Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings Fellow Falcons,
It is exciting to see the transformation from being a “college-ready” institution to one that is “student-ready” taking place in real time. When I think about how students navigated Nashville State when I first arrived until now – I am truly impressed. From creating a Student Success Center, Welcome Center, Teaching Center, and investing in Faculty development with ACUE, the difference is tangible. But we have not yet achieved our Vision to become a national leader in achieving equitable outcomes for students. There is still work to be done to reach our Vision 2030 targets of 10,000, 90, 60 and 30. We are on the right track; let’s keep Moving Forward!
Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
Dickson Campus – I am excited to share that the foundation has been poured, and the structural steel frames are being erected. The project is on track for a late spring/early summer completion in 2026.
Clarksville Campus – The new building is really taking shape. The three floors are up, and walls are going in with other infrastructure. Phase I is on track for completion this December, and we anticipate classes being offered in the new building in Spring 2026.
I want to extend a special shout to our small but mighty Facilities team. Along with the construction projects at Dickson and Clarksville, reopening East Davidson, constant challenges at Southeast, and a multitude of office moves and on-campus events, they are doing an amazing job!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Nashville State – The Tennessee Board of Regents is continuing to move a guiding policy for colleges through the sub-council process. While we wait for an official AI policy, I have asked Dr. Jo Williams to take the lead of convening an ad hoc committee to provide a college-wide framework for academic and non-academic uses. No one will be required to use it, but we need clear guidelines for those who do. I encourage each of you to learn more about AI through the opportunities being provided by our talented Teaching Center team and TBR’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (scroll down to Upcoming PD Opportunities).
Enrollment Update – Now that the second 7-week courses are underway, we are up 14.5% in headcount and up 17.1% in FTE as of March 24. This is an increase of over 900 students from last spring, which includes an increase of more than 400 in continuing students. This is a significant difference from prior years and reflects our efforts and commitment towards Vision 2030. Stay data informed by visiting our new Data Access Page. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.
Wellness – I will continue to remind you how important it is that we take care of our physical and mental health. Please review Partners for Health’s online wellness benefits and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) for support services. Also, be sure to check out practical tips for staying in good shape physically, emotionally and mentally right here in The Voice curated by the Employee Engagement Committee. And if you are on the White Bridge campus, I encourage you to visit the Fitness Center that recently opened in the K building. Anyone wishing to use the facility must first fill out a waiver form to get a code to access the facility.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our college, our community and our students. Our work changes the lives of the individual student, their families and our communities. Our work isn’t easy, and some days are really difficult. However, we consistently remain Nashville State strong! I cannot say enough that your individual contributions to our college matter and so do you!
A Fun and Engaging Experience for Students!
by Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication, EHCT
On March 1st, I had the pleasure of attending the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) regional convention at Columbia State Community College. Although I have been a PTK advisor for a few years, it was my first time attending a PTK event/conference. And it was great.
I saw students working together, exchanging ideas, collaborating, and even engaging in some mild competition. I saw students having the opportunity to speak with reps from various colleges. I saw enthusiasm.
I also saw students learning to speak a new code. I had conversations with some students who were so professional in their demeanor I had to parse out they were indeed students and not very young faculty members, and I saw this professional code being picked up by other students.
What I saw was something I want more Nashville State students to experience through PTK: a fun, engaging experience that is also an opportunity for growth.
Fortunately, our current PTK president, Gino Giordano attended the conference, so he was able to experience these things first hand. He was the lone Nashville State student present, but he was very kindly adopted by the students from Northeast State Community College, which allowed him to participate in group activities.
Here’s Gino (center) participating in the “Chandler Cheer,” a competition for the privilege of keeping Chandler the mascot until the next regional conference:
19 NSCC employees have earned the ACUE Badge in Inspiring Inquiry and Lifelong Learning in Your Online Courses
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
During this course, these employees have engaged in professional learning about motivating students online, providing clear directions and explanation in online courses, integrating visualization tools in online courses, using data and feedback to improve online teaching, using advanced questioning techniques in online courses, and developing self-directed online learners.
They have implemented teaching practices in their courses, reflected on the impact of these practices, and planned for how to use these practices in teaching moving forward.
