Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings,
The new semester is underway and it is wonderful to see students back on campus. Interacting with new and returning students this week, affirmed for me that Nashville State is a place of promise. Each of you are a part of something greater than our individual roles at the college. You are a valuable member of our college community and as Nashville State LEADS, Students SUCCEED. We can make a difference!
Below are updates from the Office of the President:
Humphreys County Campus – Please continue to keep your hearts and minds on everyone impacted by the devastating flooding that occurred on Saturday, August 21st. While we are fortunate that the level of water that flowed throughout the campus was fairly low, it will require remediation and replacement of flooring and equipment. More importantly, we know several of our faculty, staff and students have been significantly affected. Please review my August 23rd email for resources that can be shared and how you can help. Our current estimate is 30 days before the campus will re-open. We will keep everyone informed as more definitive information is available.
Convocation – Our Fall Convocation launched our Vision 2030: A Student Ready College plan and our first Data Summit. Vision 2030 provides the strategic framework to align our work and allocate resources Moving Forward. A high-level overview of the plan was provided and we focused on introducing our Core Values: Nashville State LEADS. You will receive through email a link to the Convocation and the data slides presented. I want to give a special thanks to Donna Whitehouse who led this creative effort and the team that pulled it all together.
President’s Office – Please join me in welcoming Ashley Vaughn, Secretary II, to Nashville State. Ashley will support my office, Planning and Research, Internal Audit, and the Foundation. Prior to her appointment, Ashley worked for Fisk University.
Sharing the Good – There are many wonderful things happening at Nashville State! Until the new link for the form is complete, please send an email to Ashley at Ashley.Vaughn@nscc.edu to recognize an individual (faculty, staff, or student), department, program, or group that has had a significant accomplishment or made a difference.
Enrollment – We have seen a continued shift downward in enrollment, as have other Community College’s across the system. As of August 24th, we were down 5.8% headcount and down 7% FTE Fall 2021 ETR Dashboard contains the most recent data. We will plan appropriate adjustments as needed during the Fall October Revised Budget process.
Our college and the communities we serve continue to endure new challenges. As I person of strong faith, I still believe that things will work together for the good. It will take time but I know we can successfully walk through whatever comes our way – together. I believe in each of you and what we can achieve as a college community. We Build Bridges and Change Lives. We ARE Nashville State Strong!
Amazon Doubles Down on Nashville GRAD Program
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Approximately seven months after stepping up with a $100,000 investment in the Nashville GRAD program for Nashville State Community College students, Amazon has doubled that with another $100,000.
The combined $200,000 investment will ensure students have the wrap-around support needed to persist while in college. Nashville GRAD aims to increase the number of Nashvillians who have earned a post-secondary degree or credential.
“As Nashville’s community college, we are focused on holistically supporting the success of our students,” said Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, Nashville State’s president. “We appreciate Amazon for continuing to step up and for their collaborative partnership.”
Nashville GRAD (Getting Results by Advancing Degrees) complements the State of Tennessee’s programs for tuition-free college, Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. GRAD provides wrap-around resources beyond tuition, including a laptop, textbooks, transportation and food assistance, and a dedicated success advisor. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a full-time Nashville State student and reside full-time in Davidson County one year prior to completing the FAFSA.
“Data is showing that wraparound supports provided through Nashville GRAD is making a difference in student persistence and producing successful outcomes,” said Courtney Ross, Amazon’s senior manager of external affairs in Nashville. “We hope that our investment encourages other organizations to either deepen their commitment or come to the table. Nashville State Community College is an important local partner in creating a pipeline of talent across many sectors, including tech, business and healthcare.”
The program is a public-private partnership being implemented through a financial assistance fund that includes investments from Metro Nashville Government and funding from local business partners including: Alliance Bernstein, Bank of America, HCA, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Foundation, Nashville State Community College Foundation, Piedmont Natural Gas, Tennessee Titans, Southwest Airlines, and Verizon Wireless.
Nashville GRAD was launched with its first cohort of students in Fall 2019. The first cohort graduated after the Spring 2021 semester. Additionally, from fall 2020 to spring 2021, the persistence rate for GRAD students was 84% compared to 68% for non-GRAD students.
“This investment will enhance our strategic focus on improving successful student outcomes while helping fulfill local workforce needs with educated and skilled professionals,” said Nashville State Foundation Executive Director Lauren Bell.
Nashville GRAD is a key element of Better Together. More Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) graduates attend Nashville State than any other college.
To help more MNPS graduates prepare for, attend, and complete college, Dr. Jackson and Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Schools, launched a joint venture in early 2020 called Better Together.
