March 2022 Volume 5 Issue 8

Update from the President

by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson

,

Greetings,

It is March Madness not just for the basketball fans but for Nashville State!  The special time of year when we are encouraging continuing students to connect with their advisors, helping applied students prepare to register, and making sure students graduating have everything ready for Commencement in May.  This time reminds us that we are a bridge to opportunity for our students but we must remember access to education is not enough. Our Vision 2030: A Student Ready College calls for us to keep Nashville State’s focus on getting students to and through their educational programs, successfully prepared for transfer or the workforce.

Not all of us have student-facing positions at the college but each of us adds value and contributes towards the college’s success.  This is what our third LEADS Core Value represents. Accountability: We are accountable for individual excellence, continuous improvement, and prioritizing resources to achieve the vision and mission of our college. How well you excel in your individual role impacts the effectiveness of your department and areas across the college.  You matter!  Nashville State needs you to embed accountability in your work each day to keep the college Moving Forward.

I know the last two years have required all of us to rethink how we do our best work and how we work with one another. There are many examples of how individuals and teams are living out our Core Value of Accountability and driving positive change and innovation.  I encourage you to share how you are modeling this Core Value and other great things happening by sending me a personal email or using the Good New Submission Form.

Below are a few updates from the Office of the President

Campus Updates – We will be celebrating the completion of the North Davidson campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on April 19. Everyone is invited to attend either event. The ribbon-cutting ceremony from 9-10 am will have remarks by Mayor John Cooper, Chancellor Flora Tydings, other elected officials, and guests. Due to limited space, we ask you to RSVP  for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Immediately following until 7 pm is a come and go Open House for all employees and the public. 

The Humphreys County Campus renovation is not complete, but we are excited to share that the Welcome Center is now open to provide services to students.  We anticipate the funding for the Clarksville Campus expansion will soon be approved by the state.  Our expansion plans include adding a new cohort of Nursing and other programs that are aligned to the needs of the area.  It is estimated that the renovation and construction of a new building would be completed by 2025.

A renovation to the H-Building at White Bridge is in the early stages of planning.  The goal is to consolidate our existing Healthcare Professions programs into one building and allow for the expansion with new programs. An architect has been hired to identify how we can best utilize existing space.

Commencement – We are preparing for our first in-person Commencement since 2019. The ceremony will take place at Lipscomb University on May 10 at 6 pm.  We believe this new venue will best serve our students and families on their special day.  I want to personally thank Evelyn Hadley for leading the team that researched and visited several venues during the fall semester for recommending this change. Dr. Candace McQueen, Lipscomb’s new President, will serve as our 58th Commencement speaker.

Support – Please remember EAP services are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information.  In addition, the United Way of Greater Nashville provides free financial counseling. You can make an appointment by calling 615-748-3620.

Nashville State, we have a bold vision in front of us to eliminate inequities in educational attainment and economic mobility in the communities we serve.  The complexity of our service area and the challenges our students face are why our Core Value Accountability is critical.  We must continue to grow and strive towards excellence individually and collaboratively.  Our work matters, it is for a purpose greater than ourselves.  We are the difference makers, and I am grateful to be on this journey with such an amazing group of people.

NSCC Graduate Receives Teacher of the Year Award!

by Dallas (Beard) Hudgins, Teacher, Bon Aqua Childcare Center

I attended NSCC 2018-2020 and here is my story.

Teacher of the Year Award

My supervisors Gary & Selena Harris started the “Teacher of the Year” award about five years ago. This award has shown the teachers at the childcare center that they are seen for the hard work and dedication it takes to be a teacher. The award takes place every year around Christmas and is announced at the staff dinner. The award includes A weekend trip to Gatlinburg, a dinner show in Pigeon Forge, two paid days off, a hundred dollars, and a plaque.

How I Accomplished My Goals

I have been working with Bon Aqua Childcare since 2017 when I was a junior in high school. I have worked in many positions such as substitute, floater, school-age teacher, part-time Pre-K teacher, and now a full-time Pre-K teacher. The opportunity for full-time was finally available after I graduated from Nashville State. I began my full-time position in January 2021 and have grown as a teacher ever since.