- Belkis Barrios
- John Besser
- Amy Bryant
- James Edwards
- Melissa Fleck
- Doug Godwin
- Gary Grubb
- Hannah Hurdle
- Eucretia Johnson
- Robert Ladd
- Rachel Lewis
- Zach Mills
- Cynthia Morgan
- Harlan Pease
- Marla Perry
- Jessica Rabb
- Piper Sesnan
- Leah Welker
- Regina Willis
Faculty Reading Event Captivates Audience at White Bridge Theatre
By Michael Sundblad, Dean, School of Arts and Humanities
On Thursday evening, March 21, 2025, the college hosted the first Faculty Reading event since the pandemic, in the H Building theatre, which featured six authors from among the college’s faculty and staff: Dr. Michelle Gillis, Mark Helm, Michael Kiggins, Robyn Leigh Lear, Ione Michele Singletary, and Lance Umenhofer.
The audience, which was remarkably enthusiastic about the work, included many students who were thrilled to hear their professors read their original writing.
Dr. Michelle Gillis opened the event with a moving original short story about childhood trauma and fear, captivating listeners with the imagery.
Mark Helm, who organized the event, read several original poems, and also several translations of poems he completed in collaboration with an award-winning Israeli poet. His diverse selection showcased his prowess with poetic imagery.
Michael Kiggins followed with a touching short story about life, love, and rugby, leaving the audience wanting to hear more of his heartfelt storytelling.
Ione Michele Singletary read a beautiful original villanelle and a poignant poem about Virginia Woolf, in which she interwove lines from Woolf’s final letter between the stanzas.
Robyn Leigh Lear shared three poems from her new book, each of which included found language, along with several other pieces that, as Mike Kiggins described it, “juxtaposed the touching and the profane.”
Lance Umenhofer concluded the readings with three original and moving pieces that lyrically described place, each titled with geotag data from images taken during a road trip in the American West. His evocative descriptions transported the audience.
Prof. Helm expressed his intention for the Faculty Reading event to become an annual tradition that might expand to include other authors, including, potentially, a student reader who would win a spot on the program through a juried review of student creative writing submissions.
He also said, “”It was an absolute joy organizing this event. I have to admit, I was somewhat motivated by a selfish desire to hear my colleagues read for an audience. I’m grateful to all of them for sharing their considerable talents. I’d also like to thank Susan Tucker for all her help organizing the event and David Crawford for handling the lights and sound.”
The evening was quite successful, celebrating the literary talents of the faculty and creating space for students and faculty to connect over the written—or in this case, spoken—word.
The next School of Arts and Humanities event will be the Jazz Ensemble concert on April 24 at 6 pm.
Left to Right are: Robyn Leigh Lear, Lance Umenhofer, Michael Kiggins, Ione Michele Singletary, Mark Helm, Dr. Michelle Gillis and Dr. Michael Sundblad
Guest and faculty mingle after the performance to share appreciation and thanks.
13 Faculty earn Advanced Certificate in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework
by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center
Belkis Barrios, Doug Godwin, Melissa Fleck, Robert Ladd, Rachel Lewis, Zachary Mills, Cynthia Morgan, Harlan Pease, Marla Perry, Jessica Rabb, Piper Sesnan, Leah Welker, and Amy Bryant have earned the Advanced Certificate in the Effective Teaching Practice Framework from ACUE and endorsed by the American Council on Education.
These faculty completed the Effective Online Teaching Practices course this spring and earned the Advanced Certificate for completing both the Effective Teaching Practices Framework and the Effective Online Teaching Practices Framework. During the course, they learned about effective teaching practices, implemented effective teaching practices, and reflected on the impact of these practices and how to refine the use of these practices for the future.
Join The Teaching Center in celebrating these faculty members’ accomplishments.
The First Year Experience Experience
As registration begins for fall 2025, over 60 first 7-week sections of NSCC 1010 First Year Experience have opened with the potential for over 1000 first time college students. NSCC 1010 welcomes students to Nashville State, helping them consider “Now What?” We want students to make personal connections to their degree and our community of students, faculty, and staff.
Virtually everyone that teaches NSCC 1010 does so as an overload. But many of the instructors only take this on in the first 7-week term of fall when our staffing needs are highest. If you haven’t taught NSCC 1010 in a year, we need you again. If you have never taught NSCC 1010, now is the time.
Most of the instructors are faculty as we were hired to teach. That said full-time admin and staff teach this course too. None of us have a college degree in “First Year Experience” but all of us are dedicated to supporting our new students at this critical time that can make or break the college experience.
Teaching NSCC 1010 also allows you to participate in a High Impact Practice and foster a learning mindset in our students, two goals of The College System of Tennessee’s (TBR) Office of Student Success.
