September 2024 Volume 8 Issue 2

Update from the President

by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson

Greetings Fellow Falcons,

The fall weather is slowly approaching, and I am looking forward to the cooler weather. However, Nashville State is on FIRE! This is our year of Breakthrough and the good progress toward Vision 2030: A Student Ready College is being seen across campuses, divisions and departments. Thank you for the continued commitment to excellence in People, Places, Programs and Partnerships. Below are a few updates from the Office of the President.

Dickson – I am excited to share we have a date for our new Dickson Campus groundbreaking. Please save the date for November 20 at 9am. Details about this important event will be shared through Campus Announcements.

Enrollment Update – Enrollment continues as we prepare for our 2nd 7-week classes to begin in October. With more than 7,400 students enrolled, we are up 8.3% in headcount and 13% in FTE! We are leading the system with fall applications received (10,700+), second in the system for FTE and third for headcount.

In addition, we are seeing improvement in our Vision 2030 student outcome targets of 30, 60 and 90. The Persistence, Retention and Graduation Dashboard has been updated based on CENSUS data. Our Fall-to-Fall retention rate for First-Time Full-Time students increased two percentage points to 45%.

While we have work to do to reach our 60% retention target by 2030, we are headed in the right direction. Stay data informed by visiting our new Data Access Page. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.

GIVE Grant – Nashville State in partnership with MNPS and the Nashville Chamber was awarded a $2 million GIVE 3.0 Grant through the state to create an opportunity for the Surge to Success program that is designed for students at Maplewood and Pearl-Cohn high schools to earn a Central Sterile Processing certificate and launch healthcare careers through dual enrollment courses. This grant will provide funding for two faculty positions and equipment to embed Central Sterile Processing Labs at these two schools. Students will take dual enrollment classes and complete clinical experiences to earn their Technical Certificate. Special thanks to the team that worked on this grant and those who continue to strengthen our Better Together partnership with MNPS.

National Blue Ribbon School – We are celebrating with our Early College High School which was recently named one of 356 Schools in the country through the U.S. Department of Education a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. They were 1 of 4 schools in Middle Tennessee to receive the honor and 1 of 6 in Tennessee. This award recognizes the top schools demonstrating high levels of academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps. This is an extraordinary achievement and testament of our amazing partnership with Early College High School.

Support – Just as we want to create a system of support for our students, I want each of you to know there is support available for you. Human Resources will continue to share available benefits through email. You can also reach out directly for Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) that are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information.

Nashville State is a real college for real people to get real results. As a part of the Falcon Family, you are making a real difference for the individuals, families and communities we serve. Our work isn’t easy, there are always going to be challenges but what we do is too important not to keep Moving Forward! Because of our individual and collective efforts – Nashville State is on the Move! I am grateful to do this work with you.

From The Desk of Academic Affairs

By Dr. Jo Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development

September is National Workforce Development Month, and I could not let it pass without highlighting the importance of the work of our Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education. The non-credit workforce development programs offered at Nashville State support students in their quest to enhance their skills while providing an employment avenue for industries in need of a more skilled workforce. Our non-credit programs target the specific demands of the local job market and support learners who are looking to upskill or reskill quickly.

These workforce-based courses appeal to a broad range of learners who often do not have the time or the desire to complete an academic degree program. In an effort to serve these learners and the local workforce, Nashville State’s Center for Workforce Development partners with local industries to offer in-demand training programs that do not require formal admission to the college, allowing for quicker entry into training programs and a faster matriculation into the workforce.

Many of our non-credit programs offer practical, hands-on training that allow students to gain skills that are directly applicable to their workforce goals. These programs provide the type of rapid upskilling that is attractive to those looking to change careers, re-enter the workforce, or update their current employment credentials absent the time commitment of completing a degree.

In order to support these learners, our dedicated workforce team works in consistent collaboration with local employers to develop curriculum and programs that align with industry needs; ensuring that learners gain relevant skills and credentials that align with the immediate needs of local employers. They also work with people on the credit-bearing side of the College to discover opportunities to translate non-credit training into credit opportunities for those who decide they’d like to pursue a degree.