My start as a full-time teacher was a challenging experience. My co-teacher had a better opportunity and left, which started the seemingly never-ending process of replacing her position. I had a total of seven different co-teachers that year. It was difficult to get the children used to a new teacher every few weeks and also difficult for me to train these teachers while dealing with behaviors, lesson plans, activities, etc.

The challenges I faced through 2021 have helped me grow as a teacher by learning how to cope with bumps in the road but still providing a safe and caring learning experience for all my children. I feel more confident in the job I do now and I am excited for the many more years to come with Bon Aqua Childcare.

What Does This Award Mean to Me?

When it was announced at our staff dinner that I won the Teacher of the Year award, I was ecstatic. It was one of the best days of my life. That day, I knew that through my mistakes and challenges, I had been seen for the hard work and patience I put into my job every day.

How Did NSCC Help Me Achieve My Success?

During my two years at Nashville State, I had taken five or more education classes that helped me to gain knowledge towards my goal of being a Pre-K teacher. One of my favorite aspects of the class was having the opportunity to observe different age groups/grades and experience the environment they created. It was an amazing learning experience to see the class in action and how the teachers interacted with the students.  I wasn’t so sure on what grade I really wanted to teach, but during my observations, I was able to make the decision of sticking with Pre-K.

Nashville State also made me think more deeply about how I wanted to pursue my education in Early Childhood. Did I want to continue to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and work in a public school setting or continue in childcare where I was comfortable? This was very hard for me to decide because I found pros and cons in both. While observing and learning more and more about the teaching environments through class, I realized that childcare was the way for me.

Without Nashville State, I wouldn’t have been able to make these life-changing decisions. My choice to stick with Bon Aqua Childcare has proved to be one of the best decisions I have made and now I have the plaque to prove it!

Update on Me

I have been working at Bon Aqua Childcare for almost five years. I have always been a part-time teacher until I graduated from NSCC. I have been a full-time Pre-K teacher there for a year and plan to teach there for many more years to come.

Since Graduation, I have married the love of my life on October 9th, 2021. It was a beautiful ceremony where lots of love was spread. I currently have no plans on returning to college to begin a Bachelor’s Degree, but I do plan on still furthering my knowledge on early education through training.

I am very grateful to have this opportunity to share my story with NSCC. Thank you!

Save the Date: Spring Fest 2022

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

 

Spring Fest will be happening on the following dates at our Nashville State Campuses. Join us as we celebrate the end of a successful semester and welcome warmer weather!

April 13th– Tabling & Activities at Southeast Campus

April 27th & 28th – Tabling & Activities at White Bridge, Clarksville, Dickson & Humphreys County

April 29th – Screen on the Green:  Spider-Man: No way Home, White Bridge Campus Quad

All Campuses and Nashville State Community, and their families welcome!

I’ll be following up soon with more details and logistics, as well as confirming participation with our student organizations, offices, and campus partners. If you would like to participate in some form, please let me know! Kelsey.johansen@nscc.edu

Photo of Tom Hayden, VP Marketing

NSCC Business Programs Earn 10-year Reaccreditation and Initial Accreditation

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

Programs in the Business, Management, and Hospitality Division recently received reaccreditation and accreditation. 

Four associate of applied science degree programs have been granted 10-year accreditations while another associate of applied science program was granted initial accreditation. The certifications come from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners. 

Accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business degrees and programs offered through Nashville State Community College meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.  

“This accreditation demonstrates Nashville State business faculty members’ dedication and commitment to student success by providing high-quality programs,” said Karen Stevenson, dean of the Business, Management, and Hospitality Division. “Our graduates have entered their profession and made successful careers. I have no doubt that current and future students will be doing the same and can take comfort knowing they are getting the education they need and deserve.”   

Based on the Baldridge Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, ACBSP accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether the business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement. 

“Nashville State Community College has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer Dr. Steve Parscale. “This reaffirmation of accreditation is evidence that they are committed to maintaining the highest quality business education for their students for the next 10 years, just as they have done since 2001.” 

