen, M.Ed., Director, Student Life
Greetings Nashville State!
Sharing the following photos taken during our Student Life events during January and February. Our thanks to everyone who assisted with hosting these events to enrich the lives of our students. If you have an idea for an event, please contact me at Kelsey.johansen@nscc.edu or 615.353.3572.
Ask the Jolly Librarian (and Learn about College Resources)
by Faye Jones, Ph.D. Dean, Learning Resource Center
Dear Jolly Librarian:
Books and libraries have been in the news recently, and I started to wonder how you decide what goes into our library collection. If I were in charge of a library, the collection would be all my faves. Is that what you do? Signed, Going to Library School if This Is True
Dear Going:
The Jolly Librarian’s fondest dream is having a library that is George Eliot 24/7. The fact that the NSCC Mayfield Library does not so show that a director does not have carte blanche in the purchasing department.
A community college library builds its collections around its programs. A library representative serves on the curriculum committee, so the collection can cover anything new. For databases, we have general ones that cover several subjects as well as specific ones for business and health, for example. We monitor what books are checked out for assignments and try to fill in gaps. (We also welcome faculty and staff recommendations.)
That is only the first step in the process. We constantly monitor our collections. There is an ongoing “weeding-out” process so that books on the shelves are current and relevant. We run yearly statistics on all databases to make sure they are being used before renewing. (Yes, we have to use math and spreadsheets. The horror!) Think of us as the old picture of the swan swimming. On the surface, all looks calm and regal. Underneath, all sorts of actions are going on to make sure the services are the most useful to all our patrons.
Turnip Green Creative Reuse Art Exhibit – March 1 – 31
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Nashville State supports the arts.
We are excited to showcase work from 30 Turnip Green Creative Reuse artists in the White Bridge campus art gallery, March 1 through 31st.
There will be a closing reception on the 31st, from Noon-2 pm, where some artists will be talking about their work.
Title: Remembering Sanity
Medium: Mixed-media
Dimensions: 12″ x 16″
Tennessee Flavors
by Lauren Bell, Executive Director of Development, NSCC Foundation
Dear colleagues,
Tennessee Flavors is back and tickets are on sale now! Tennessee Flavors will take place on Tuesday, April 5th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the White Bridge Road Campus quad.
Don’t forget that NSCC Faculty and Staff get a discounted ticket by using the promo code – TNFFS22. Please limit your purchase to 2 tickets. Head to TNFlavors.org to purchase your tickets for $50.00 each until March 20th. This year we will have local vendors providing sips and bites along with sounds provided by the Nashville State Music Department. We’ll also have silent auction items available for guests to bid on!
By supporting the event, you help to empower students who dream of higher education but lack the financial or structural access that makes learning and succeeding in a community college possible. Even if you have already purchased your ticket, help us spread the word to potential supporters. With your help we can provide additional resources to students striving for the success they deserve. Tuition is only the beginning, and the NSCC Foundation is looking Beyond Financial Aid. So, share the news: TN Flavors is BACK! Thank you for all you do for our students across our campuses in Middle Tennessee and we hope to see you on April 5th!
Key Principles for Building a Business
by David Adams, Assistant Professor of Economics and Kappa Beta Delta Faculty Advisor
On February 8, the Nashville State Community College Chapter of the Kappa Beta Delta Business Honor Society and Nashville State Community College Office of Student Life hosted an event showcasing Nashville’s own John Bennett as a guest speaker. Mr. Bennett is the President of Community and Business Banking for Davidson County, Renasant Bank.
John has a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years of experience in banking. Mr. Bennett recently published a book titled “Build it Right: Wisdom for Business Owners & Those Who Want to Be.” John’s presentation to the students was titled “Key Principles for Building a Business” which included examples from his personal and professional life.
All students were invited to this event, and it was delivered via Zoom so anyone campus-wide could participate. Following the presentation, students were given the opportunity to ask Mr. Bennett questions on the principles he discussed. Students shared how much they enjoyed this presentation. Both the Kappa Betta Delta Business Honor Society and the Office of Student Life hope to host more events like this in the future.