Our workforce programs also support individuals who are currently employed by providing them with opportunities to advance within their current career fields. The short-term and rapid nature of these programs allow employed learners to upskill their qualifications while maintaining fulltime employment. From professional training to individual training, there is truly something for everyone in the Center for Workforce Development.

The non-credit workforce development programs at Nashville State offer a practical, efficient, and cost-effective way for learners to gain valuable skills that will immediately support their career goals while training a skilled workforce to support industry needs. I commend our talented Workforce Development team for the hard work they dedicate to helping learners reach their career goals.

People We Meet In the Hall

By Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor

A college without faculty and staff is like an airplane with no wings or engines. Students could come in and sit in the seats, but they wouldn’t get anywhere. Some of the people that you meet in the hall (or in Zoom meetings) every week are the backbone of our college, the unsung heroes of our students’ journey from application to graduation.

This month we are celebrating a few of these people. And each is fascinating and unique. Some that you would least expect go to Korn concerts, some find deep and profound joy in family and the color purple, some are authors of deeply moving stories and books that educate others, some have hidden artistic talents, and ALL have helped Nashville State students achieve their dreams. Give them a smile and a nod the next time you see them in the hall.

Staff Interview: Nejib Adem

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from? *You can also list your favorite thing or things to do here if you want to.

I moved to Nashville from Maryland because I thought it’s a best place to live and raise family. I original came from Ethiopia. My favorite activity here in Nashville is volunteering for non-profit organizations.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I was a student before I started working at Nashville State. The staff and faculty do a wonderful job helping students succeed. It was Nashville State’s commitment to student success and value that attracted me, and I knew it would be the best place for me to work with great people who have a mission to help students succeed.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

As an immigrant myself, I meet and advise many students including international students who never had the opportunity to attend college or complete college due to conflict, war, and instability in their home country. At Nashville State I see them excited, taking classes peacefully without interruption, going from one class to another without fear of being harassed by government security agents. I see them happy and smiling.

Can you briefly describe an experience with a co-worker or student that made you feel like the hard work that you put in here was worth it and maybe you made a positive difference in someone’s world?

I had two students I briefly mentored. They both graduated from Nashville State. One was with Nursing and the other was Criminal Justice and transferred to MTSU.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I published two short stories online and on the African Voice Magazine in New York. I have also completed the Para Legal Studies Certification at UTK this year. I am working to get more professional development to increase my knowledge and do my job better.

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

I would say, I came to the right place to work with good people who value the knowledge and skills I brought with me. Therefore, I made the right decision to work here.

Staff Interview: Helen Kunkel

If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?

I’m not originally from Nashville, but one of my favorite things to do here is to go to the flea market at the Nashville Fairgrounds every 4^th weekend of the month! I also enjoy the craft fairs at Centennial Park.

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from?

I moved here with my family from the Pocono Mountains in PA. My husband had dreams of becoming a songwriter and wanted to move to Nashville to follow that dream. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but he did manage to make his mark as a luthier (stringed instrument builder) for many years at Gibson Guitar’s Custom Shop.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I had experience working as a secretary in the English Department at East Stroudsburg University in PA, where I became very familiar with Banner and the college environment. I also worked at Glencliff High School here in Nashville, where I especially enjoyed working with students. So, when the secretary position opened up at NSCC, I knew it would be a good fit for me.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why?

I’m already a Falcon! No need for an explanation.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

I can definitely relate to students who have that feeling of nervousness, anxiousness, and excitement when starting something new. And I empathize with them when it comes to the anxiety of test-taking.

While working in the STEM Division, I received a few emails and phone calls from students who thanked me for helping them. They were genuinely grateful, and it always made me feel like the work I did was appreciated. Now I work with a great team in the VPAA’s office.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I love to sew and I always feel satisfied and happy when I finish a quilt for a family member or friend. I also felt a sense of accomplishment when I passed the CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) exam several years ago.