Nashville State Business programs receiving 10-year reaccreditation: 

  • Accounting A.A.S. 
  • Administrative Professional Technology A.A.S. 
  • Business A.A.S. 
    • Entrepreneurship 
    • Logistics 
    • Management  
    • Marketing and Retailing  
  • Healthcare Management A.A.S. 
    • Medical Coding 
    • Medical Management 

Nashville State Business program receiving initial accreditation: 

  • Hospitality Management A.A.S. 
    • Food and Beverage Management
    • Hotel Management

With more than 30 years of promoting excellence in global business program accreditation, ACBSP was the first organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. 

NSCC Faculty Earn ACUE Microcredentials

by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center

42 NSCC faculty have earned the ACUE Microcredential in Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment.  Teaching practices included focusing on leading the first day of class, promoting a civil learning environment, engaging underprepared students, helping students persist in their studies, embracing diversity in the classroom, checking for student understanding, and providing useful feedback.

Jesmin Akther
Valerie Belew
Amy Bryant
Kurstin Bush
Genevieve El Chaer
Jay Chambers
Jill Cooksey
Audrey Cross
Valencia Darnell
Christie Ferguson
Desiree Genter
David Gerth
Doug Godwin
Gail Harris
Mark Helm
Karen Kendrick
Gracie King
Robert Ladd
Robyn Lear
Leda Longwood
Devora Manier
Connie Mathews

Roslyn Mize
Cynthia Morgan
Jennifer Paulk
Harlan Pease
Nikki Pergram
Marla Perry
Janusz Polanowski
Karen Powers
Jessica Rabb
Anna Richards
Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Piper Sesnan
Neely Ann Sheucraft
Yvonne Simerman
Maria Smith
Kathy Sorenson
Ruth Elizabeth Stein
Don Turner
Rhonda Watson
Mary Elizabeth Wilson-Patton

Congratulations!

Jay Chambers, Christie Ferguson, Mark Helm, Marla Perry, Janusz Polanowski, Elizabeth Schoenfeld, Piper Sesnan, and Amy Bryant recently earned a nationally recognized teaching credential through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). 

They have earned the Certificate in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education.  They have demonstrated their commitment to teaching excellence and to ensuring that our students receive the best education possible by completing ACUE’s rigorous, 25-module course in Effective Teaching Practices.

This course required them to implement evidence-based teaching practices in their classes. These teaching practices are proven to help students learn more, stay engaged, and graduate in higher numbers, as well as close equity gaps.

Congratulations!

Edible Books Festival

by Emily Bush, Instruction Librarian, The Mayfield Library

Wheredyougo

The Mayfield Library will host the 5th Annual Edible Books Festival on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Celebrate with us in person on the White Bridge Road campus or submit your entry virtually. Edible Books celebrates all things literary and edible. Serve up your favorite literary-themed cake or create a literary pun – Silence of the Yams, anyone?

If you’d like to display your entry in the Mayfield Library, bring it by April 5 before 11 am. If you can’t make it to the library post a picture to our Edible Books Padlet.

Visit the Edible Books website to browse last year’s entries at: https://nscc.libguides.com/ediblebook

Not sure what an edible book is? Anything edible with a literary theme is game! Let your creative juices run wild. You can seek inspiration at the International Edible Book website.

Dr. Jessica Rabb, Headshot

Advising Trivia Time

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

The Assembly Chairs, Katrina, Renee, and I host weekly virtual Tea Time and Trivia breaks (see schedule below). We ask trivia questions from the categories: TV and Film, Slang and Slogans, Pop Culture, Music, and Headlines. We ask questions related to different generations from Boomer to Gen Z. In the academic year, we are currently in advising time.

Are you ready for Advising Trivia? 

  • Advising Headlines: REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER AND FALL STARTS __________ 
  • Advising Slogans: What is the slogan of the college’s First Year Experience QEP? 
  • Advising Music to my Ears: How many Student Success Advisors do we currently have? 
  • Advising Videos: How many “How to Get Started” videos were recently released on the Nashville State YouTube channel? https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQX6RMT8AG9BH9GdKT_F_8Vjh7S1tUO7l  
  • Advising Culture: While we want to lower barriers and increase access for our students in multiple ways, ultimately, personal connections can make the biggest impact. So, always encourage students to meet with their ___________.  

