Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings Fellow Falcons,
2024 has been an incredible year for Nashville State Community College! We have seen substantial enrollment increases and gains in our student outcomes each semester. Our facilities are undergoing improvements from renovations at the White Bridge campus to groundbreakings in Clarksville and Dickson. We have expanded our external partnerships, while strengthening our internal collaborations across campuses and divisions.
I believe we are living our LEADS Core Values while building our culture of excellence in People, Programs, Places and Partnerships towards achieving our Vision 2030: A Student Ready College targets. This is our year of Breakthrough, and I am excited about what 2025 will bring! Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
Holiday Party – Special thanks to the Engagement Committee and all others who helped plan our Holiday party on December 13. This new annual event was a wonderful opportunity for our campus community to gather and celebrate the holiday season. I am also thankful to the Admin Assembly who hosted their third annual Sugar Soiree (cookie exchange) at the holiday party.
Enrollment Update – As of December 12, spring applications are up 15.9%. Enrollment is moving in a good direction; we are up 9.1% in headcount and 13.8% in FTE. Your efforts to retain students are showing! We are up 10.1% in headcount and 11.6% in FTE for continuing students. Stay data informed by visiting our new Data Access Page. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.
Spring Convocation – Our Spring 2025 Convocation will take place virtually January 8 starting at 8:15am (a time change). The event is scheduled to end by 11:30am. This will be an entirely virtual event hosted via livestream for attendees. All full-time and regular part-time staff are expected to participate unless otherwise directed by your supervisor; temporary or adjunct are welcome to join.
One-Time Payment – As a reminder, TBR approved a one-time payment of $1,500 for all unrestricted regular, full-time and part-time benefit-eligible employees with a start date or before September 30, 2024, and are still employed at the time of payment. The one-time payment will be included in December’s paycheck, which will be paid on December 20 instead of the last day of the month due to the holiday.
Compensation Plan Adjustments – In addition to the one-time payments, TBR also approved salary adjustments for 40 employees who, based on time worked in their position, were below the targeted salary of their current job grade. As part of our compensation strategy, when funds are available, we will continue to make incremental adjustments to individuals below their targeted salaries based on time in position. These employees will receive a revised salary letter to their home address.
Support – I am always reminded that the holiday season is difficult for many people. Please take care of your mental and physical health. If you find yourself not feeling your best, you can reach out directly to Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP). They have programs and services tha[ON1] [JS2] t are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information.
Wishing every Nashville State Falcon a safe and restful Holiday break and Happy New Year!
Human Resources Update
By Connie Daniel, Sr Administrative Assistant, Human Resources
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nashville State’s newest employees
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Burton | Student Success Advisor | Office of Student Success Center |
| Jenna Thompson | Access Services Coordinator | Office of the Access Center |
Please join us in saying farewell to the following Nashville State employees
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Teshrya Butler | Admissions Records Clerk | Office of Admissions & Records |
| Michael Glenn | Instructor, Surgical Technology | School of Health Sciences |
The Workforce Minute
By Joseph Johnson, Executive Director
As we approach the end of the year, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education wants to express our gratitude to all of our fellow Nashville State Falcons. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the best faculty and staff, while meeting the needs of students, employers and community partners.
Completing my third year at Nashville State this month, I continue to be amazed at the dedication and passion to serve by everyone at the college. The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education continues to see growth in programming in Healthcare, IT and Advanced Manufacturing that are direct results of collaborations with schools within the college. The Ready to Reconnect programming has made significant strides this year and is positioned for continued success.
We are also excited about our team’s move to the East Davidson Campus. The collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, American Job Center System, Workforce Essentials and Adult Education is going to create great opportunities for ease of access and efficiency as we serve employers and community residents. We invite you to come and visit the East Davidson Campus to see the services and programming being offered as well as provide any input you may have.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to 2025!
Staff Assembly Committee News
By Karina Davis, Chair, Staff Assembly
Greetings, Nashville State family!
The Staff Assembly hosted its Student Success Experience Training Day Part III on Wednesday, October, 16, 2024 during our Fall October break at the main campus.
This session focused on enhancing our staff’s ability to communicate effectively and improve interactions with diverse cultural groups seeking information and assistance at Nashville State Community College.
