Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings,
Happy New Year! The Spring semester is now underway, and we are Moving Forward in our efforts towards Vision 2030: A Student Ready College. This quarter we are going to focus on gaining a deeper understanding of our Core Values LEADS, how they apply to us individually, and their impact on Nashville State’s Vision, Mission, and Strategic Focus Areas.
When Nashville State LEADS, Students Succeed! All of us must see ourselves as leaders as we are building a culture of Student Success at Nashville State. One way we can create and sustain this culture is through our first Core Value – Learning: We are a community of learners who provide informal and formal educational opportunities for our students, our communities, and ourselves.
As you think about the college and our mission it is easy to see students as learners but what about you? Nashville State promotes lifelong learning, and it is critical to the success of our college that every employee has an opportunity to broaden their individual scope of knowledge and strengthen skills. Convocation is one way that we can learn together.
At Spring Convocation guest speaker Deb Moore, an English professor at Volunteer State, shared a heartfelt presentation on motivation and where it comes from. At the end of the day, we must recognize it’s an inside job. Yes, it has been a difficult time for all of us including our students. Deb challenged us to consider that before we can positively influence and teach others, we must ask the question: How do we rediscover what motivates us so that we can do the work at hand? We have to learn our own personal motivators for the work we do at Nashville State and appreciate that everyone is motivated differently. (Watch Convocation again. Deb’s presentation starts at 20:27)
How many of you have spent time learning more about yourself since Convocation by answering the three questions that Deb shared?
- What are your three greatest accomplishments?
- What are the three happiest moments of your life?
- What were three times you felt you really made a difference? When your presence somewhere mattered? You had an impact?
What is the pattern or overlap of these nine answers? What did you learn about what matters to you? About what drives you? And how can that information impact your work at Nashville State? I encourage you to keep learning about yourself and how your work can make a difference.
Below are a few updates from the President’s Office to keep you informed about what is happening at Nashville State:
Campus Updates – Humphreys County is still primarily virtual. We are working to replace the flooring, equipment, and other renovations needed from the flood. We now have the keys to the North Davidson Campus! However, there is still work to be done before it is ready to open. We are excited to welcome the new North Davidson Campus Director Dr. Kimberly Malone-Haddox to the college. Our Clarksville Expansion is fifth on the THECs list of capital outlay projects submitted to the Governor. We should learn at his state of the state address on January 31 if our project will be funded.
Enrollment – As we begin the second week of the semester, we are down 7.4% headcount and 9.7% FTE. Current enrollment information can be found at Enrollment Tracking Report: Spring 2022. For a systemwide comparison visit the TBR Community College enrollment report. Please note our dashboard numbers will vary slightly from the TBR report.
Budget – Although it is clear we will fall short of our projected 5% decrease in FTE for Spring, we will not need to make significant reductions at this time. We will continue to seek opportunities to reduce operating costs and gain efficiencies.
Sharing the Good – Please use this Good News Submission Form to recognize an individual (faculty, staff, or student), department, program, or group that has had a significant accomplishment or made a difference.
Support – It is ok “not” to be ok but please utilize the resources and support available to you. Please remember Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information. I also want to remind you that we have a Financial Empowerment Counselor available to both students and employees through our partnership with the United Way of Greater Nashville that provides free counseling. You can make an appointment by calling (615) 748-3620.
Nashville State, our individual and collective efforts matter! We must keep learning and leading. We can make meaningful progress in eliminating inequities in educational attainment and economic mobility throughout our seven counties. The road ahead will not be easy or quick, but it is necessary. Together we are charting a path that will impact the future of the Nashville region. Together – we are Nashville State Strong!
Belmont University & Nashville State Renew Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree Completion Agreement
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Partnership renewal expands access for students and supports the nursing pipeline for an ever-growing workforce
Belmont University and Nashville State Community College today announced the renewal of a nursing studies partnership between the two institutions. The partnership was created many years ago for students who plan to attend Belmont to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Before transferring, students satisfy the prerequisites needed and earn an Associate Degree in Health Science at Nashville State. Belmont holds a maximum of 16 seats for Nashville State students each year.