The Assembly Chairs’ Tea Time and Trivia: 15-minute week-day virtual breaks with real prizes and real laughs. Mark your calendars.  

  • Friday, March 18 11:15am-11:30am 
  • Thursday, March 24 11:15am-11:30am 
  • Thursday, March 31 11:15am-11:30am 
  • Thursday, April 7 11:15am-11:30am 
  • Friday, April 22 11:15am-11:30am 
  • Thursday, April 28 11:15am-11:30am 

Zoom Link  

https://nscc-edu.zoom.us/j/83513218201?pwd=WkVjS2FtVE9Hcnh6bVovZlpWRE4vQT09

Advising Trivia Answers to above questions: 

  • Advising Headlines: Monday, April 4 
  • Advising Slogans: On Your Mark 
  • Advising Music to my Ears: A Baker’s Dozen: 12 and Success Center Director Dr. Justina Rogers. 12 Success Advisors are Nejib Adem, Jeralyn Butler, Raul Colon Moreno, Fred Frazier, Lindsay Hager, Jared Irvine, Dawne Moore, Eric Morgan, DeAndrea Patterson, Maegan Puzas, Brent Smith, Alissa Thacker  
  • Advising Videos: 7, Thanks Creative Services! 
  • Advising Culture: Advisor
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Humphreys County Campus Expands Offering to Waverly Central High School

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

To create more pathways into a good-paying job or to continue education after graduating, Nashville State Community College Humphreys County campus is now offering Waverly Central High School students a new dual enrollment opportunity.

Much like at McEwen High School, students can earn college credit while still in high school, with a particular focus on Industrial Process Control Technology.    

Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn an industry-recognized certificate, college degree, or college credits, while at the same time working towards their diploma.

“We want our local students to get ahead so they are prepared to start working in a high-demand, well-paying industry, or so they can continue their studies after high school,” said Nashville State Humphreys County campus Director, Kim Zills. “We value this partnership with Waverly Central and remain committed to providing quality training in this field and all classes offered through our Humphreys County campus.”

This arrangement will impact eligible junior and senior students seeking entry-level employment in the high workforce need area of advanced manufacturing. Because of the nature of the industry, courses will be delivered through traditional face-to-face training.

“Offering the IPCT program to juniors and seniors gives our students a jump-start on obtaining high-skilled, high-wage, and high-demand job opportunities not only in our area but throughout the U.S.,” said Humphreys County School System CTE Director Lori W. Dell. “Students need to take advantage of what is being offered to them.”

Instruction for the certificate program will be conducted in a designated classroom, computer lab, and shop space at Waverly Central.

In commenting about the new program at Waverly Central, Principal Shawn Stookey said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Nashville State in providing a concrete pathway for our students to a good-paying career that is in high-demand.”

“This is a great opportunity for our local students as well as providing support for our local industry,” said Danny Sensing, program coordinator, Nashville State Industrial Process Control Technology. “Nashville State is proud to call Humphreys County home.”

Nashville State’s IPCT program is accredited through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). It is designed to train technically skilled students in the trade crafts such as Welding, Electrical, Instrumentation, Programmable Logic Control, Pipefitting, and Millwright.

Nearly every industry needs process control technicians and maintenance technicians including chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, power generation, pulp and paper, refining, and wastewater treatment.

The 2020 median pay for an industrial technician is $57,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Interested in learning more about this, please call Danny Sensing at 931-296-1739, or email danny.sensing@nscc.edu. For additional questions or information about Nashville State, please call 931-296-1739, or email humphreyscounty@nscc.edu.

Photo of Tom Hayden, VP Marketing

Alumni Profile: Payam Sharif

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

Payam Sharif

Payam Sharif loves to cook, travel, edit video, and spend time with family and friends. Another passion is continued learning.

The Cane Ridge High School graduate and member of the National Honors Society, applied to and was accepted into several local 4-year universities, “but being the first in my family to attend college honestly really intimidated me.”

“I wanted a comfortable transition to college without feeling so overwhelmed. I can confidently say that Nashville State was a great start of my professional and personal development. I noticed that with small class sizes, I was able to connect with the wonderful professors that I still have connections with today.”