If you are interested in teaching the course this fall, please contact me. Staffing the fall sections has just started.
From The Desk of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
By Dr. Jo Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Development
I am excited to share the progress Nashville State is making with Open Educational Resources (OER). From the beginning of my tenure as VPAAWD, expanding the College’s offering of OER has been one of my key priorities to alleviate the financial burden of textbook costs for as many students as possible. Recognizing that the high cost of course materials can be a significant barrier to student success, Academic Affairs made a concerted effort in the fall of 2024 to develop and implement more OER courses. The goal of our OER initiative is to offer our students free learning materials in place of costly textbooks without sacrificing quality. We are off to a great start! We have built a robust catalog of high-enrolled courses that offer OER in lieu of commercial textbooks. Using enrollment and cost data from the 2023-2024 academic year, we conservatively estimate that our students will collectively save over $600,000 on textbook expenses.
While increasing OER offerings was a key objective, the progress we’ve made would not have been possible without the dedication of the faculty and staff who answered the call. Converting course materials to OER requires significant time and effort. Furthermore, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who developed OER resources even before this renewed push to increase OER access. The commitment of our faculty and staff to course affordability will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who rely on affordable access to education.
A recent student survey conducted by the Office of Institutional Research further underscores the importance of this initiative. Many students highlighted the cost of textbooks as a significant challenge in their educational journey. One student shared, “Books—I thought they were free when I was awarded aid for the class, but I guess not, which has affected my grades.” This feedback reinforces the necessity of continuing our efforts to expand OER adoption at Nashville State. And although OER may not be suitable for all course types, by continuing to expand our OER offerings where it fits, we remain committed to reducing financial barriers to higher education and helping our students achieve academic success. You may visit this link for more information about our OER initiative.
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 |
| Lakiyra Holt | Dual Enrollment & Federal Work Study Coordinator | Office of Financial Aid |
| Algawan Pearson | Senior Administrative Assistant | Office of Technology Services |
| Alyssa Petty | Laboratory Assistant | Dickson/Humphreys County Campuses |
| Brandon Haskins | Student Success Advisor | School of Health Sciences |
| Scotty Hobbs | Police Officer | Office of Police & Security |
| Candace Battles | Sterile Processing Trainer | Office of Workforce Development & Continuing Education |
| Christina Bou Tayeh | Student Services Specialist I | Office of the Welcome Center |
| David Yarbrough | Tutor Navigator | Office of Learning Resources |
Please join us in congratulating Nashville State’s employees who are in new roles!
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
| Jameson Bear | Director, Student Billing & Account Services | Office of Student Billing & Account Services |
| Martail Clayborn | Assistant Director of Technology Operations | Office of Technology Services |
| Lindsay Hager | Director, Welcome Center | Office of the Welcome Center |
| John Murray | Computer Technician Coordinator | Office of Technology Services |
| Evelyn Hadley | Director, Career & Transfer Center | Office of Career & Transfer Center |
| Lisa Fletcher | Career Services Specialist | Office of Career & Transfer Center |
Please join us in saying farewell to these NSCC employees!
| NAME | TITLE | DEPARTMENT |
| Taryn Butler | Assistant Director, Records | Office of Admissions and Records |
| Sebastian Lower | Security Guard | Office of Police & Security |
Mental Health Tips for College Employees: Nurturing Your Well-Being in a Demanding Environment
By Danielle Sullivan, Coordinator, The Learning Center and Dyamond Williams, Student Services Specialist III, Clarksville Campus
Working at a college or university can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of unique challenges. Whether you are a faculty member, staff, or administrator, the demands of academic deadlines, student needs, and the busy pace of campus life can sometimes lead to stress, burnout, and mental fatigue. Prioritizing your mental health in such a high-energy, fast-paced environment is essential to maintaining both your professional and personal well-being.
Each month, the Employee Engagement Committee will share a mental health tip to help you thrive in your college job while taking care of yourself.
March – Build a Supportive Community
Working at a college often means you are part of a larger community of faculty and staff. Building a network of colleagues who support each other can make a world of difference when managing stress or facing challenges.
How to do it:
- Connect with coworkers in informal ways, such as having lunch together or chatting during less stressful times in the semester. Building friendships in the workplace can create a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Find a mentor or peer group that you can turn to for advice, support, and shared experiences.