Below are the materials covered during the training day:
- “Sorry, No English” by Craig Storti
Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Stein, Associate Professor of ESOL at the Southeast Campus - “International Student”
Presented by Mr. Nejib Adem, Success Advisor at the Southeast Campus
Both presentations provided valuable insights into improving our communication with students from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring that our messages are clear, accurate, and easily understood.
Participants shared anecdotes and engaged in meaningful interactions with the presenters, leading to memorable takeaways from the session.
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Jackson for her presence, support and kind words.
Additionally, I want to extend my appreciation to the following individuals:
• Sue Belcher
• Cindy Moore
• Kelsey Johansen
• Dr. Elizabeth Stein
• Nejib Adem
Staff Assembly officers: Kelsie Huffman, Carly Carpenter, Lindsay Smith, Rebekah Whitemeyer, and Sharneka Parker
Thank you
Staff Assembly Committee is a place for full time or part-time non-faculty staff members. Membership is open to staff on every campus, we meet virtually on Microsoft Teams every third Wednesday of each month, consider join us!
Please email karina.davis@nscc.edu I will make sure you receive the invitation to our next meeting.
Participate! • Share your voice! • Cast your vote! • Make a difference!
18 Employees Earn Promoting Active Learning Online Course Certification
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
Belkis Barrios, Laura Burridge, Melissa Fleck, Doug Godwin, Eucretia Johnson, Emily Lewis, Maryellen Nash, Jessica Rabb, Regina Willis, James Edwards, Hannah Hurdle, Robert Ladd, Zachary Mills, Cynthia Morgan, Harlan Pease, Marla Perry, Piper Sesnan, and Amy Bryant have completed the Promoting Active Learning Online course from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and endorsed by the American Council on Education.
During this course, these faculty learned more about developing effective modules and microlectures, teaching powerful notetaking online, using groups to ensure active online learning, using the active learning cycle in online courses, planning effective online discussions, and facilitating engaging online discussions.
Engaging in this course requires a large commitment of time for learning, for planning implementation strategies, for implementing teaching strategies in teaching courses, reflecting on the impact of the strategies on students, and planning how to use teaching strategies for future courses.
The Teaching Center celebrates these employees’ commitment to learning, implementing teaching strategies, and reflecting to continuously improve.
A New Year = New Testing Center Happenings
By Rosemary Hackney, Director of Testing
I have had the unique opportunity to come full circle in my time at Nashville State. I started at the College in the Testing Center in October of 2013 as a Testing Technician I, and I have now come back to the department in September of 2024 as the Director.
The change from one year to another always brings with it a time to reflect on what has gone well and what needs to be improved upon going forward. This year I am in the privileged position to see a clear path forward for my department. The Testing Center serves so many different aspects of the college life cycle. We see students from the very beginning of their journey at NSCC all the way to graduation. For some students, we see them just those two times, but for other students, we will see them many times throughout their semesters at the college. No matter how many times we interact with a student, we want to make sure that their experience with our office is a good one. But to improve our interactions with students, we have to start by improving our interactions with you, our colleagues, in the faculty and staff at NSCC.
We want to start the new year from a place of transparency. Lots of things have changed in Testing over the last couple of years as they have all across campus. To help clarify what we do and how we do it, we are working on publishing updated guidelines and information for students and faculty to our website. We are also working to change some of our processes to not only improve the faculty experience but streamline our processing routines.
We are rolling out a combined test submission form that will combine 6 different dynamic forms into one and will allow faculty to submit testing information for multiple students at a time. All of these updates will be made to the site in early January so that they can be in place before the Spring semester starts. If you want a more in-depth review of the changes, you are welcome to join me for my Spring into Success presentation hosted by the Teaching Center on Tuesday, January 14th at 12:30. The link to register can be found here: https://ww2.nscc.edu/theteachingcenter/spring-into-success/
Additionally, the White Bridge Road Campus Testing Center now has the distinct honor to be a fully funded DANTES CLEP Testing Center. As you might know, CLEP is a great way for students to get college credit for information that they already know. That credit can be applied to their degrees here, but it is also a widely recognized form of PLA that can be easily transferred to another institution. Being a DANTES funded CLEP Testing Center means that we can now offer CLEP testing to active military members who are using DANTES funding at no cost to them. You can click here if you are interested in learning more about DANTES funded CLEP testing: https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-military-benefits.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns as we look forward to a successful Spring 2025 Semester. You can reach me directly at rosemary.hackney@nscc.edu or the office in general at testing.center@nscc.edu.
