May 2024 Volume 7 Issue 10

Update from the President

by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson

Greetings Fellow Falcons,

Nashville State is on the move! It is an exciting time for the college as we continue to build on the positive momentum towards Vision 2030: A Student Ready College. There is incredible collaboration and innovation taking place among our Falcon Family and external partners. We are truly better together! Below are a few updates from the Office of the President.

Commencement –Our Spring 2024Commencement ceremony was a wonderful celebration! I want to thank Evelyn Hadley for her leadership and the Commencement Committee that did an outstanding job. I also want to thank our security team and the numerous volunteers that made a real difference for those participating or attending commencement.

Clarksville Campus Expansion Groundbreaking – On May 15, we had a joyous groundbreaking ceremony at the Clarksville Campus. The construction kick-off meeting took place May 21. Activity is underway for the construction of a new three-story building in front of the existing campus.

Office of the President Searches –I am excited to share that Tiarra Cantrell, Admission and Records Specialist, will join my office as our new Administrative Assistant on June 3. As previously reported, Dr. Alexis Pope will join Nashville State as our new Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management on June 17. On-campus interviews for the Executive Director of the Foundation have been scheduled.

Enrollment Update – As of May 23, Summer enrollment is up 24.1% headcount (538 students) and 22.4% FTE. Fall enrollment is up 11.3% (258 students) and 14.6% FTE. The momentum is building thanks to the good work of our Falcon Family!

Stay data informed by visiting our new Data Access page at: https://nscc.edu/about/nashville-state-by-the-numbers/data-access.php

Institutional Research has created this page because the dashboard links will be changing periodically and a single landing page makes more sense than sending new link information each time there are changes. This new page will take you to the enrollment trends by semester and application tracking dashboards. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.

Budget Update – The fiscal year 2024-2025 budget has been submitted to TBR for approval at the June 13-14 Quarterly Board meeting. Our Budget assumptions include a fall and spring enrollment increase of 3% and flat summer enrollment. In addition, we are submitting a 3% across-the-board salary increase for regular full-time and permanent part-time employees that are employed by June 30. Although we believe there will be a tuition increase, that is not included in our projected revenue. Overall, we are projecting $59.1 million in revenues, $56.9 million in expenses.

Support – As I often say, it is ok not to be ok. But you do not have to walk that journey alone. Please reach out to the resources available if you or someone you care about needs support. EAP services are offered at no cost to all benefit-eligible employees and eligible family members. Visit Here4tn.com for more information.

Each of you are an important part of Nashville State. Your college needs you to succeed and embrace our LEADS Core Values as we continue Moving Forward toward our critical mission of student success and workforce development. Although the summer continues to be a busy time for many of us, I do hope each of you will take the time to do things that refresh your soul.

Commencement 2024, Tuesday, May 7^th, Lipscomb University Allen Arena

By Evelyn Hadley, Special Assistant to the VP of Enrollment Management and Student Services

It takes a lot of people to make a successful Commencement and one to be proud of (See the list at the end of the article.) As the chair of the Commencement Committee, it has been my pleasure to assist in giving our students and their loved ones a memorable occasion and also all of NSCC. Each year the committee reviews what we can do better to enhance and improve our graduate’s experience. The committee is comprised of the President’s Office, VP Academic Affairs and Student Affairs/, Office of Records, Career Services, Maintenance, Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, Police and Security, Communications, and Marketing. We generally begin our meeting for the next year with a wrap-up of the present year. The notes from this meeting will be the first things we address during the summer and at the beginning of our meeting for our 2025 Commencement. Our wrap-up meeting is to make assessments of what worked well and what we need to improve. It has always been the intention of the committee to improve our commencement each year.

This year was a presentation of a new look on stage, Processional flags, table drapes, and enhanced programs. We have incorporated our new guidelines for branding and I am thankful for the guidance from our Communication and Marketing Department, Tom Hayden and Ellen Zink. Additionally, enhanced the parking at the arena for the President’s guests, faculty, and staff volunteers for rehearsal and pre-commencement activities and Commencement.