John also serves as Chair of the NSCC Business Advisory Committee and has been a strong supporter of the Business Program and Nashville State for many years. His dedication and commitment to Nashville State is sincerely appreciated.
NSCC Faculty Earn CRTP Certificate
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
Congratulations to faculty who have earned the Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices Certificate from The Teaching Center! These 18 faculty have invested 18 or more hours in culturally responsive teaching practices (CRTP) professional development, implemented Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) in their courses, analyzed the impact of CRTP on their courses, and continue to refine the use of culturally responsive teaching practices to impact student success.
| Jesmin Akther | Robert Ladd |
| Rene Bataille | Devora Manier |
| Valerie Belew | Roslyn Mize |
| Amy Bryant | Harlan Pease |
| Kurstin Bush | Amelia Rinehart |
| Brian Curtis | Elizabeth Schoenfeld |
| Christie Ferguson | Neely Ann Sheucraft |
| Melissa Fleck | Elizabeth Stein |
| Mark Helm | Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton |
Maintenance and Operations Department Report
by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Operations & Facilities
January, started with new projects, management of existing projects, and the completion of others. The day-to-day 0perational Work Orders are now being managed for all campuses by the White Bridge Road office as part of the NSCC Campuses Centralization Process.
The current Facilities Management Projects:
- Clarksville: LED and Camera Project – Bidding – Award – February
- North Davidson Campus – Cleaning and Punch Process – Underway
- Southeast:
- Permanent Chiller via TBR Bidding – February
- Upgrade Project TBR Consultant meeting – Underway
- Waverly: The flooring and lab case goods measurements – Underway
- White Bridge Road:
- LED Lighting Project – K, W, & S Buildings – Bidding – February
- H- Building Medical Conversion – TBR Meetings – Underway
- Welcome Center – Signage – Underway
We thank all who are involved in the timely completion of Facilities related work on the NSCC campuses.
Clarksville Campus Expansion Funding in 2022-2023 Budget
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Governor Bill Lee has included $34,080,000 in his 2022-2023 fiscal year budget for Nashville State Community College’s Clarksville campus expansion. There is a requirement to match a portion of the funds. The expansion project is a collaboration between the College and TCAT Clarksville campus.
Leading up to the budget unveiling, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission had placed the project among its top capital funding requests after the Tennessee Board of Regents submitted it as one of its top three priorities. Mayors Durrett and Pitts made it the number two priority for Clarksville-Montgomery County.
“The College appreciates the support of the governor and all of our champions in Clarksville and Montgomery County,” said Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “If the legislature funds this project, it will make a tremendous impact by expanding access, allowing for increased coordination among several major local institutions, be a workforce solution driver, and provide career training opportunities for residents that do not currently exist.”
Nashville State has been a dedicated member of the Clarksville-Montgomery County community since 2012. The campus opened with 257 students and enrollment has grown to more than 900. By 2017, the campus exceeded its capacity for serving students, and a four-classroom modular building was installed to accommodate demand. With this expansion, an additional 800 students will be served.
The expansion will allow for the addition of new academic programs, like Nursing A.S.N, Licensed Practical Nurse, Secondary Education A.S.T, Computer Programming A.A.S., Industrial Process Control A.A.S., and workforce training. Expanded resources to support student success, such as a dedicated veterans’ lounge, welcome center, new bookstore, Campus Cupboard food pantry, testing space for industry certifications, ADA testing center, library and study area, and tutoring support rooms. Nashville State’s ability to offer Licensed Practical Nursing would free up much needed space at the TCAT.
The proposed expansion will create a community-based Center for Higher Education that will allow and strengthen strategic partnerships with TCAT, CMCSS, Ft. Campbell, and APSU to better meet the needs of the area. This joint project will open up space for more technical and workforce programs at the TCAT. To foster great collaboration, communications, and support within the community, the NSCC has established a Clarksville Advisory Committee.
“Office” Hours
by Jessica Rabb, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
Most full-time faculty divide their work week between instructional time (usually in-class) and non-instructional time (usually in-office). Traditionally, full-time faculty scheduled some non-instructional time as office hours when they could definitely be found in their office and these hours were posted on their office door and NS Online course shells as the “door schedule.” The pandemic and related student school/work/life schedules have upended the door schedule as “student ready.”