Spring into Success – January 13 – 16, 2025
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
“Spring into Success” resonates deeply with the essence of what we aim to achieve throughout this conference, as this year’s gathering celebrates renewal, growth, and the exciting potential in our educational landscape. As we embark on this journey together, we’ll explore innovative strategies to empower students, enhance curricula, and we will come together to strengthen our communities.
With a program featuring presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and open forums, attendees will gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating continued growth, helping us all bloom in our pursuit of excellence in higher education. Let’s spring into action and grow a brighter future!
The schedule for Spring into Success is available on The Teaching Center’s website and on the Professional Learning Calendar in Outlook. Please register now for sessions.
Sessions have been coded in three ways: 1) to show connection to Nashville State’s Core Values – Nashville State LEADS; 2) to show which workshops qualify for CRTP credit; 3) to show which workshops share teaching practices from our ACUE cohorts.
L – Learning
E – Equity Driven
A – Accountability
D – Data-Informed
S – Student-Centered
CRTP – Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
ACUE – Led by ACUE Cohort member(s) sharing teaching practices learned from ACUE.
Badging: NSCC employees who engage in 8 professional learning sessions presented by the Teaching Center and Online Learning between January 13 and 16 will earn the Spring into Success badge.
From The Desk of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
By Dr. Jo Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
As I reflect on this past year, the remarkable strides made by the faculty and staff at Nashville State in fostering student persistence, retention, and success across our campuses gives me profound joy and pride. The unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to placing student success at the center of our work has transformed the lives of countless students.
Looking to the year ahead, Academic Affairs and Workforce Development will continue to amplify our impact through the development and expansion of academic programs to support our new and expanded campuses and by investing in new and exciting non-credit workforce opportunities for our community. The reopening of our East Davidson campus as a dedicated workforce hub will provide important opportunities to collaborate with key workforce agencies to respond to the needs of the people in our communities. Developing new academic programs and enhancing current ones will ensure that we continue to provide our students with in-demand credentials that will support their economic independence while strengthening the local workforce. Growing our partnerships with local and regional four-year colleges and universities will ensure that our students have seamless opportunities to continue their college education when they graduate. Opportunities abound for the new and innovative work we can do as a college.
To my fellow Falcons who have championed the College’s mission and values throughout 2024, thank you. I am proud to be a part of the work we do at Nashville State. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and an incredible New Year!
People We Meet in the Hall – Faculty
By Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor
We end 2024 with a quiet faculty member who embodies “still waters run deep.” I cannot speak for other faculty, but I usually approach the end of the year “plumb tuckered” (as we say back home) and sometimes questioning whether I made any progress against seemingly overwhelming entropy. But then I am privileged to read interview responses that inspire, re-charge, and help point me towards hope for the future. Dr. Gillis is a bright light shining in that dark December night. I hope you enjoy getting to know her better, and give her a warm welcome and smile the next time you see her in the hall.
Michelle Donice Gillis, Ph.D.
Instructor, English, Arts and Humanities
If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?
Although I’m not originally from Nashville, I have lived here for a few years and I’ve fallen in love with this city. I love trying new restaurants (I’m a major foodie), walking the trails at Percy Warner, and browsing the many indie bookstores with a latte in hand.
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 for a new beginning. Initially my plan was to move to the West Coast, but I soon realized that Nashville had everything I was looking for in a new hometown.
Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Why or why not?
For years I ran from teaching because I come from a long line of educators. When I was younger, my mom and aunts would tell me that I would one day I would be a teacher, and I vehemently denied it. What’s funny is that teaching truly is my dream job. I love writing, literature, motivating others, and helping students find their voice. Teaching allows me to do all of these things.
What caused you to become interested in your area of teaching?
I have always been a creative writer and a voracious reader, so I think teaching English came naturally.
What is at least one thing about your students that you can relate to and empathize with them?