- Participate in workshops or seminars related to mental health that are offered by the college or employee benefit providers. These events not only provide valuable resources but also give you a chance to connect with others.
- Participate in activities and events hosted by the Employee Engagement Committee!
Having a supportive network can provide emotional relief, practical advice, and a sense of community that helps mitigate stress.
People You Meet in the Hall – A Staff Member and a Student
By Gracie Andrews King, Ph.D., Associate Professor
As we march forward into the semester, meet staff member Lindsay Smith and student Warsan Said. Both are two of the kindest and funniest people that you will meet at Nashville State. One is outgoing, the other more reserved. But despite diverse life experiences and backgrounds, they both bring equal joy to anyone lucky enough to meet them. Please give them a big smile if you see them.
Staff Member – Lindsay Smith
1. 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.
My family moved here from East Tennessee (Kingsport) when I was 16 for work opportunities for my parents. I graduated from Franklin Road Academy, but I left to go to college, live abroad, and go to graduate school, and I came back to Nashville 7 years ago.
2. What brought you to your job at Nashville State?
The need to pay my rent. Just kidding. Nashville State has a well-established English as a Second Language program with expert faculty who I can learn from. (I love asking them questions.) I love working in education, and I love helping immigrants. They’re way more interesting than the rest of you boring Americans.
3. 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 want to be an owl. I like to be up all night, and I’d like to have spooky vibes. Also owls are wise.
4. What is at least one thing about the students you interact with that you can relate to and empathize with them?
Being in a new country, confused by the bureaucracy and how everything works. I had no idea what was going on half the time I lived in Russia. If everyone was in line at the post office, I also got in line, even if I didn’t know what the line was for. It’s frustrating because everything works differently, you don’t know how to do anything, and also the people are difficult to understand. (Bonus example: in Russia, they don’t sell envelopes with greeting cards. You have to buy special envelopes from the post office. FOR WHAT REASON? I was at the grocery store asking for an envelope to go with my greeting card and they looked at me like I had 3 heads.)
5. 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 have worked with several Afghan women who had to drop everything and flee without their school documents. They couldn’t request new copies because the Taliban had shut their schools down, and it would be dangerous for their families to draw attention to themselves by asking the Taliban for those documents. These women desperately wanted to continue their education here. However, Nashville State couldn’t admit them or give them financial aid without those documents. I helped them through the financial aid and admissions process for months, and when they were finally accepted and registered for classes, I was so happy and relieved.
6. 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.
See #5!
7. 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?
The Southeast campus is the best campus; you’re going to love it there. Your coworkers are people who work as a team to help students succeed. They also like ordering food and getting coffee, and they’re going to introduce you to Chik-fil-a breakfast burritos.
8. Finally, what is something that you are grateful for?
I am grateful that my coworkers love GIFs as much as I do.
Student – Warsan Said
1. Have you lived anywhere other than Nashville?
I was born and raised in Nashville. I have never left this city.
2. Why is getting a college education important to you?
Getting a college education is important to me because in order for me to complete my dreams of working in the medical field I have to receive a higher education.
3. Why did you choose to take classes at Nashville State Community College?
I chose to take classes at Nashville State due to my indecisiveness in high school. I wanted to be completely sure of my future career choice.
4. 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 would say social media and work.
5. 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 to continue even when I want to quit is my future self. I would hate to also disappoint my family who came from nothing and came to different country to give me and my siblings an opportunity of completing the American dream.
6. Describe two good experiences that you have had since you have been taking classes here.
I would say meeting new people and fun activities.
7. 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?
The three things I would wish for in life would be an unlimited resource of money, having a photographic memory, and lastly happiness.
8. Have you made any new friends while taking classes at Nashville State? If you have, what do you have in common with each other outside of the classroom?
I have made new friendships here at Nashville State. I would say a lot of the things we had in common were our backgrounds. Also, similar goals in life.
9. Who is your favorite musician/band? What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite musician would have to be Adele and my favorite tv show is Law and Order SVU.
10. 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?
My future plan in life is to be able to make a difference in someone’s life. I would love to be able to help others who aren’t able to do so themselves and create such an impact that they’re able to remember me forever.
Staff Assembly Committee Highlight.
By Karina Davis, Student Support Specialist I, Staff Assembly Committee Chair 2024/2025, Student Success Center
Our January 2025 Employee of the Month is Lisa Fletcher!