Being a first-generation student, “I learned to be confident and realized that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to put in your best and the rest follows.”

When thinking back on favorite memories at Nashville State, Payam remarked, “I will never forget the positive energy and passion Professor [Brian] Curtis brought to class about literature. It is very inspiring seeing someone so passionate in their career which made me realize how much importance or impact it brings to everyone else.”

Using the TN Promise scholarship, “which saved me from burdens of student loan debt,” Payam graduated in 2018, with an Associate of Science, Business Administration, earning magna cum laude and dean’s list.

She transferred to MTSU, where she made the dean’s list and graduated magna cum laude in 2020, with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing minor. While in school, she was part of the International Business Honors Society and Kurdish Professionals.

Payam recently started a new job at Whitehardt, Inc., a niche national agency specializing in marketing for law firms, as the intake services coordinator with a focus on sales and lead generation.

“Nashville State’s diversity helped prepare me for my career, because of interaction with other students from different countries, it helped me gain an understanding of communication and teamwork. I have found soft-skills are needed if you want to excel in your career.”

In expressing feelings about her journey, Payam said, “There were times where I felt like giving up or felt lost even. I am so appreciative that I did not because it made me who I am today. If it wasn’t for my experiences, I would never have been so resilient, self-motivated, and understanding.”

Photo of Tom Hayden, VP Marketing

NSCC Partners with Amazon Web Services

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

At a press conference on Nashville State Community College’s White Bridge campus, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced a collaborative effort to train, upskill, and certify 5,000 Tennesseans in cloud computing by 2025. Through this statewide initiative, technical training and education mapped to in-demand skills will be available from participating public community and technical colleges across Tennessee.

TBR will work with the AWS Academy program to provide the colleges with no-cost, ready-to-teach, cloud computing curricula that prepares students for industry-recognized AWS Certifications and in-demand cloud-related jobs. Educators at participating institutions will have access to instructor training and a limited number of AWS Certification exams at no cost as they qualify to become AWS Academy accredited educators. Students can also access self-paced online training courses and labs from AWS.

“Nashville State is in the epicenter of the growing tech sector in Tennessee,” said Nashville State Community College President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “We are ready to educate and prepare generations of Tennesseans in cloud computing systems. The College and our statewide system are appreciative of AWS investment and strategic partnership.”

“The future is now with cloud computing, and this initiative will enable Tennesseans to learn the skills they need for new careers in this field or to better perform in their existing information technology work,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Although AWS is providing much of the resources for this initiative, the program’s graduates will be able to work anywhere cloud computing skills are in demand. We’re grateful to AWS for this generous support.”

“THEC is proud to support increased access to high quality industry certifications that can not only help students get in-demand jobs, but also aid in their pursuits of higher education credentials,” said Dr. Emily House, Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Commission. “This collaboration between AWS and TBR is vital to building a strong workforce in Tennessee, and many students across the state will benefit from this work.”

AWS education programs will be offered initially at 12 Tennessee community colleges and 15 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology spanning the state. Some of the colleges will build entirely new cloud computing programs, and others will incorporate cloud-computing skills into existing Information Technology courses. Some colleges will also work with TBR’s Tennessee eCampus to offer the courses online, and additional TBR colleges are expected to offer the programs at a later time.

According to The American Upskilling Study: Empowering Workers for the Jobs of Tomorrow conducted by Gallup, 58% of workers in Tennessee are highly interested in upskilling. For individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, cloud computing skills training offers an opportunity for workers to reskill and re-enter the workforce.

“We are excited to see Tennessee’s burgeoning tech sector across the state and right here in Nashville,” said Kim Majerus, Vice President, US Education, State and Local Government at AWS. “With an Amazon corporate office in Nashville serving as a Center of Operational Excellence, our collaboration with TBR will help prepare learners to pursue tech jobs at our company and with local organizations. We are committed to working with employers in the state of Tennessee to bolster their technical talent pipeline, so they can continue to innovate in the state.”

To learn more about the AWS Academy program which is available to Tennessee schools, please visit here.

To learn more about TBR’s role in this new collaboration and participating colleges, visit https://www.tbr.edu/academics/tbr-amazon-web-services-aws-certification-partnership

Access Allows Our Amazing Students To Shine

by Katrina Dubree, Director, Access Center

I want to take a moment to brag on a new student at Nashville State.  