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

I would tell myself to relax, do my best, and enjoy the ride. That was almost 12 years ago and I’m so happy I stuck with it.

Staff Interview: Lisa Shaw

If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?

My favorite thing is being at home. I’ve lived in Nashville my whole life. I love to travel. But I love coming home. I love knowing where my favorite Target is. I love knowing where the best pho can be found. I love going to my favorite nursery and farmer’s market. I love making zucchini bread and sipping coffee on my deck while the hummingbirds zip around. My favorite thing to do in Nashville is to BE in Nashville. It’s still a great place to live.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I was a student first. My mother-in-law worked here for a long time (shout out to DeAnna Shaw, if y’all remember her.) She loved it and spoke so highly of the people who really cared about our students. I truly enjoyed my time as a student and saw the transition to employee as the next logical step. I didn’t think I’d stay long. But here I am, 16 years later.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which would bird would you choose and why?

Bluebird – It’s the closest to purple that I can get.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

I try to find some commonality in all of my student interactions. But the students I can relate to best are the working parents. When I began school here, my youngest child was two months old. When I began working here, he was two years old. I graduated from NSCC when he was 5. Then I graduated from MTSU when he was 15. Now he’s 18 and he is in college. I know what it is like to be a working parent, balancing multiple priorities. I know what it’s like to make sacrifices. I know what it’s like to need an extension on an assignment or to ask for a little bit of grace with the attendance policy. I know how it feels to miss a t-ball game or to write a paper on a Friday night. My favorite thing to do is to look another mom in the eyes and say “I’ve been there. I see your sacrifices. I truly believe the sacrifices you make now will be rewarded in the future.”

Let me tell you about Tommy. My very first week as an employee, August 2008, I met a student named Tommy. He was a sweetheart and he had a lot of hardships. I assisted him and his mom that first week and they appreciated it. Tommy and his mom continued to seek my assistance in the Records office every semester for several years. Tommy suffered a serious setback in his health and he had to take a few years off. He only needed one class to finish his degree and he tried to complete that class a couple of times but medical setbacks plagued him. In fall 2018 he called me to tell me that he was finally ready. He had a clean bill of health and he was determined to finish that class. At that time, I was a Graduation Specialist for the college. I cried the day I awarded his diploma. I cried when I called him to congratulate him on his accomplishment. It took 10 years, but he did it.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I raised three kids to adulthood with sanity and sense of humor intact for all. My reward for that was becoming a grandmother in August 2024. Being promoted from mama to grandma is truly my proudest accomplishment. * Editors note: Lisa’s photo shows her holding her beautiful granddaughter along with her family members.

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

Embrace the changes. The only thing in higher ed that stays the same is that everything changes constantly.

Staff Interview: Kevin Thomas

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from? *You can also list your favorite thing or things to do here if you want to.

I moved here from Anchorage, Alaska after living there for 5 years. I loved Alaska but was looking to make a career change and be closer to family. Plus, we had 4 children in our first 5 years of marriage, and Alaska is very difficult on a young family with small children because of the climate. I did grow up in the region (Hopkinsville, Kentucky), so Nashville was the perfect place to settle when we moved back to the “Lower 48”. I love to attend Nashville Predators games with my wife, Rose (*pictured with Kevin in his photo) and our children. We also enjoy music concerts.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

After 13 years as a High School teacher and Registrar, I was interested in higher education.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why?

A Falcon because of all of their interesting qualities.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

I was a first-generation college student from low socioeconomic standing. I empathize with those types of students who are trying to figure out the process.

Recently I helped a student understand the Academic Fresh Start program and what it does (and doesn’t do). And while she ended up not qualifying, I was able to discuss some options for her that seemed to give her hope and a plan to start working.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

In November of 2015 I ran a full marathon and will be celebrating 25 years of marriage next August.

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

I would encourage myself to embrace the different phases of my career as they come. Don’t get too focused on what’s next, but instead, embrace the current situation and enjoy the present.

Faculty Interview: Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from? *You can also list your favorite thing or things to do here if you want to.