Lipscomb and the fire marshal required NSCC to provide our graduates with tickets for their guests. We reported to Lipscomb that we would have 550 graduates participating. They let us know that we would be provided with six tickets per graduate and our graduate did not have to have a ticket. Guest tickets were distributed during the cap and gown pick-up event and graduates had to sign a list that they received six tickets. This was quite a change for us and our graduates. We are adjusting to this change but will work on making it better.

I made a request from Lipscomb for the number of guests that were scanned into the arena. It was reported that we had 3,000 but this count did not include the number of stubs that were taken after the scanners went out.

Other new and/or improved efforts were, enhanced communications with our graduates and a pop-up station to answer questions about filing intents and other graduation questions. This was done on all of the campuses. This station was covered by the Graduation Specialist, Steven Magee.

Thanks to the committee, volunteers, and marshals for all of their cooperation and willingness to help. Please see the names of those that helped to make this 2024 Commencement a success:

Preparing for 2024 Commencement:

Sue Belcher
Chris Bledsoe
Derrick Dupuis
Bryan Evans
Becky Girgenti
Brenda Harriford
Tom Hayden
Mark Hodges
Cynthia Sims
Ellen Zink

Cap and Gown Pick-Up all campuses:
Staff and Volunteers: Gifts, grad signs and Guest Tickets All campuses:

Jenny Heath – Health Sciences
Laura Moran – Enrollment Management
Tamara Allen – Arts and Humanities
Evelyn Hadley – Commencement Committee Chair

White Bridge Road Campus:

Kevin Thomas
Steven Magee
Taryn Butler
Cindi Moore
John Miller

Clarksville Campus:

Jaclen Christian
Rosalinda Carpenter

Dickson and Waverly:

Theresa Jolly
Dianna Shanks
Dondi Sanders
Telaina Wrigley

Southeast:

Jamica Hines
Jared Irvine
Randa Thompson
TaMecca Dansby
Rebekah Witmeyer
Kita Wortham
Sandra Timberlake

Stage Set-up and distribution of all materials at Lipscomb Allen Arena

Sue Belcher
Becky Girgenti
Cindi Moore
Evelyn Hadley
Angie Brown
Chris Bledsoe
Jimmy Suggs
James Buttry
Robert Turnbow
Daquan Brown

Rehearsal:

Evelyn Hadley – Instructions to the grads and hand off to the President
Kevin Thomas
Taryn Butler
Steven Magee
John Miller
Kelsey Johansen
Julie Williams
Cynthia Sims
Bryan Evans
All Student Marshals

Stage Marshals:

Aggie Mendoza
Gracie King

Student Marshals

Neely Ann Sheucraft
Jessica Rabb
Amy Bryant
Audrey Avery

Faculty Line Management

John Knox
Brian Curtis
Telaina Wrigley

VP’s, Deans, Directors, and Faculty Marshals:

Jay Chambers
Douglas Godwin
Piper Sesnan

Flag Marshals:

Cliff Rockstead
Derek Smith
David Edgington
Hamid Doust
David Adams
Van Bates

It really does take a village.
Thanks to all that assisted with the 2024 Commencement. Please forgive me if I missed anyone as it was not intentional. Thanks to all!

Staff Assembly Employee of the Month

Karina Davis, Student Support Specialist I, Staff Assembly Committee Chair 2023/2024

Our February 2024 Employee of the Month is Randa Thompson!
This is what nominators had to say:

Randa works in an area at the Southeast campus where she juggles many roles and responsibilities. But with that said, she is always smiling when helping both staff and students and is so knowledgeable about the campus and college. I truly couldn’t do my work without her.

“We congratulate you, Randa, for your exemplary performance, hard work, and dedication that have significantly contributed to our Nashville State Community College’s achievements.”

Randa Thompson
Sr. Administrative Associate, Southeast campus

Fall Flourish: Refreshing Our Teaching Toolbox – August 16-22, 2024

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

You are invited to attend Fall Flourish: Refreshing Our Teaching Toolbox, an educational conference designed specifically for NSCC employees.

As we embark on this journey together, our theme, “Fall Flourish: Refreshing Our Teaching Toolbox,” resonates deeply with the essence of what we aim to achieve throughout this conference. The changing seasons bring with them opportunities for renewal and growth, mirroring the evolution and adaptation essential to effective teaching practices.