This is what nominators had to say:
“I am nominating Lisa Fletcher. Why: Lisa has such a positive attitude and is always willing to help her team in the Welcome Center without hesitation. She works so hard running the Career Services solo and stepping up to help when needed. She is kind, and an excellent team member.”
We congratulate you, Lisa Fletcher! Your efforts do not go unnoticed. We appreciate all that you do, keep up the great work!
Student Life Events!
by Kelsey A. Johansen, M.Ed., Director, Student Life
Student Life is excited to share photos from Student Life for March!
Remember, you can also stay informed through the Wednesday What’s Happening sent through Campus Announcements and posted to @NashstatestudentLife on Instagram and Facebook.
The Workforce Minute
By Megan Murray, Business Operations Coordinator, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education
In this month’s Workforce Minute, we’re taking a moment to highlight the incredible contributions of our workforce partners. You may not realize that alongside Nashville State’s Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, two additional organizations operate under our roof here at East Davidson: The American Job Center (AJC) and Workforce Essentials, Inc.
A key part of our vision for the newly reopened campus was to create a comprehensive workforce solutions center—one that provides a range of resources to individuals across Middle Tennessee. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our partners, that vision is quickly becoming a reality.
The American Job Center (AJC) plays a crucial role in connecting job seekers and employers through an array of valuable services. These include computer access, weekly hiring events, résumé-writing assistance, career-enhancing workshops, one-on-one coaching, and much more. By fostering relationships with local organizations, the AJC is continuously expanding its pipeline of resources to better serve our community.
With a dedicated team of 45 staff members, the AJC has already supported over 17,000 clients this year alone! Paul Hines, Team Lead at East Davidson, shared his passion for this work, saying, “I’ve always considered myself a public servant, but the best part of my job is having the opportunity to serve my community and connect people to life-changing opportunities.”
While the AJC focuses on workforce readiness, Workforce Essentials, Inc. provides critical educational support, offering high school equivalency test prep classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Their flexible and supportive learning environments are designed to meet individual needs, helping students prepare for both academic and professional success.
At East Davidson, Workforce Essentials is home to 15 dedicated employees, including Bob Barnhart, who serves as the Data & Testing Coordinator. Reflecting on his role, Barnhart shared, “Seeing the joy and excitement when a student reaches their academic goals and begins the next step of their journey is my favorite part of this work.”
Life-changing work is happening every day at East Davidson, and we are thrilled to be part of a community dedicated to workforce development. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to grow and expand these opportunities!
The lobby at East Davidson Campus filled with folks waiting their turn to meet employers at the March American Job Center Job Fair
Employees of American Job Center and Workforce Essentials greeting visitors and informing them on the various services offered on-site
Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Nashville State Expands Multicamera Livestreaming Capabilities with Donated Video Equipment
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-expands-multicamera-livestreaming-capabilities-with-donated-video-equipment.php
Nashville State Opens White Bridge Campus Fitness Center
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-opens-white-bridge-campus-fitness-center.php
Join the Nashville State English Program Faculty for an Evening of Poetry and Fiction
https://nscc.edu/news/join-nashville-state-english-program-faculty-for-evening-of-poetry-and-fiction.php
Nashville State Visual Communications Students Shine at 2025 Nashville AAF ADDY Awards
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-visual-communications-students-shine-at-2025-nashville-aaf-addy-awards.php
School of Business and Professional Studies Provides Students with Options and Opportunities
https://www.nscc.edu/news/school-of-business-and-professional-studies-provides-students-with-options-and-opportunites.php
Students Cook Up Success in 2025 Tennessee Junior Chef Competition
https://nscc.edu/news/students-cook-up-success-in-2025-tennessee-junior-chef-competition.php
Nashville State Awarded Grant to Train Medical Assistants in Montgomery, Humphreys, and Stewart Counties with Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-awarded-grant-to-train-medical-assistants-in-montgomery-humphreys-stewart-counties.php
Nashville State School of Arts & Humanities Hosts Renowned Artist Alan LeQuire
https://nscc.edu/news/nashville-state-school-of-arts-and-humanities-hosts-renowned-artist-alan-lequire.php
The NSCC Voice
Founded 2017
Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Kevin Woods, Layout
March 2025 Contributors
Amy S. Bryant
Connie Daniel
Karina Davis
Tom Hayden
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Kelsey A. Johansen
Gracie King
Megan Murray
Harlan Pease
Jessica Rabb
Danielle Sullivan
Dr. Michael Sundblad
Dyamond Williams