I moved to Nashville in 1991 because I wanted to get to know my boyfriend better. We got married that summer and have just celebrated our 33^rd anniversary.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Why or why not?

I was originally a biologist, but I had the opportunity to teach in Japan after graduation from my undergraduate programs (degrees in Biology and English). I fell in love with teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language during my tenure, and I’ve been a teacher ever since.

What caused you to become interested in your area of teaching?

One of the greatest experiences in my life has been to help students acquire fluency in their new (English) language. It is very fulfilling and humbling to see learners use their new English language skills effectively because doing so usually has very important impact on their lives. In fact, after returning from Japan, I went on to get a Ph.D. in multilingual/multicultural education. I teach ESL directly, and I also teach preservice ESL teachers (Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Multicultural Education).

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which would bird would you choose and why?

I would be a falcon (specifically, a peregrine falcon). They are attentive parents, fearless hunters, and very adaptable.

What is at least one thing about your students that you can relate to and empathize with them?

When I first arrived in Japan, I couldn’t speak, read, write, or understand the language. Fortunately, I lived in a teaching community of native/native-like English speakers. However, I had to learn how to function in a second language environment as soon as I got off the plane. Doing so completely changed my understanding of language learning from a “foreign language” high school/college academic experience to a “survive and thrive” real-world negotiation. I’ve never forgotten those years as a second language learner, and I continue to use my experiences as a touchstone when I work with the ESL students at NSCC.

Can you briefly describe an experience with a class or student that made you feel like you made a positive difference in the world?

Nejib Adem, a student success advisor with a master’s degree from MTSU, was in my NSCC ESL classes many years ago as a new academic English language learner. He is a stellar example of how teaching ESL at NSCC can make a huge difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees who live in Middle Tennessee.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?

I take the most pride in the accomplishments of my students. However, I have also just published a graduate school/research textbook (2024). I worked with two colleagues to craft an edited volume of cutting-edge research with chapters produced by professional ESL teachers and teacher educators across the Southeast. The title of the book is English Language Learners in the Southeastern United States: Considerations for Practice, Policy, and Advocacy (de Jong, Dwyer, and Wilson-Patton, Lexington Books). In addition to shepherding the other writers, I also authored one of the chapters (“State of the Southeast States: Demographics, Policies, Programming, and Teacher Preparation”).

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

In retrospect, I would tell my earlier self to worry less about minutiae and focus on the critical, big picture goals and issues. We all make mistakes as teachers, but they are some of the best learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

Staff Interview: Telaina Wrigley

If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?

I’m from Clarksville, but my favorite thing to do in Nashville is to find a new, preferably local restaurant to have a meal followed by a musical or play at TPAC.

If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from? *You can also list your favorite thing or things to do here if you want to.

I live in Clarksville because the military brought my family to Ft. Campbell. I was last stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, but I grew up in Indiana. I remained in Clarksville after I got out of the army and our family continued to remain there after my husband retired from the military.

What brought you to your job at Nashville State?

I had worked at a 4-year institution for 25 years and spent the last 16 years as a registrar. If you have ever known a registrar, you will know that it is not always a rewarding job and you somehow are the reason for all short comings, new initiatives to be implemented or in general, anything folks don’t like happening on campus. With that being said, it was time to move on and go back to working with students, as well as working in a positive atmosphere that allowed professional and personal growth. Also, I have always believed in the value of community colleges.

If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why?

I would be a bluebird. I have read that a bluebird is a symbol of hope, love, positivity, and renewal and that it symbolizes the essence of life and beauty. I would hope that I at least symbolize positivity, hope and love to people and I have found renewal in the last four years that was long past due.

What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?

I work at Dickson and Humphreys County Campuses. The students I interact with are from rural communities, and I grew up in a rural community. Most are first generation students, and so was I. I know the struggle of trying to navigate college and the process to become a student as well as all the anxiety of the unknowns. It is an arduous process, and I can relate, and hopefully help them understand the process and make it much easier on them.