I try to stress to students that writing isn’t some magical skill that only a few people are born with. Good writing comes from careful revision, so I really try to stress to my students that it’s okay if they don’t feel that they are great writers because that’s not what I’m requesting of them. I want them to be excellent revisers!
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 write using the penname Michelle Donice (my first and middle names. I’ve had several short stories published and my books are The Other Side of Through and Following Your North Star.
If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which would bird would you choose and why? *You are NOT limited to these birds. If you admire another type of bird, let us know.
I know I’m supposed to say I would be a falcon, but honestly if I were to be a bird, I would choose to be a phoenix. I love the idea of rising from the ashes more glorious than ever. I think that’s also one reason why I love teaching at Nashville State so much. I see students who are rising from the ashes in so many ways!
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?
If I were able to go back in time to my first day of work here at NSCC, I would tell myself “Breathe, girl! You’ve got this! You’re a part of a kind, nurturing community where you can grow!”
In this season of Turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?
I am grateful for family, friends, and all the good things to come!
People We Meet in the Hall – Staff
By Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Meet Rosalinda, Ebony, and Kathleen. Three gifts who make every day a special day for Nashville State, even if they occasionally end up on Santa’s “naughty” list. They work quietly, but powerfully behind the scenes helping students and faculty navigate life at NSCC. And they always do it with sparkle and pizazz. Please say thank you the next time you see them. 🙂
Kathleen Akers
Clarksville Campus Director
If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?
I’m not from Nashville but I love spending time in the city. My favorite thing to do in Nashville is eat out, I’m a “foodie” and love to try new restaurants. A few of my favorites, Moto’s, The Hawthorne, Margot Café and Midnight Oil (Pizza) which has the best Peach Jalapeño margaritas in town.
If you are not from Nashville, why did you move here and where did you move from?
I am not originally from Clarksville, but have lived here over 20 years, so now call it home. I grew up a “military brat” and a spouse of an active-duty Army member for over 20 years, so I’m not really from anywhere but have lived many places.
What brought you to your job at Nashville State?
I first began working in higher education 26 years ago while living in Panama, at the Fort Kobbe Education Center. I taught BSEP classes for active-duty soldiers to help them increase their ASVAB test scores. I have since worked for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Troy University. I was excited to have an opportunity to work at a Community College and help make a difference in a student’s life.
A hummingbird, they are resilient, determined, adaptable and feisty.
What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?
So many things, but if I have to name one, I guess it would be that I was a non-traditional student myself who balanced, moving around, deployments, family, work and school. I understand that life happens for our students outside the walls of our campus and they have many challenges beyond academics. Kindness and small words of encouragement go a long way.
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?
A few years ago, we had a veteran student who suffered from PTSD and had an extremely difficult time interacting with other people in the classroom and on campus. Many times, he would sit in my office and express the frustration, anger, and stress he experienced in and outside of the classroom. He spoke often about a feeling of not belonging here and every semester he spoke about not returning to complete his degree. He would visit me weekly, sometimes all he needed was someone to listen, other times he needed words of encouragement. Not only did he graduate but I was surprised and thrilled to see him participate in commencement, walking across the stage with a smile.
Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?
I am proud of the three daughters I raised. They are smart, compassionate, strong willed and independent women, each unique in their own way. Our bond is tight and not a week goes by without a group video chat, sharing a lot of laughter and even more love.
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?
Be yourself and give it your all. People will choose to like you or not but at the end of each day you will feel good by being authentically you and knowing you gave all that you have.
Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?
I am grateful for mornings; it means we’ve been given another opportunity to do this thing called life.
Rosalinda Carpenter
Technical Clerk, Testing Center, Clarksville
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 to take care of my parents. I came here by way of California. I enjoy driving to admire the beautiful green landscape. I live in Clarksville, near FT Campbell. I enjoy the outdoor trails and checking out local restaurants.
What brought you to your job at Nashville State?
I am a former student of Nashville State. I spent a lot of time utilizing the academic services and campus resources. I became a Federal Work Study Student and discovered a passion to help others seek their academic and career goals.
If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why? *You aren’t limited to these birds. If you would like to be a different bird, that is fine.
Falcon, because I represent Nashville State.
What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?