With the city of Nashville attracting more and more health care industry, the partnership continues to build a strong pipeline of quality nursing talent for an ever-growing workforce. The agreement’s extension was finalized at a signing ceremony held on Nashville State’s White Bridge campus Tuesday afternoon.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Nashville State through the renewal of this agreement,” said Belmont President Dr. L. Gregory Jones. “Given that Nashville is the health care capital of the world, we understand the role higher education institutions in our city must play in educating the next generation of health care talent. With the shortages health care is seeing amidst the pandemic, we are eager to support the growing pipeline of nurses across this region and beyond.”
“This program creates another Nashville State bridge to Belmont for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” said Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “The College is focused on increasing the talent pipeline in Nashville and strengthening our transfer pathways is key. We thank Belmont for the continued partnership.”
To learn more about this program, click here.
New Staff in the Welcome Center
by Nicole Hubbs, Director, Welcome Center and Career Services
The Welcome Center at White Bridge Road, which opened on November 30th, 2021, is fully staffed to assist students in the application and enrollment process. The new staff members who joined the team last year are:
Lia Nagge, Student Services Specialist I.
Lia is a 2021 graduate of Rhodes College and she works with students at the front desk of the Welcome Center.
Kelsie Clement, Student Services Specialist II.
Kelsie comes to Nashville State from Youth Villages, where she worked with youth ages 18-21. She serves as the recruiter for the College, managing high school visits and campus tours.
Seanna Petr, Student Services Specialist III.
Seanna has experience working in higher education at Bellarmine University in student activities and Vanderbilt University in career services. She will work with students in admissions counseling and major selection, as well as New Student Orientation.
Paige Williams, Student Services Specialist III.
Paige comes to Nashville State from Austin Peay State University working with study abroad and international student services. She will also work with students in admissions counseling and major selection, as well as New Student Orientation.
Lauren Robinson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Lauren comes from the American Job Center in Sumner County where she worked with the WIOA program. She will work to establish a work-based learning framework at Nashville State, including connecting students and community partners.
I am so proud to have these new staff members in the Welcome Center. These ladies join Sarah Arthur, Student Services Specialist I, Lisa Fletcher, Career Services Specialist, Priscilla Tibbs, Assistant to the Director of Welcome Center, and Carolyn Douglas, Secretary, to make up this team.
Dr. Kimberly Malone-Haddox Named Director of NSCC North Davidson Campus
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Dr. Kimberly Malone-Haddox started work on January 4. The North Davidson campus will open to the public later this spring with classes starting the fall semester in August.
“I have been excited for this new campus to open in North Davidson County because it will provide greater access to higher education, paving the way for completion and post-completion success for area residents,” said Malone-Haddox. “The campus is beautiful and will be a community asset for many years. We can’t wait to show it off.”
The North Nashville native brings to the position extensive experience in recruitment, student advisement, program development, teaching, and curriculum development.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Malone-Haddox as part of the transformation taking place at the College,” said Nashville State President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “She will be a key leader in making our goals of increased access, completion, and post-completion success a reality, while also managing campus operations.”
Among the many responsibilities as campus director, Dr. Malone-Haddox will develop community partnerships, participate in strategic planning and accreditation processes, maintain student-focused course schedules, recruit and supervise full-time and part-time staff, promote the College, and coordinate services to students including recruitment, admissions, records, financial aid, testing, and library services.
Malone-Haddox spent 2021 as the regional admission director for Verto Education, where she managed, trained, and assisted in hiring counselors. Prior to that, she served four years as Strayer University’s Nashville campus academic dean and nine years as an instructor teaching Business Administration. Additional experience includes business development manager at Centerstone Research Institute, EPIC System trainer at Vanderbilt University, and 13 years at the operations director for Travelers Insurance.
The Whites Creek High School graduate’s personal higher education journey started at Tennessee State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Science Education. Malone-Haddox went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trevecca Nazarene University, an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute in Herndon, Virginia, the Joe Gibbs Performance Management Institute Graduate Certificate from Strayer University in Washington, D.C., and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University School of Education in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Dr. Malone-Haddox’s leadership skills and experience, along with her accessible and warm demeanor, are going to be invaluable as the College opens the new campus and expands services,” said Kim Silverman, associate vice president of academic affairs for extended campuses.