One of my freshman seminar students started college at a disadvantage. He came to the welcome weekend, in which the freshman seminar class met for the first time. He informed me he was wearing a heart monitor with an alarm and if the alarm went off, he was supposed to go straight to the hospital. BUT, he offered to turn it off so he would not disturb class. Needless to say, I told him by no means did I want him to turn it off. The odds of his success were stacked against him due to home life and having various procedures on his heart throughout the semester. I was so concerned he would drop out, although I knew he really wanted to be successful. I gave him words of encouragement, checked in on him and how his other courses were going and just life in general. At the end of the semester, I ran into him at a ballgame. He was telling me how disappointed he was with his GPA (I just knew he was going to be on my suspension list). When I asked what he had, he said a 3.5. I was so happy for him and expressed how extremely proud I was of him and how wonderful it was, with all of his obstacles, he had done so well. He had hoped for a 4.0. To this day, a bachelors degree, two masters degrees, a marriage and three children, he still texts me and tells me I am his favorite “teacher” and that I am the reason he has done so well. He told me his kids wanted to meet his special teacher. I can’t express how happy I am to know he has done so well for himself and I somehow played a very small role in that.

Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing? Maybe you published a book, created an artwork or artworks, grew some bodacious tomatoes, or drove home between 3-6pm without having any bad thoughts or saying bad words about the other drivers. Everyone has at least one thing they can be proud of, so if you don’t mind sharing, please do.

I know people hear it all the time, but I am most proud of my children. Between my husband and I, we have seven children, all who have turned out to be pretty decent human beings. So, in this day and age, I am pretty proud of how we raised them. We are expecting our 16^th grandchild in December, and have been blessed beyond belief. I am also proud of taking a leap of faith and changing careers after 25 years.

Finally, if you could go back in time to your first day at work here at NSCC, what are some words of encouragement that you would give yourself?

You were chosen for this position, and you have something to contribute. This is a positive and healthy work environment, so don’t be nervous about starting over.

2025-2026 FAFSA Update

By Jennifer Byrd, Director, Financial Aid Office

The 2025-2026 FAFSA will officially open on December 1, 2024. This later than we had hoped but the delayed date again this year is due to the Department of Education’s efforts to improve and streamline the application process under the FAFSA Simplification Act. The delay is aimed at ensuring technical readiness and making the new form more user-friendly. This is also being delayed in the hopes that by the time it opens in December, all functionality at the federal and school level will be available, unlike in 2024-2025, when there were significant delays in the receipt of processed output and school functionality.

The Financial Aid Office will host FSA ID creation events in November, providing students and parents with assistance in setting up their credentials, which are essential for accessing the FAFSA once it opens. More information will be shared as these events are set. For some really great reference materials on how to create an FSA ID, student and parents may go to How to Fill Out the FAFSA – College for TN. Currently these are focused on the 2024-2025 FAFSA but as the new FAFSA opens for 2025-2026, their resources will be updated.

Student Life Events!

By Kelsey A. Johansen, M.Ed, Director, Student Life

Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach

by Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication, EHCT

Learning from Laura Burridge

On September 19th, I had the pleasure of observing Professor Laura Burridge’s English Composition 2 class on the White Bridge Road campus. Not only did I gain knowledge and perspective on the practice of teaching, I also had the pleasure of watching a skilled teacher practice her craft.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank Laura for letting me observe her class. The arrangements were very last-minute, and her class was meeting in K-158, a computer lab in the library, which is a bit different than the standard classroom setting.

On to the class. After attendance, Laura covered old business. I was very impressed with the way she prepared for it: a summary of the previous class posted as a “News” item in D2L. As someone who isn’t always as organized as I’d like to be, this struck me as a great approach, particularly for English classes, where, in my experience, student questions and needs can take things in different directions than anticipated. I can see it being effective for three reasons: first, it can help students figure out and/or recall what was important from the previous class; second, it answers the question of “what did we do/did we do anything important in class?” before students ask it; third, it creates a more detailed summary than would reasonably be present in a course schedule (while also covering any detours taken due to student questions).