Nick Stover (they/their) will be joining Nashville State for the summer term. They reside in Murfreesboro, TN and have a passion to study history. Nick also happens to be a person with vison barriers and is a screen reader user. 

In preparation for the upcoming semester, they signed up to take the Accuplacer exam. Nick partnered with the Access Center and members of the White Bridge Road Testing team to make a plan. We talked through space arrangements, alternative scrap paper options, setting up assistive technology, what to do if there were issues during the exam, etc. The goal was to ensure Nick had the best experience possible as well as equal access to the testing experience. We did run into accessibility issues but with our partnership and planning we were able to tackle those issues once they arose (thank you Heath Ziebell, Nikki Nichols, Karen Goodman, and Anne Pouliot!).  

I am proud to report that Nick did fantastic on the Accuplacer (even getting the highest possible score in Reading!). They shared that it was a very positive experience and they felt supported. We are all looking forward to a great summer term!

Special thanks also to the Southeast campus team (Jamaica Hines, Andie Regg, and Hurahman Hussain), Brad Hyde, and the White Bridge Road Testing Center team for your partnership and support.  

This is what it’s all about. We have stellar students. Sometimes access is all that is needed to let our students shine.

Online Learning Spring 2022 Newsletter

by Anna Young, Instructional Designer, Office of Online Learning

The Office of Online Learning announces the introduction of a new, quarterly newsletter dedicated to NS Online and D2L.  

Our first Spring Update can be found on the Online Learning Faculty website. Going forward, we hope to bring you regular updates on D2L happenings, known troubleshooting issues, and information about faculty resources. Have something you want to see in an upcoming issue? Let us know at online.learning@nscc.edu 


Chris Sauders Headshot

Maintenance and Operations Department Report

by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Operations & Facilities

The Facilities Management Team’s focus is to proactively support NSCC’s (7) campuses: Dickson, Clarksville, East Davidson, North Davidson, South East, Waverly, and White Bridge Road.

Our team over the last 60 days has experienced some significant staffing changes: Mark Morey- WBR – retired, Ronald Turner – Southeast – left NSCC, and Mike Dismore – Electrician is now covering Madison and Southeast. With this spring’s extravaganzas i.e. Graduation, Tennessee Flavors, Grand Opening for North Davidson, and the other events scheduled by Evelyn Hadley, Director of Special Projects and Kelsey Johansen, Director of Student Life, our team’s plate is full.

February’s Major Projects: 

  • Clarksville: LED and Camera Project – Bidding – MARCH  
  • North Davidson: HOAR (General Contractor) and NSCC TSD, Janitorial, and Facilities Management working Security Punch Lists – UNDERWAY 
  • Southeast: 
    • Permanent Chiller via TBR Bidding – Awarded – 12 weeks+ – UNDERWAY 
    • Upgrade Project TBR Consultant meetings – UNDERWAY
  • WAVERLY: 
    • Flooring complete, Lab Case Goods pending – UNDERWAY  
    • FEMA Flood Damage Documentation – SUBMITTED 
  • White Bridge Road: 
    • LED Lighting Project Bidding – MARCH 
    • H – Building Medical Conversion – TBR Meetings – UNDERWAY 
    • Welcome Center – Signage – UNDERWAY

We appreciate the Faculty; Staffs support to help us provide access to their Campuses to perform the required Building Services for our Students.

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Nashville State Was a Bridge to a Four-Year Degree

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

The CEO of the Nashville Business Incubation Center says she would not be where she is today if it were not for Nashville State Community College.

Raised by a single mother, Angela Crane-Jones knew in high school that her ultimate goal was to graduate from a four-year school, but she had limited means to accomplish this and didn’t want to go into debt.

After graduating from John Overton High School, she briefly attended an out-of-state institution but ran into a few barriers, which precipitated a move back to Nashville. It was upon her return home when she enrolled at then Nashville State Tech. With several classes and college credits under her belt, she transferred to Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision.