“As we built out and worked to define Better Together, we quickly realized how critical the growth and success of Nashville GRAD is to ensuring MNPS graduates have not only a smooth transition from high school to college but also the support they need in college,” said Dr. Battle earlier this year.
“GRAD has been helping students achieve their dreams of going to college and succeeding there, with the ultimate goal of graduating and going on to greater success.”
The application deadline for Nashville GRAD is August 11. It is free and easy to complete. Staff are available to assist. The fall semester begins August 23. To be eligible, applicants must a full-time Nashville State student and resident full-time in Davidson County.
To learn more about the program, visit nscc.edu/nashville-grad, email nashgrad@nscc.edu, or call 615-353-3655.
Pictured in the Nashville State Community College Student Success Center (left to right): Nashville State Student Success Advisor’s Maegan Puzas Kessen and Lindsay Hager; Amazon Senior Manager for External Affairs Nashville Courtney Ross; Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson; Nashville State Student Success Center Director Dr. Justina Rogers; Nashville State Student Success Advisor Eric Morgan.
Culinary Arts Apprentices Receive Neckerchief
by Dina Starks, MS, RDN, LDN; Consultant and Hospitality Apprenticeships
The Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts
Recently, 14 American Culinary Federation-certified apprentices/Nashville State Culinary Arts students were formally presented their neckerchief and officially signed their federally registered paperwork.
Our apprenticeship program is one of 49 American Culinary Federation Registered Culinary Apprenticeship Programs across the country. Our program is an American Culinary Federation 4000 hour Certified Sous Chef Registered Apprenticeship program. For those of you not familiar with the apprenticeship pathway toward becoming a chef, students are not only pursuing their Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, but they are also employed full-time by one of our partnering hospitality employers in our “Learn while you earn” paid apprenticeship program. They are working 40+ hours a week, training to become chefs under their supervising and mentoring chefs at their host site.
We are proud to say that we are partnering with 6 employers currently:
- Belle Meade Country Club
- Gaylord Opryland Resort
- Grand Hyatt Nashville
- Holiday Inn Vanderbilt
- Music City Center
- Renaissance Hotel Nashville
Upon completion of two full years of training on the job and completion of the Culinary Arts degree, successful apprentices will earn a Certificate of Apprenticeship from the American Culinary Federation, a Certificate of Apprenticeship from the US Department of Labor, designation as a Certified Sous Chef through the American Culinary Federation, and the ServSafe Manager certification from the National Restaurant Association. These apprentices will be highly marketable in the culinary and hospitality industry once they earn all these amazing credentials.
Front Row: Tyler Lujan, 1st-year apprentice, Renaissance Hotel Nashville
Davienn Wynn, 1st-year, Holiday Inn Vanderbilt, Natasha Odom, 1st-year, Gaylord Opryland Resort,Anastasia Ax, 2nd-year, Grand Hyatt Nashville, Kate Saggio, 2nd-year, Grand Hyatt Nashville, Janet Lemnell, 2nd-year, Grand Hyatt Nashville
Second Row: Chef Paul Brennen, Culinary Arts Program Director, Cole Emberton, 2nd-year, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Thomas Housel, 2nd-year, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Keon Buchanan, 1st-year, Music City Center, Anthony Doyle, 1st-year, Belle Meade Country Club, Amanda Arribalzaga, (in front of 2nd row) 1st-year, Music City Center, Branday Bush, 1st-year, Grand Hyatt Nashville, Chloe Moles, 1st-year, Grand Hyatt Nashville, La’Toria Mitchell, 1st-year, (withdrawn from the program, financial reasons), Dina Starks, Apprenticeship Manager, Jamica Hinds, NSCC Campus Director, Southeast Campus, Dr. Shanna Jackson, President, NSCC
There is interesting history about the neckerchief. The chef’s neckerchief is a common sight in many professional kitchens. Although it may seem odd to be adding an extra piece of fabric to the chef’s wardrobe that was historically worn in a hot environment, the neckerchief helped the wearer feel cooler by collecting perspiration which ran off the face and neck in the unairconditioned kitchen rather than into the dish being prepared.
Today, the neckerchief serves as the finishing touch to the chef’s traditional uniform in much the same way that a tie completes a suit. The neckerchief is sometimes called a “cravat” and comes in a variety of colors which can have different meanings, usually designating professional chefs from those still in training.
To make room for our new 1st year culinary apprentices, we had to move up our inaugural class to their second year of the program, signified by a color change in their chef neckerchief. Thus, during the neckerchief ceremony our second-year apprentices gave-up their teal neckerchief and received their silver/grey neckerchief. Our new class of apprentices was presented their new teal neckerchiefs during the ceremony, designating them as 1st-year apprentices. Congratulations to all of our apprentices!