I can empathize with having no time between work and business hours to take care of administrative documents. Having a busy schedule but craving the time to fit in college to move forward with career plans. Family life, health issues, and no basic college understanding of the process.
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 love being able to help those coming in struggling to find a path forward. To see them keep the determination of asking questions, getting understanding, and being able to have the tools they need to overcome their obstacles. Welcoming everyone to a nonjudgement zone, free to ask questions to gain understanding, and provide the encouragement to persevere.
Can you tell us at least one thing that you are proud of accomplishing?
Being able to talk people through frustrating situations that they do not understand. On the phone students call to get help with applications, feeling they have done everything correctly only adds to their defeat of not being able to complete. So, when I am able to back them up and walk them blindly through their issue it is a rewarding accomplishment that they are able to resolve their frustration.
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?
First day of work I would say, “It is a process, grow with the journey and continue to be adaptable.”
Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?
I am thankful for my friends, family, health and love. Hope everyone enjoys the season.
Ebony Rose
Student Services Specialist III, Southeast Campus
If you are from Nashville, what is your favorite thing to do here?
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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 relocated for work, I am originally from Alabama
What brought you to your job at Nashville State?
The opportunity to work with high school initiatives program
If you could be a Falcon, Wren, Bluebird or a Turkey Vulture, which bird would you choose and why? *You aren’t limited to these birds. If you would like to be a different bird, that is fine.
😊 I would choose an Eagle because no matter how far they fly they never forget their home
What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?
Being a first-generation college student
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 used to work at a high school in Gary Indiana and one of my students moved to Nashville to attend TSU she had to sit out a semester but I was able to keep her encouraged during that time. She re-enrolled a semester later and graduated with her Bachelors in 2021
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.
Being a homeowner
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?
Do not take work home with you, always remember “that’s what tomorrows are for”
Finally, in this season of turkeys, gatherings, and giving thanks, what is something that you are grateful for?
My friends and family
People We Meet in the Hall – Students
By Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor
As Fall Semester 2024 ends, meet NSCC students Ava, Fahima, Krystin, and Tuscany. They made it through the semester and are looking forward to the future. Here is hoping that Spring 2024 brings joy and success to them and also to the rest of us at NSCC. Happy New Year to All.”
Ava Bellar
NSCC Student
Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?
I used to live in Clarksville TN.
If you have moved to Nashville from somewhere else, what circumstances brought you to Nashville?
Moving closer to college is what brought me closer to Nashville.
Why is getting a college education important to you?
Getting a college education is important to me because I know that having an education is very important and its always something my family and I have wanted me to get so I can be successful.
Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?
I chose to take classes at Nashville State because they had a program I want to eventually enter.
What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?
I think being away from my friends and family has taken a toll on me because they are my biggest support system.
What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?
What keeps me motivated is knowing that if I keep putting in the work in effort that the end goal will pay off.
Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.
All my professors have been great and have really helped me understand the curriculum so much.
If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?
- I would wish to get into the program I have been working on.
- I wish to pass all my finals.
- I wish to have a great spring semester.
What is something in your life that you are very thankful for?
I am very thankful for my family always supporting me in everything that I do.
Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite musician would be Zach Bryan and my TV show would be The Office.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?
One of my favorite hobbies to do after school is to either go on a long walk or run.
Tuscany Clift
NSCC Student
Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived? I lived in Nashville my whole life
Why is getting a college education important to you?
I want to have a better opportunity in getting a job so that I can be successful
Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?
It was a cheaper alternative to a four-year college and it is closer to home
What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?
Having time to complete assignments and letting other things get in the way from me focusing in my classes
What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?
I always tell myself to keep going because in the end it will pay off, I tell myself to don’t give up
Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.
My teachers are very supportive in my success and they will help you out if you need anything
If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?
I wish that we had longer breaks, I wish that teachers can let you turn in an assignment even if it was a day late, and I wish we had shorter classes
What is something in your life that you are very thankful for?
I’m very thankful for my mom, my family and friends
Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite artists are Future, Drake and Nicki Minaj. My favorite TV shows are 90-day fiancé, fatal attraction and for my man
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?
I love to go swimming in the lake
Krystin Newsom
NSCC Student
Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?
No, I have not [always] lived in Nashville.