NSCC Faculty Earn ACUE Microcredentials
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
41 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment. Teaching practices included focusing on leading the first day of class, promoting a civil learning environment, engaging underprepared students, helping students persist in their studies, embracing diversity in the classroom, checking for student understanding, and providing useful feedback.
Jesmin Akther
Valerie Belew
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Genevieve El Chaer
Jill Cooksey
Audrey Cross
Valencia Darnell
Christie Ferguson
Desiree Genter
David Gerth
Doug Godwin
Gail Harris
Mark Helm
Karen Kendrick
Gracie King
Robert Ladd
Robyn Lear
Leda Longwood
Devora Manier
Connie Mathews
Roslyn Mize
Cynthia Morgan
Jennifer Paulk
Harlan Pease
Nikki Pergram
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Karen Powers
Jessica Rabb
Anna Richards
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Piper Sesnan
Neely Ann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Maria Smith
Kathy Sorenson
Ruth Elizabeth Stein
Don Turner
Rhonda Watson
Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton
2 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Designing Student-Centered Courses. Teaching practices included establishing powerful learning outcomes; aligning assessments with course outcomes; aligning activities and assignments with course outcomes; developing fair, consistent, and transparent grading practices; developing and using rubrics and checklists; and preparing an effective syllabus.
Amy Bryant
Janusz Polanowski
35 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Promoting Active Learning. During the fall semester, these faculty have engaged in professional learning about creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, implemented inclusive and supportive practices in their courses, reflected on the impact of these practices, and planned for how to use these practices in their teaching moving forward. Teaching practices included developing effective class sessions and lectures, teaching powerful note-taking skills, using groups to ensure active learning, using the active learning cycle, planning effective class discussions, and facilitating engaging class discussions.
Valerie Belew
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Genevieve El Chaer
Jill Cooksey
Audrey Cross
Christie Ferguson
Desiree Genter
David Gerth
Doug Godwin
Mark Helm
Karen Kendrick
Gracie King
Robert Ladd
Robyn Lear
Devora Manier
Connie Mathews
Roslyn Mize
Cynthia Morgan
Jennifer Paulk
Harlan Pease
Nikki Pergram
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Karen Powers
Jessica Rabb
Anna Richards
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Neely Ann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Maria Smith
Kathy Sorenson
Ruth Elizabeth Stein
Rhonda Watson
Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton
2 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners. Teaching practices included motivating your students, providing clear directions and explanations, using concept maps and other visualization tools, using student achievement and feedback to improve teaching, using advanced questioning techniques, and developing self-directed learners.
Amy Bryant
Janusz Polanowski
Congratulations!
Staff Assembly Employee of the Month Award
by Renee Johnston, Chair for Staff Assembly, 2021-2022
Please join us in congratulating our Employee of the Month for November, Dumitru Marin.
Demi’s nominator had this to say about his service to the college:
We would like to nominate our NSCC HVAC Technician, Dumitru Marin, for this Award.
“Demi, is one of the most important people on the NSCC White Bridge Road and Southeast campuses. He has been part of our Facilities Management Department for over 7 years, he oversees keeping the buildings hot or cold. He is a Team player first as the stand-alone HVAC Tech, then with his crew members.
Demi, has not been late or sick, in years. He works through problems presented to him until he finds a solution then finishes his tasks. He has a very positive attitude; he volunteers for additional roles without being asked of him. He recently was instrumental in the repairs of HVAC systems at the Southeast campus and the S-Building on the White Bridge Road campus.
Demi, is very unassuming, he constantly raises his own bar to the next level of service for the NSCC campuses. He has long-standing relationships with faculty, staff, and peers since he has been here. He has good communications with everyone even when things are not going 100%.”
Demi, thank you for your efforts in maintaining a comfortable space for us to work and our students to learn. We appreciate you!!
Ask the Jolly Librarian (and Learn about College Resources)
by Faye Jones, Ph.D. Dean, Learning Resource Center
Dear Jolly Librarian:
Dear Jolly Librarian:
Once again, I am at the end of January with my yearly resolutions in total disarray. My workout/weight loss resolution failed when the cold and snow set in. (I needed all those potato chips to keep my spirits up!) I planned to learn a new skill; instead, I binge-watched Succession. And every day with snow and temperatures below freezing, I have been a total grump to one and all. Can you help?