Chef Paul Brennen, Culinary Arts Program Director
Doug Zimmerman, GM of Food & Beverage, Music City Center
Apprentice Amanda Arribalzaga,
Chef Max Knoepfel, Executive Chef, Music City Center
Chef Oliver Henry, Executive Sous Chef, Music City Center
Dina Starks in the background
Nashville State Student Resource Managers
by April Robinson, Student Resource Manager, Southeast Campus
Beginning Fall 2021, Nashville State students returned to campus for in-person instruction. As students return to campus, many will face emotional barriers that could potentially affect their academic success. Nashville State is committed to helping our students get acclimated with being in the classroom after a year of taking classes via virtual platforms. Our college will support students by utilizing our two student resource managers who provide emotional support and facilitate community resource connections. Both managers serve as a link between students, faculty, and staff and work to connect students to Nashville State’s numerous student support programs, such as WellVia teletherapy services, NSCCF Textbook Assistance Program, NSCCF Childcare Program, NSCCF Transportation, and the Campus Cupboard.
Meet Our Student Resource Managers
April Robinson is the Student Resource Manager located at the Nashville State Southeast Campus. She has been in the student resource manager role since Fall 2019. April enjoys working with students helping them identify social, emotional, and academic challenges. She continues to collaborate with community partners and serves as an educator and advocate for our Nashville State students.
April has over 15 years of experience in the social services field, with a primary focus on helping young adults develop life skills as they transition into adulthood. Other areas of focus include developmental disabilities, substance abuse, mental health, and child welfare. April earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee.
Anne Clinton is our new Student Resource Manager who is located at the White Bridge Road Campus. She enjoys helping students develop their strengths and encourages them to find support systems that will assist them as they work to achieve their academic and career goals.
Anne is a mother of three teenagers and has years of experience working with young adults to overcome emotional, social, economic, and physical challenges. Her greatest joy is to watch young people grow into the best version of themselves. Anne earned her Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.
Sharing the Good!
by Lauren Bell, Executive Director of Development, NSCC Foundation
Earlier this year we lost our friend and longtime NSCC employee, Doug Jameson. In May, a small group gathered on the White Bridge Road campus to plant a Tulip Poplar tree that was donated to the Foundation in memory of Doug. A marker has been placed in front of the tree to serve as a reminder for all who pass. Doug’s wife, Helen, along with support from family and friends, established a scholarship through the Foundation to assist Nashville State students. Doug found joy and meaning in helping students realize their fullest potential not only in the classroom but also in life. We are delighted to share the very first recipient of this scholarship has been selected. To support the Doug Jameson Memorial Scholarship, visit www.nsccf.org/donate and select Doug Jameson Memorial Scholarship under the designation section.
Sharing the Good!
by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Operations & Facilities
While this may not hit home to all, it will be very meaningful to the Students, Faculty and Staff at the Southeast Campus.
For years, the HVAC Systems on the SE Campus has not worked properly. For this summer we had to install 10 + Portable A/C units in the office areas to make them habitable.
In preparation for fall semester a TBR Emergency Funded project was established. While this is a good thing, a chiller of our requirements is not on the shelf. So, an interim plan had to be put in place for a portable chiller to be brought in for the campus. The unit was rented, mounted on a trailer and the installation was completed Sunday August 22nd.
As we have experienced firsthand on White Bridge Road Campus this summer, without A/C you can experience 94 degrees temperatures in Doctor Jackson’s office and other buildings!
Thanks to all who helped make this “Sharing the Good” possible for the Students, Faculty and Staff at the Southeast Campus.
AT&T Foundation Donates $10,000
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
The AT&T Foundation has donated $10,000 to Nashville State Community College. The grant will provide last dollar scholarships for minority and underserved students.
“We appreciate AT&T and its support of Nashville State Community College students,” said Dr. Carol Martin-Osorio, Nashville State vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “This generous scholarship fits into the College’s plan of providing students with support beyond tuition-assistance so they can be successful throughout and after their college experience.”
While Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect provides tuition-free access to the state’s community colleges, gaps remain that can create a barrier to entry for some students. The AT&T Last Dollar scholarships will aid students with cost of attendance items such as books, childcare, transportation, and other costs associated with attending college that aren’t covered by other financial aid programs once tuition is paid.
“Success in higher education is critical for Tennessee’s long-term growth and potential,” said State Senator Jeff Yarbro. “Thanks to the programs offered at Nashville State, students receive the training and education that is required to succeed in the 21st century workforce.”