If you have moved to Nashville from somewhere else, what circumstances brought you to Nashville?
Activities/fun things to do
Why is getting a college education important to you?
Career opportunities
Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?
Surgical Tech program
What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?
Home life, making time to study, while getting a good night’s rest.
What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?
Remind myself this is temporary; it will pay off in the end
Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.
Meeting classmates/engaging also learning
If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?
- Nanny for studying times
- A Chauffeur would be nice, I do drive from Clarksville to class.
- Own a helicopter
What is something in your life that you are very thankful for?
Getting a chance to restart my life and pursue my career
Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Musician- Celine Dion
Favorite TV show- Walking Dead
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?
I have a funny sense of humor
Fahima Yey
NSCC Student
Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville? If so, where have you lived?No
Why is getting a college education important to you?
A college education is important because it provides specialized skills, opens up better job opportunities, and helps develop critical thinking and communication abilities. It also allows for networking and personal growth.
Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?
Nashville State Community College is so close to my home
What are two things that get in the way of doing better in your classes or make it very hard to get the grades that you want to get?
Two things that can get in the way of doing better in classes:
- Time management: Balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities can be challenging and lead to stress.
- Distractions: Social media, technology, or personal issues can make it hard to focus on studying.
What keeps you motivated to wake up every morning and go to school, even if you are tired? What do you tell yourself when you feel like it is too much and maybe you want to quit?
Motivation to go to school:
- I remind myself of my long-term goals and the opportunities a good education can provide. When it feels overwhelming, I tell myself that every small step counts, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.
Two good experiences since taking classes:
- Group project success: Collaborating with classmates on a project taught me valuable teamwork skills and helped me make new friends.
- Engaging lectures: I had a few classes where the discussions were so interesting that they sparked my passion for the subject and made learning enjoyable.
If you were granted three wishes and you could wish for anything you wanted, what are three things that you would wish for that would help you achieve your goals at Nashville State?
Having more teachers (Tutoring) to help with science classes would be beneficial.
Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I do not have a favorite musician, band, movie, or TV show.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Maybe something you think makes you unique or what your plans are for the future?
I want to finish my nursing classes and travel to different countries.
A Poem for the Season
Submitted by Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor
December
by Harvey Carson Grumbine
High like skeletons grim
The trees hold up their arms;
The last leaf’s hurried from its limb
By the tempest’s wild alarms;
The river ripples gray and cold,
And autumn’s o’er like a story told.
Deep in the lonely wood
The leaves lie thickly strown;
The timorous rabbit finds him food,
The snow-bird seeks his own;
The cricket long has ceased his song,
For the breath of winter’s cold and strong.
Close to the level plain
The snow clings like a sheet;
The chimney moans as if in pain,
Lashed by the hissing sleet;
And all good men are glad to be
Where the Yule-log sparkles merrily.
Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
New Comprehensive Workforce Center Opening in Nashville
https://www.nscc.edu/news/new-comprehensive-workforce-center-opening-in-nashville.php
School of Arts & Humanities Teaches Critical Thinking and Career Skills
https://nscc.edu/news/school-of-arts-and-humanities-teaches-critical-thinking-and-career-skills.php
Nashville Songwriters Association Launches Program at Nashville State
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-songwriters-association-launches-program-at-nashville-state.php
Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts Prepares Thanksgiving Meals for 600
https://nscc.edu/news/randy-rayburn-school-of-culinary-arts-prepares-thanksgiving-meals-for-600.php
Dear Nashville State,
On behalf of the Voice staff: Kevin Woods, David Gerth, and all our article contributors we wish you a safe and very happy holiday season and a joyous New Year!
Looking back on this year reveals many interesting opportunities and challenges which working together we have found new creative solutions. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to improve the progress and accomplishments of our students.
Be safe, spend some quality time with the ones you love, and enjoy the downtime provided by our break between semesters.
Sincerely,
Cliff Rockstead
Managing Editor
The NSCC Voice
Founded 2017
Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Kevin Woods, Layout
December 2024 Contributors
Amy S. Bryant
Connie Daniel
Karina Davis
Rosemary Hackney
Tom Hayden
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Joseph Johnson
Dr. Gracie Andrews King
Dr. Jo Williams