Signed, Scrooge in January
Dear Scrooge,
The Jolly Librarian commiserates. Coming from the sunny South, she does not do well with snow and ice. And her Jolliness is always a little less jolly in January. However, she is sure she can help you. For one thing, it is important to remember that you can declare a new beginning at any time: February 1, March 1, April 22. Don’t get stymied by a date.
Furthermore, the Mayfield Library has a multitude of resources to help you out:
- Do you want to learn a new skill? Go to LinkedIn Learning. Whether you want to learn how to program in PYTHON or to stop overthinking, LinkedIn Learning has a course for you. To access LinkedIn Learning, log in MyNSCC. Scroll down the ‘Quick Picks’ on the righthand side of the screen.
- Maybe this is the year you want to focus on setting goals, but you prefer your learning in book form. No problem! Go to the library home page and search goal setting. Narrow your search to books, and there are 672 books (electronic and print) to help you on your way.
- Maybe this is the year you want to get healthy. Besides books, we have a great database, Health and Wellness Resource Center. There are both general and academic articles on exercise and nutrition as well as mental health topics, such as stress and depression. To find this database, click on the “Find Articles and Databases” link on the library homepage. Then choose ‘H.’
- Maybe your goal is to read more on a certain subject. Of course, the Mayfield Library has books for you. Come by or search the catalog. If you are not on the WBR campus, we can send books to you. If we don’t have the book you want, we can make an interlibrary loan request. Not sure what to read? Ask the staff for recommendations.
Making resolutions stick can be a hard job. However, finding resources to help with those resolutions is not. Just come by the library (either in person or online).
Nashville State Hires Joseph Johnson as Director of Workforce & Community Development
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
With more than 20 years’ experience in the field, Joseph P. Johnson has been hired as the executive director of the Workforce and Community Development.
“We have a great group of dedicated workforce professionals that are savvy and know how to create, connect, and grow programs that are critical to employers and beneficial to those who are, or will be, in the training programs,” said Dr. Carol Rothstein, vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development at Nashville State. “Joseph has a vast network that he will be working with and will be able to create a strategic plan to ensure Nashville State continues to be an important workforce solution partner in the Northern Middle Tennessee region.”
Johnson successfully served in various capacities within the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency since 1998, having served as the director of workforce services for the past 14 years. As the director, he oversaw an annual $25,000,000 budget.
“Davidson County and surrounding counties are at a critical juncture in time, with increased needs to train and recruit talent coming from existing and new industries,” said Johnson. “Nashville State is well-positioned to meet those needs, which led me to pursue the opportunity to lead the workforce development team. I am excited for what is to come.”
Johnson has an extensive background in securing funding from federal, state, local, and private sectors, culminating in more than $23,000,000. As workforce director, Johnson was responsible for program operations of 200 plus employees in American Job Centers within six Workforce Development Areas in Tennessee.
Johnson is a 2002 cum laude graduate of Cumberland University in Lebanon, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Nashville State’s Workforce and Community Development provides non-credit professional education. In conjunction with business and industry workforce demand in Middle TN, and the State of Tennessee Economic Community Development analysis, the department places particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing, computer information technology, and healthcare training and development. Professional training is not limited to these disciplines, but focuses on them to align with the bigger scope of the geographic region.
In addition, the Workforce and Community Development contributes to the statewide efforts in attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses and works with local economic community development entities to fill the workforce pipeline with talented professionals.
We Wrote a Book!
by Jessica Rabb, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
We wrote a book, a very short book. We are Emily Bush, Eric Morgan, Marla Perry, and me. The book is for NSCC 1010 First-Year Experience. It is only five chapters because the course is only five weeks. We need your help to revise the book and publish a second edition in time for summer and fall classes. The book, You’ve Got This! is online, as it is an open educational resource, and we are using it this term in NSCC 1010 classes. At the end of each chapter is a chance to provide feedback or you may email me directly.
We wrote this book because we have a TBR OER grant. (Note the 2022-23 TBR OER Grant application will open soon.) Honestly, if we had not had this grant, we probably would not have written the OER. My co-authors may not know this, but I am deadline-oriented, so if I had not had this grant, I would not have made them write chapters in November and December 2021 as the grant proposal meant we needed a book for our spring 2022 classes.