“From the State Capitol and across our community, I see the tremendous impact Nashville State’s programming has on our local economy – producing highly skilled workers and strengthening our region’s workforce,” said State Representative John Ray Clemmons. “I welcome and sincerely appreciate the private sector’s support of these vital educational opportunities.”
This donation is part of the AT&T Foundation’s $130,000 gift to the Foundation for the College System of Tennessee. Funding has been divided equally among Tennessee’s 13 community colleges to support students across the state.
“AT&T is focused on developing a 21st century workforce that can promote continued prosperity and a stronger economy across Tennessee,” said AT&T Tennessee President Joelle Phillips. “We are excited to continue our support of Nashville State Community College to help more students gain the education necessary to compete for quality job opportunities and to empower more students to reach their highest potential.”
Photo (left to right): State Representative John Ray Clemmons; Dr. Carol Martin-Osorio, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management; Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, president; Kathy Sager, AT&T Tennessee regional director of external and legislative affairs; Lauren Bell, Nashville State Foundation executive director; and, State Senator Jeff Yarbro.
New Director of Student Success Center & Nashville GRAD Program
by Justina Jones Rogers, Ed.D, Director of the Student
Success Center & Nashville GRAD Program
Hello Nashville State,
I am Justina Jones Rogers, Ed.D. and I am serving as the new Director of the Student Success Center & Nashville GRAD Program. I was raised in Nashville, TN, completed my Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies and Political Science, a Masters degree in Student Affairs at Florida State University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University.
Before joining NSCC, I served as the Associate Director of the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), in which I provided preparation, orientation, and academic support programming for students who are among the first in their family to attend college. Additional experiences include academic advising, grant management, recruitment, and college counseling. Overall, my passion includes creating access opportunities for students to complete their higher education goals, as well as providing support for their retention and graduation.
Within my role at NSCC, I will provide leadership and support to the Student Success Center. The Student Success Center connects Nashville State Community College students to resources and opportunities to maximize their success at NSCC. The Center houses our Student Success Advisors, Financial Empowerment Counselors, and Student Resource Managers. All first-time first year students are provided a student success advisor who supports and mentors their collegiate development, provides guidance on academic goals and plans, connects students to campus and community resources, and guides students through non-academic challenges. You may contact me at Justina.rogers@nscc.edu or via phone at 615-353-3655.
Industrial Readiness Training Provided to Houston County Inmates
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Inmates who will be transitioning out of the Houston County jail have received a two-week training designed to prepare them for entry-level positions as operators and maintenance technicians in the manufacturing industry.
The Industrial Readiness Training (IRT) program is a partnership with Nashville State Community College’s Workforce and Community Development department, Workforce Essentials, and the Houston County Sheriff’s Department. The IRT program was created by funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant.
Nashville State has been working with the Workforce Essentials Adult Education Supervisor and Instructor Dawn Gale and the Houston County Sheriff’s Department to provide onsite training.
For organizations and businesses that are interested in learning more about Industrial Readiness Trainings, please contact Larry Mangrum, Nashville State workforce solution.ns consultant, at larry.mangrum@nscc.edu or by calling 615-353-3480.
“The IRT program is a perfect opportunity to connect individuals with specialized training that will provide them a fresh start and set them on a career path upon their transition, while also supplying local industry with skilled technicians,” said Dr. Carol Rothstein, vice president for Academic Affairs at Nashville State, who oversees the College’s workforce and community development department.
The training was held at the Houston County jail in Erin and included OSHA 10 certification, entry level advanced manufacturing machine adjustment fundamentals, communication and emotional intelligence building exercises, lean manufacturing and on-the-job training fundamentals, and the NCRC/WorkKeys assessment-based credential, among others.
“With this program, we have high hopes that inmates will be able to reenter the work force and obtain a good job,” said Sheriff Kevin L. Sugg. “The Houston County Sheriff’s Office has had the G.E.D. program since 2014. We have had great success with the program over the years. We have added OSHA Certified Training to help give the inmates a better chance to return to society with successful training in the working world.”
“This pilot project was funded through the Northern Middle Workforce Board,” said Executive Director Marla Rye. “This innovative project supports the Board’s priority to assist justice-involved individuals to re-enter the workforce. Education and training are vital components to reduce recidivism and provide individuals with the skills necessary to obtain quality jobs.”
Staff Campaign
by Chelsea Spence, Director of Development, Nashville State Community College Foundation
No one understands the complexity our students face in attempt to obtain a quality education better than you, our staff. Before classes had even begun for the Fall Semester, the Foundation Office deployed close to $65,000 to students through our Beyond Financial Aid Programs. The requests came in with such ferocity that we actually overspent our textbook budget.