After this, for new business, the class focused on Conclusions. Laura had prepared six conclusions for students to review, all from previous students who had written the same essay assignment the current students were writing. After reading the six conclusions, students voted on the one they thought was most effective and the one they felt was least effective. I really enjoyed this approach for a few reasons, some obvious and some perhaps not so obvious. The obvious: first, voting gave students incentive to engage with the examples and to have reasons to support their choices; second, showing student’s examples of previous work so they can learn from it is always a good practice.

The perhaps not so obvious: One of the six conclusions was clearly middle-of-the-road. It didn’t do anything obviously wrong, but it didn’t do anything exceptional. I really, really liked this approach. I have found it can be difficult to show students what average work looks like in a way they clearly understand. They can spot lower quality work and often identify reasons why it is lower quality; they can sense when work is of high quality, although they often can’t clearly articulate their reasoning for classifying it as high quality.
Why something is average is harder to grasp, as it is the leverage of higher-order concepts that make something above average.

From a different perspective, students can often see why something isn’t working, but they haven’t yet developed the skills to see why writing that isn’t doing something obviously wrong is still not an “A” level piece of writing (and what would need to be changed or improved to make it “A” level). Laura’s approach of using voting and presenting multiple levels of skill really helped spotlight what average looks like (in case you’re wondering, not a single student voted for the average piece as either best or worst) while simultaneously inviting comparison and contrast with both lower and higher quality. This is a strategy I am definitely going to adapt for my classes.

The perhaps not-so not so obvious: although writing the conclusion was the focus of the lesson, the concept of “tone” was embedded in the lesson. Laura didn’t give a definition of tone as it applies to writing (at least not in this class session), but the students were all thinking about it and analyzing it. Again, I really liked this approach. I loved it, in fact. It presented tone as an organic, practical, part of the writing, rather than presenting it as a separate unit, which runs the risk of students not seeing/making the connection to their own writing.

After conclusions were covered, students worked on their essays in progress and/or a paragraph, which would be graded as a “Writing Progress Benchmark.” Students were incentivized to engage with Professor Burridge during this process by the option to earn extra credit for asking a question. Fielding these questions, Laura did a great job of meeting students where they were, with some questions yielding more specific responses dealing with nuts-and-bolts aspects of writing, and others yielding responses dealing with those more abstract, higher-order concepts like voice, drafting vs revising, and yes, tone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class; at one point I wrote in my notes that I both wanted to be a student in the class and also wanted to jump in and help field student questions on their drafts. Both of these responses were a function of the joy and pleasure of learning Laura shared through her teaching. Please allow me the indulgence of calling it her tone.

I have found tremendous value in observing others teach, and if you haven’t had a chance to sit in a class recently, I strongly encourage you to do so, whatever your role at Nashville State and whatever your area of expertise. Making time to just sit and observe, with no other objective than to learn whatever presents itself, allows me to focus on the student experience and teaching in a very different way than my normal. It’s something I’m going to make a consistent part of my growth and development as a teacher.

I’d also like to extend this invite: if anyone wants to visit one of my classes, as long as it’s not a speech or test day, you are welcome.

Using Learning Mindsets to Help Our Students Navigate College

by Jessica Rabb, Ph.D., Professor of Biology

Figure 1. Motivate Lab’s Learning Mindset GPS Definitions

Since 2018, when The College System of Tennessee (TBR) played matchmaker with Nashville State and Motivate Lab, I have done my best to breathe the psychological air of Growth, Purpose, and Sense of belonging (GPS) (Figure 1). In Motivate Lab mindset surveys of our first-year students prior to 2018, we found that our students felt they could do college but were unsure of the purpose and relevance of college. So, since 2018, Marla Perry, NSCC 1010 and Sociology faculty, and I have worked with dedicated staff at Motivate Lab and Nashville State to develop a values connection activity. The purpose of this activity is to prompt students in NSCC 1010 to connect their personal values to the value of college.