Now that we have the first edition done, the fun begins, to make sure we tailor it to be student-ready and support the priorities of Vision 2030 in the eyes of our students and colleagues.
We don’t expect that paging through the online book will magically make the first-year experience an easy one. Instead, we want students to have the knowledge, skills, and motivation to move past challenges they encounter during their journey.
We TILTed the book and chapters, trying to be transparent on the purpose, knowledge, and skills they would gain.
- You’ve Got This! Purpose
- A textbook designed specifically for new Nashville State students to help you find your path to college success.
- A textbook designed specifically for new Nashville State students to help you find your path to college success.
- You’ve Got This! Knowledge
- Get to know Nashville State’s degrees and the careers they prepare you for.
- Get to know the academic and well-being support resources available to you at Nashville State.
- Get to know your own personal motivation, career goals, and academic goals that will guide your time at Nashville State
- You’ve Got This! Skills
- Career Planning Skills
- Academic Planning Skills
- Study Skills
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Impress: On Your Mark Have you heard the saying you never get a second chance to make a first impression? Well, you never get a second chance to have a good first week of classes. In this chapter, we’ll go over the ways you can make your first week of classes make an impression on you and how you can impress everyone else.
Chapter 2: Value: Know Your Why In this chapter, we want you to explore you. Discover why college is important to you. As you read this chapter, ask yourself: Why am I at Nashville State?
Chapter 3: Persist: Enjoy the Journey Your college journey will be unique. From the first day of classes to graduation, no one will have the same journey as you. There may be hundreds of other students with the same major, but no two students start college with the same experiences and travel through college with the same priorities. How do you manage your time in this complex environment and reach graduation according to plan? You start by making plans: daily plans, weekly plans, and yearly plans.
Chapter 4: Grow: Become a Super Student A super student isn’t a perfect student, instead, a super student is one that believes they can always get better at being a student. In this chapter, we’ll go over the ways you can grow as a student by considering the best ways you can learn in college.
Chapter 5: Belong: Encourage Connections You are not alone at Nashville State. To realize your degree goals, you will need to work with college employees and students to build relationships that last beyond college. This chapter guides you through the supports that Nashville State offers and the steps you can take to have an experience that reinforces your purpose for being here.
Please take a look and provide feedback at the end of each chapter or email us directly.
The Student Success Center Welcomes Five New Advisors
by Justina Jones Rogers, ED.D., Director of Student Success Center/Nashville GRAD
Please welcome our new Success Advisors to Nashville State! Below are their bios.
Hi! I recently joined Nashville State as a Student Success Advisor. I am a native of Columbus Mississippi, where I completed my Bachelors of Science in Public Health Education and Human Science at the Mississippi University for Women and continued receiving a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of West Alabama. I started my career in case management, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and impaired motor skills. In furthering my career, I transitioned to being an advocate for young adults and adolescents with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. In transitioning to higher education, I worked in Career Services as a Career Specialist where I trained and formulated strategies for an array of students along with people in the community in presenting a positive image by providing help with resume writing, personal appearance, and interview techniques. Furthermore, I eventually transitioned to Student Services where I became an Enrollment/Recruitment Manager and I recruited students for admissions, participated in orientation for students, advise and guide students with necessary steps of enrollment and career choice, and visited local schools to recruit prospective students. My passion lies in motivating others and ensuring they succeed. I believe the most important aspect in advising students is my commitment to value their individuality and choices. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. My favorite quote is “Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of success”.
I’m Brent Smith and I’m originally from Houston, Texas. I proudly served in the United States Military for nine years and 11 months, with two of these years being in Iraq. After having the value of an education drilled into me from an early age, I graduated with a B.A and M.A in History. I began my career with Nashville State Community College in 2016 as an adjunct history instructor and am now proud to be a student success advisor.
Hi, I am Alissa Thacker a Student Success Advisor for NSCC’s Clarksville campus. I am a 2018 graduate of Nashville State Community College, where I earned an Associate of Arts in English and an Associate of Science in Sociology. In 2021, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy & Religion. I am now pursuing a Master of Arts in English with a Linguistics concentration at APSU. I began my career at Nashville State Community College – Clarksville Campus in 2018. There, I worked as a Technical Clerk in the Admissions department before accepting a position as a Student Success Advisor in January 2022.