Beyond Financial Aid assists students with textbooks, child care, food insecurity, transportation as well as deploying small stipends for barriers students face outside of those categories. Due to the pandemic, the needs of our students have increased over the past year and they depend on our support! Currently 13% of our employees actively participate in our Annual Campaign and we want to see that number grow!
It’s not about the size of your gift, it’s about what we can accomplish together as a team! By giving to our campaign on an ongoing basis, you are moving us closer towards the President’s 2030 Vision by removing barriers and granting access for our students. If every staff member pledges just $10 a paycheck, we will be able to better support our student’s needs in the Spring.
Please consider enrolling in payroll giving to ensure that our students have no barrier to the education that they deserve. Click here to download the form (Donor Card) and return to the Foundation office. For more information, contact Chelsea Spence 615.353.3604.
Please let me know if you have any questions. THANK YOU!
New Director of Student Life
by Kelsey Johansen, Director of Student Life
Hi,
I am Kelsey Johansen and I joined Nashville State Community College in Mid-August. I am taking on the newly created role as the Director of Student Life. My mission is to create community for all NSCC students through the creation of new campus program offerings, as well as revitalizing our student organization culture. My goal to learn as much as possible about the campus life currently present at the White Bridge Road Campus and at all NSCC campuses. With this in mind, I welcome all faculty and staff to share your ideas and perspectives with me and I am truly excited to collaborate in future NSCC student events.
My previous role was the Assistant Director for Student Leadership & Involvement at Suffolk University in Boston. Originally from Rhode Island, I love being outdoors with my dog Goose, painting, and watching an 80’s movie marathon. As a lifelong country music fan, I am excited to explore Nashville’s venues and breweries, and I am eager to hear your suggestions about what one must see and do in Nashville!
Contact me via email at Kelsey.Johansen@nscc.edu or stop by for a visit in S103, the Student Life office.
Maintenance and Operations Department Report
by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Operations and Facilities
Some of the Facilities Management Projects currently underway on the NSCC Campuses:
All Campuses: PPE Support for the Pandemic
Clarksville: LED and Camera Project ready for bid process
North Davidson Campus:
- Construction continues with Site being clean-up, plaza being poured, case goods received, hoods being installed in labs, Elevator installation, TSD workstations being installed, and wood wall installation in lobby and students’ areas
White Bridge Road
- LED Lighting Project – W and S Buildings finalized for bid process
- Welcome Center S-Building – Drywall installation complete, and window frames and doors pending
- HVAC Controls and Chillers are being reviewed for upgrades
- Painting all the sign bases
- Pressure Washing the campus sidewalks
Southeast:
- Temporary Chiller Delivery and Installation
- Permanent Chiller via TBE Approval
These efforts are all part of the plan to improve the Educational Experience for the Students, Faculty and Staff at NSCC.
Human Resources News
by Janet Dennis, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources
Please welcome our new employees to NSCC!
| Employee | Title | Department | Date |
| Amy Blum | English Instructor | EHCT Division | 08/11/21 |
| Tiarra Cantrell | Part Time Secretary II | Admissions and Records | 08/02/21 |
| Rosalinda Carpenter | Part Time Technical Clerk Testing Center | Clarksville Campus | 08/20/21 |
| Thomas Druffel | Director/Instructor Hospitality and Tourism | BMAH Division, and Hospitality | 08/16/21 |
| Derrick Dupuis | Director for Institutional Research | Planning and Research | 08/16/21 |
| Pam Esposito | Visual Communications/ Graphic Design Instructor | EHCT Division | 08/11/21 |
| Denise Farrell | Psychology Instructor | Social and Behavioral Sciences | 08/23/21 |
| Christi Ferguson | Director/Instructor Paralegal Studies | BMAH Division | 08/11/21 |
| Mark Helm | Dual Enrollment Instructor | Humphreys County | 08/11/21 |
| Janessa Jacobs | Biology Instructor | STEM Division | 08/11/21 |
| Kelsey Johansen | Director of Student Life | Student Affairs and Enrollment Management | 08/16/21 |
| Jayasrividhya Kandasamy | Mathematics Instructor | STEM Division | 08/11/21 |
| Maayan Ornath | English Instructor | Clarksville Campus | 08/11/21 |
| Danny Sensing | Director/Instructor Industrial Control Technology | STEM Division | 08/11/21 |
| Chelsea Spence | Director of Development | Foundation | 08/02/21 |
| Ashley Vaughn | Secretary II | President’s Office | 08/16/21 |
| Leah Welker | Biology Instructor | STEM Division | 08/11/21 |