- First, many students would prefer an online, prompt answer to a question rather than face-to-face in an office.
- Second, the scheduled office hours were during business hours and many students don’t have time to meet during business hours given their own changing school/work/life schedules.
That said, even without the pandemic, the traditional door schedule was beginning to lose its grip as a student ready schedule at Nashville State.
- First, with multiple campuses and modes of teaching, our students may not know the faculty office location and it may not be a convenient location.
- Second, only full-time faculty have offices and office hours.
To try something that may be more student ready, this semester full-time faculty do not have scheduled office hours. Instead, we respond to student emails within a business day and schedule meetings at times and locations (in person or Zoom) that work for the student. Faculty feedback at present is mostly positive across divisions and campuses, but we need to gather student feedback. How has this impacted students that prefer in-person drop-in traditional office hours?
In the meantime, if you know of a student trying to reach a full-time faculty member, email is the best bet at first. Many faculty can reply with an appointment scheduling link. QR codes are on many faculty office doors that can take a student directly to that link.
Questions? Click my scheduling appointment link or scan the QR code.
Sincerely,
Jessica Rabb, Faculty Senate Chair
CORE, Providing Student Support and Sense of Belonging
by Ryan Parker Development Director, Nashville State Foundation
CORE (Community, Opportunity, Retention, & Engagement) provides Black students at Nashville State with resources and tools, including mentors and health and wellness activities.
Students participate in monthly meetings with other students that focus on a variety of topics, such as mental health and financial literacy. The CORE Program also sponsors student field trips and other activities.
With the added support, CORE will improve the persistence, retention, and success rate for Black students, particularly Black male students.
Focus Groups – College Core Values
by Donna Whitehouse, Associate Professor, OTA Program Coordinator, NSCC Achieving the Dream Project Manager, Office of the President
The college is working to develop a comprehensive, college-wide, professional development plan–and we need you!
Specifically, we want your input about what opportunities you believe are important and what the college most needs.
Beginning the week of March 14, college employees will be asked to sign up to participate in focus groups discussing our college core values: Learning, Equity-Driven, Accountability, Data-Informed, Student-Centered.
The purpose of these conversations is twofold:
- To encourage us all to think about how we each connect to the core values in our work here.
- To consider where opportunities for continuing education and professional development will be most helpful.
Below find a sign-up link to choose your time slot. Your time and contributions are so important, we look forward to talking with you soon.
Nashville State Implements YouScience
by Dr. Julie Williams, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
Why Measuring Aptitudes Is Critical When It Comes to Careers, Especially for Women.
Nashville State Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Julie Williams and Edson Barton, founder and CEO on YouScience, recently penned an article about how the College is using YouScience to help students match their talents to potential career paths.
YouScience was created to help answer: “Why am I learning this?” and “What do I want to do as a career?” It is a tool that helps students, educators, and employers view talent and possibility.
Read the article: https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2022/02/18/why-measuring-aptitudes-is-critical-when-it-comes-to-careers-especially-for-women/
Human Resources News
by Janet Dennis, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources
| New Hire: | |||
| 2/1/2022 | Jimmy Sugg | Electrician | Operations |
| Status Changes: | From: | To: | ||||
| 2/16/2022 | Misti Meeks | Admission and Records Clerk | Admissions and Records | Graduation Specialist | Admissions and Records | |
| 2/16/2022 | Ashley Campbell | Admission and Records Clerk | Admissions and Records | Graduation Specialist | Admissions and Records | |
| 2/1/2022 | Patricia Vargas | Admission and Records Clerk | Southeast Campus | Student Services Specialist | Southeast Campus |
| Separations: | |||
| 2/18/2022 | Ronald Turner | Maintenance Worker | Operations |
| 2/15/2022 | Patricia Armstrong | Dean | English, Humanities and Creative Services |
| 2/11/2022 | Michael Sztapka | High School Initiatives Specialist | High School Initiatives |