Hi, I am Raúl. I was born and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico, and attended the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao for my undergraduate studies. I moved to Nashville in 2008 to pursue graduate studies in Physics at Vanderbilt University, obtaining an M.A. After graduate school, I worked in the service and entertainment industry at Red Door Saloon in Nashville, working in every position in the bar/restaurant finding a home with my fellow employees and a broad range of individuals and groups. With the desire to return to the academic community and assist others in need of guidance in their academic and career goals, I joined Nashville State Community College as a Student Success Advisor in late December 2021. As a former student, community college instructor, graduate teaching assistant, graduate research assistant, and service industry professional, I wish to combine the skills developed in these areas to help students realize their intrinsic worth and their own potential, and help them change and advance their own lives. On my time off, enjoy going for long walks, listening to progressive rock music, and watching TV shows.
Hi, I am Nejib Adem a Student Success Advisor at NSCC’s Southeast campus. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations and Master of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in Security and Peace Studies from Middle Tennessee State University. Before joining Nashville State Community College, I was a Department of Justice Accredited Immigration Specialist with Catholic Charities of Tennessee, where I helped immigrants and refugees navigate the complexities of the immigration system. My passion is supporting cross-cultural understanding and serving as a resource for students at all stages of their success journeys. In my spare time, I love reading, writing short stories, and researching issues related to African and Middle Eastern politics, forced migration, refugees, and asylum seekers. I am thrilled to join Nashville State Community College as a member of the advising team and I am eager to make a lasting impact on our students.
Maintenance and Operations Department Report
by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Operations & Facilities
Now in the “New Year”, NSCC continues the move forward on several major projects for our campuses.
Current Projects:
- Clarksville LED – Camera Project: TBR to bid in this month
- Dickson: Storm damage, landlord has under repair
- East Davidson: Tree trimming – completing
- North Davidson Campus:
- TSD active
- Facilities SSC cleaning
- HOAR Punch still underway
- South East:
- TBR Chiller Project going to bid this month
- Refurbishment Project Scope being reviewed by TBR
- Tree trimming – completing
- Waverly:
- Flooring being installed to be complete in 10 days
- FEMA documentation turned in
- Lab case goods and cabinetry final measurements – completed
- White Bridge Road:
- Tree trimming – completing
- H – Building Medical Buildout, construction meetings being scheduled
- LED Lighting Project for the W – S – K Buildings bid this month
- Final Signage Proposal finalized
These projects are all intended on enhancing the Campuses Learning Environments.
Our Teams take pride in delivering results for NSCC.
Student Success Following Graduation From NSCC
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Ilse Martinez Finds Success at Nashville State, Continues Journey at MTSU
Ilse Martinez felt uncomfortable while thinking about a higher education journey. However, the first-gen student and 2019 Antioch High School graduate decided to pursue school with confidence after Nashville GRAD, a program provided to Davidson County residents pursuing a full-time education at Nashville State, “helped spark a sense of hope and belonging.”
“After talking with multiple faculty, I knew Nashville State could offer me the transition I needed in ensuring my road to success.”
While at Nashville State, Martinez excelled. She just earned an Associate of Science in Computer Science, TN Transfer Pathway, and made the President’s List for the Fall 2021 semester.
For her efforts, Ilse received an MTSU Blue Raider Scholarship for the Spring 2022 semester. She will be working towards a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with a focus on UX/UI design.
Martinez views tech through an artistic lens. “I want to let my creative touch shine… To offer different perspectives that can change the way programmers and engineers see how they interact with their environment.”
“I want to gain knowledge and see first-hand how creativity can be infused with technology.”
To help increase the number of women in the industry, Martinez “wishes to share the knowledge I have learned with other girls, who just like me, have an interest in technology.”
Nashville State Alum Named Associate at Powerhouse Law Firm
Ramon J. Ryan was recently named an associate at Bass, Berry & Sims. Ryan joins the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.
Ryan decided to return to college to finish his undergraduate degree with the plan of eventually attending law school.
“Being nervous about returning to school as a working adult, I wanted the flexibility to do some coursework online, along with the ability to take certain classes in person that felt out of my comfort zone,” he said.