“I wouldn’t be where I am, if it weren’t for Nashville State,” Crane-Jones said. “Whether I am mentoring high school students or adults, I always recommend the College as a great, viable option. To reach my personal education goal, Nashville State was a bridge.”

Crane-Jones’ niece is a student at the Southeast campus in Antioch.

Angela Crane-Jones

In her role as CEO, Crane-Jones excels at helping entrepreneurs accelerate the development and growth of their enterprise at the Nashville Business Incubation Center. Under her leadership, she developed a five-year, academic-based entrepreneurship curriculum to help guide small businesses through four growth stages with assignments, samples, and milestones. Collectively, these client companies created 222 new jobs, generated over $70.2 million in sales, and witnessed a 48 percent total sales increase upon completion of the five-year program.

Prior to joining NBIC, Crane-Jones was the owner and operator of two Dairy Queen Franchise locations.  She serves on the board of the Nashville Farmers Market, International Business Innovation Association, March of Dimes, and Nashville Cable.

General Studies Graduate Earns MTSU Blue Raider Scholarship

Ayline Carachur-Delgado

Ayline Carachure-Delgado, who earned an Associate of Science in General Studies, University Parallel, is the latest graduate to receive an MTSU Blue Raider Scholarship. She is also applying for a transfer scholarship. Ayline plans to enroll for the fall semester and study Interior Design.

She chose Nashville State “because it was affordable and I was unsure what path I wanted to pursue my bachelor’s degree.”

At Nashville State, you can start here and go anywhere.

Jennifer Byrd Elected President of Tennessee Association of Financial Aid Administrators

Jennifer Byrd

Nashville State Financial Aid Director Jennifer Byrd was named president-elect (2023-24) of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

As president, Jennifer will serve as the CEO of the Association, preside over meetings, and serve as the Association rep on the regional board.

Congratulations Jennifer!

Nashville State Visual Communications Students Win ADDY Awards Again!

by Emily Naff, Associate Professor of Photography

NSCC Visual Communications faculty are proud to announce that NSCC students were awarded five ADDY awards in four different categories. The mission of this competition, sponsored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. The Nashville student ADDY competition is one of the most competitive in the nation, with hundreds of entries from colleges and universities in Middle Tennessee. 

Nashville State’s award-winning students:  

  • Mari Davis (Graphic Design A.A.S.)
    Gold – Product Promotion for Matches
    Silver – Product Promotion for Cha Cha Cha
  • Pearl Lomax (Graphic Design A.A.S.)
    Silver – Collateral Material, Stationary Package for Pearl Lomax Identity 
      
  • Chelsea Griffith (Graphic Design A.A.S.)
    Silver – Collateral Material, Printed Annual Report or Brochure for Outline 
      
  • Tasha Powers (Photography A.A.S.)
    Gold – Color Photography Campaign for Flowers

We are grateful to the NSCC Foundation for supporting our student entries through a generous grant. For more information about the competition and to see work of past winners, visit this link. https://express.adobe.com/page/4FoQdA41pnxPq/

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For Whites Creek High School Student Yvonne Busane, The Sky is the Limit

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

We celebrate Yvonne Busane, a Whites Creek High School senior.

While in high school, Yvonne has taken several dual enrollment classes where she has been earning college credit and getting ahead.

In addition to her studies, Yvonne has been active in the student government association and serves as a peer mentor to Early College students. In short, Early College provides a clear pathway for students to earn their diploma and an associate degree while still in high school.

NewsChannel 5 School Patrol Spotlight on Yvonne: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/education/school-patrol/school-patrol-accomplished-high-school-senior-helps-classmates-succeed

After graduation, with the college credits she has earned, Yvonne plans to attend TSU.

 Human Resources News

by Janet Dennis, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources

New Hire:
3/15/22Aaron BradleyMultimedia SpecialistTSD
3/1/2022 Tracy EavesSecurity GuardPolice and Security Services – Southeast Campus
3/1/2022William MatsunagaPolice SergeantPolice and Security Services
Separations:
3/14/2022Yasmine FakharStudent Success AdvisorStudent Success Center
3/4/2022Jayde RoyaltyStudent Services Specialist IIDickson Campus
2/25/2022Heather RippetoeInstructional Design SpecialistOnline Learning

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