With Motivate Lab, I had the opportunity to present this activity to attendees at the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) conference in Anaheim last week. (Thank you to Academic Affairs and Form X for the professional development funds to attend!) Thousands of Nashville State students have completed this activity. Research shows that this values activity and others like it, buffer students against feelings of uncertainty about whether they belong in college and helps them find purpose and relevance in college.

This summer, while teaching at a Correctional Facility, I had an opportunity to do the activity with our newest cohort of Turney Nashville State students. When asked how Nashville State reflects and reinforces their values, their answers moved me to value teaching more.

College proves to myself how far I have come from the kid that struggled to care about himself.
Nashville State allows me to become the first person in my family to obtain a college degree.
By being here and doing the work I am showing myself that I am capable of learning new things.
College allows me to accomplish something I failed at before.
College will help me express myself authentically to the world.
I am opening doors that normally would be closed.
College will help me to be able to support my family one day in the future through the things that I will learn.

TBR’s support of faculty and student learning mindsets continues as they have set up a Mindset Resource Repository. I am hoping to help spread learning mindsets to The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). At their annual convening on October 30 in downtown Nashville, the theme will be “Advancing Student-Centered Transfer and General Education”with a focus on the value of general education. I’ll be presenting the mindset infused “Hook Your Gen Ed Class to Career Competencies Day One.” Registration is open until October 23.

Staff Assembly Committee Highlight

By Karina Davis, Student Support Specialist I, Staff Assembly Committee Chair 2024/2025

Our July 2024 Employee of the Month is Mr. Dumitru Marin, HVAC Mechanic, WBR

This is what nominators had to say:

“My vote goes out to Demi Marin in the Maintenance department. Demi, is a master HVAC tech. He works diligently at all of the NSVV campuses rain or shine, hot or cold, making it possible for all to sit comfortably at our desks. He stands at the forefront of the growth and development of the maintenance department. He possesses many fine human attributes, such as honesty, integrity, and humility. It is an honor to work alongside Demi whenever he needs me.”

We congratulate Mr. Dumitru Marin, for his exemplary performance and hard work contribution to our Nashville State Community College’s achievement.

Human Resources Update

By Jill Ferrand, PHR, SHRM-CP, Executive Director of Human Resources

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

Name	Title	Department
Victoria Bates	Security Guard	Office of Police and Security
Sabastian Lower	Security Guard	Office of Police and Security
Addison Morgan	Admissions and Records Clerk	Office of Admissions and Records
Katherine Sugg	Instructor	School of Health Sciences

The following employees are continuing their careers with Nashville State in a different capacity:

Name	Title	Department
Lydia Adams	Accounting Associate	Office of Student Accounts and Billing
Erin Black	Student Services Specialist III	North Davidson Campus
Kaylyn Cole	Admissions and Records Specialist	Office of Admissions and Records
Valerie Gomez	Financial Aid Counselor	Office of Financial Aid
Rosemary Hackney	Director of Testing	Office of Testing Center

Please join us in saying farewell to the following Nashville State employees:

Name	Title	Department
Nicole Hubbs	Director of Welcome Center and Career Services	Office of Welcome Center and Career Services
Andrea Regg	Technical Clerk	Southeast Campus
Autumn Trieu	Access Services Coordinator	Office of Access Center

Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu

by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing

Grant Will Fund Career Pathway for High School Students
https://nscc.edu/news/grant-will-fund-career-pathway-for-high-school-students.php

Nashville State Graduates, Cat Financial Apprentices Complete Program
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-graduates-cat-financial-apprentices-complete-program.php

tnAchieves, Nashville State Celebrate Partnership Milestone
https://www.nscc.edu/news/tnAchieves-nashville-state-celebrate-partnership-milestone.php

Nashville State Foundation Serves Students
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-foundation-serves-students.php

The NSCC Voice

Founded 2017

Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Kevin Woods, Layout

September 2024 Contributors

Jennifer Byrd
Karina Davis
Jill Ferrand
Tom Hayden
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Kelsey A. Johansen
Dr. Gracie Andrews King
Harlan Pease
Jessica Rabb
Dr. Jo Williams