In discussing his experience, Ryan, who earned an Associate of Science in History, said, “While I came for the flexibility, I stayed for the quality of the education. I can honestly say that I was as challenged in some of my Nashville State courses as I was at Vanderbilt Law. And some of my favorite professors from my entire educational experience are at Nashville State.”
While at Nashville State, he was being advised by MTSU regarding coursework. After graduation, the transfer to the four-year university in Murfreesboro was “fairly seamless.”
From MTSU, Ryan was accepted to Vanderbilt Law School. While at Vanderbilt, Ryan served as editor-in-chief of the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, served as the law student liaison to the American Bar Association Section of Public Contract Law and interned with the state of Tennessee’s Central Procurement Office. Upon graduating from Vanderbilt, Ryan was one of 16 law school graduates named to the 2021 Law Program of the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics.
In his role at Bass, Berry & Sims, Ryan will be representing clients in complex business litigation as well as advising in response to government investigations and related civil and criminal proceedings.
Committee on Committees Update
by Donna Whitehouse, Associate Professor, OTA Program Coordinator, NSCC Achieving the Dream Project Manager,
Office of the President
All meeting minutes from the President’s Cabinet from July 2019 to the present have been uploaded to the COC Sharepoint Site. You can find these minutes on the site by navigating through the “documents” link to the Presidents Cabinet folder.
As a reminder:
The Committee on Committees is pleased to share with the Nashville State community the college-wide committee information is now accessible for all.
- To review how to access committee information – agendas, minutes, rosters, and goals – watch this video: https://youtu.be/ug0KjKMyvIA
- To learn more about the expectations for each committee and chair/secretary responsibilities watch this video: https://nscc-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/I3PqEZ7H4MSf2DdEQlpfmerz0UevjDg_wfy3-epw8-zI8kdEkYLv4Qxs6xbp7v4C.DtD5PyEv4-vkFw00?startTime=1629899350000
If you are interested in learning more about Roberts Rules of Order, watch this video by the Teaching Center: https://nscc-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/aDMAEhHUKFC9i5uZ7YFVyDzlaoFcId0dJXHmjWnec9S86p3m54ybW6WWulEkWzyj.fFwC_oH9JlRKyup4
We’ve had lots of people asking for the link to the spring Convocation video, so here it is again:
Enjoy!
Nashville Flex offers New Supports for Part-Time
Students in Davidson County
by Lindsay Hager, Student Success Advisor
After being awarded the Kresge Foundation’s nationally competitive College Promise 2.0 Grant, the Tennessee College Access and Success Network has partnered with Nashville State to provide extra support for part-time students at NSCC. Designed to mirror the Nashville GRAD program, Nashville Flex will provide textbook stipends, transportation and grocery support through monthly gift cards, and academic and success coaching for Davidson County students enrolled in less than full-time status. The program is serving up to 20 students as a part of the pilot this spring with a full cohort of 60 students in the Fall 2022 semester.
Human Resources News
by Janet Dennis, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources
| New Hires | |||||
| 01/19/2022 | Hong | Wan | Lab Assistant | Southeast Campus | |
| 01/19/2022 | Samuel | Stringfellow | Help Desk Support Technician | Technology Services | |
| 01/19/2022 | Franklin (Lee) | Mooneyhan | Accounts Payable Associate | Accounting & Finance | |
| 01/04/2022 | Kimberly | Malone-Haddox | Associate Dean/Director North Davidson Campus | Extended Campuses | |
| 01/04/2022 | Jeralyn | Butler | Student Success Advisor | Student Success Center/ Nash GRAD | |
| 01/04/2022 | Alissa | Thacker | Student Success Advisor | Student Success Center/ Nash GRAD | |
| 01/04/2022 | Amanda | Emerick | Instructor Mathematics | Clarksville Campus | |
| 01/04/2022 | Eric | Walker | Central Plant Supervisor | Operations |
| Separations | ||||
| 01/21/2022 | Michelle | Nelson | Director of Testing | Testing Center |
| 01/14/2022 | Christopher | Morris | Police Officer | Police & Security Services |
| 01/05/2022 | Phyllis | Gobbell | Associate Professor | English, Humanities and Creative Technologies |
| 01/04/2022 | Mark | Morey | Maintenance Worker | Operations |
| 01/01/2022 | Richard | Wall | Assistant Director | Technology Services |