Throughout the conference, we invite you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of innovative ideas, practical strategies, and collaborative dialogue. Together, we will explore approaches to pedagogy, embracing new technologies, pedagogical methodologies, and evidence-based practices that empower us to flourish in our roles as educators.

This conference serves as a platform for sharing insights, fostering connections, and igniting inspiration that will enrich your teaching journey. Through engaging workshops, enlightening presentations, and interactive discussions, we aim to cultivate a vibrant learning community dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in education.

Audience encouraged to attend:

Faculty
NSCC Staff Members
NSCC Administrators

Badging: NSCC employees who engage in 8 professional learning sessions presented by the Teaching Center and Online Learning between August 16 – 22 will earn the Fall Flourish badge.

Conference Schedule: The schedule for Fall Flourish: Refreshing Our Teaching Toolbox is available now on The Teaching Center website.

The Workforce Minute

By Kenisha Burke, Student Support Manager and Interim Grant Coordinator, Advancing Workforce Equity Grant, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education

Introductions are always cliché to me because, we live in a world where first impressions matter. However, I believe that the true introduction happens when you see a person immersed in what they are truly passionate about, whether it be people, things, or ideas.

My name is Dr. Kenisha Burke, and I hold the role of Student Support Manager and Interim Grant Coordinator for the Advancing Workforce Equity Grant (AWE). I am in the fortunate position of working with in my passion and purpose because of this grant. It is a privilege to work in a field that aligns with my passion and purpose, thanks to this grant. The AWE grant has allowed me to contribute to our community in meaningful ways. As a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to obtain a terminal degree, I understand the importance of education and its impact on individuals and communities.

During my teenage years, I had the opportunity to meet my academic advisor at a community event. She not only stayed connected with me but also invited me to various other events. She represented the university at these gatherings but never required me to visit the campus to access her support. She often spoke about her commitment to providing equitable education within our community through her presence. Her words left a lasting impression and continue to guide my efforts.

As part of the AWE grant, we have been actively bringing workforce courses, academic advisors, social workers and industry professionals directly to the community. This groundbreaking approach eliminates the barriers that individuals face when pursuing workforce certifications by bypassing the need for them to come to campus.

Through our efforts, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact we have made on the lives of individuals in our community. The progress we have achieved in just one year is truly inspiring, and I am motivated to continue driving change and making a visible and equitable impact.

We are currently involved in designing a mobile classroom, which will further expand our reach and empower even more individuals to access quality education. This innovative and forward-thinking approach is a testament to the college’s mission to be a true community college.

I look forward to continuing my journey with the AWE grant and making a lasting impact on individuals’ lives through education and empowerment.

Meet Nashville State’s Newest Graphic Designer and Webmaster

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

The Office of Communications and Marketing is pleased to announce it has welcomed new team member Kevin Woods as webmaster and graphic designer. His first day was May 1.

Kevin brings more than 25 years of experience in design and website development and management.

When not working, Kevin enjoys reading, watching movies, particularly action and horror, and learning new things. He is currently teaching himself Python, a programming language.

Women Who Lead @ NSCC

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

On March 18^th, as part of Student Life’s Women History Month programming, we hosted a panel discussion with the leadership team at Nashville State all of which happen to be female.

The event provided insights from:
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, President

Dr. Carol Osorio, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Dr. Jo Williams, Vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development

Jennifer Rector, Vice president of Business and Finance.

It was also moderated by graduating Psychology major, Shane Daughtery and Director of Student Life, Kelsey Johansen.

The recording is available via the link: https://youtu.be/egIWqV-YV-s

This event would not be possible without support from David Crawford of TSD, The Maintenance Team, & Tom Hayden – Thank you all!

Dr.Jackson shares insights at the Women Who Lead Panel

Vice President Dr. Johanna Williams responds to a question at Women Who Lead

resized Women's History Month Women Who Lead at NSCC Panel

Our Biggest HIP

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

NSCC 1010 First Year Experience is our biggest HIP (high impact practice) as more than 750 students participate each year.

Most of these students take NSCC 1010 the first five weeks of the fall term. We will have about 60 sections and 30 instructors fall 2024. Instructors from academic affairs (like faculty) and student affairs (like success advisors) teach this one credit graduation requirement for first time college students.

To help prepare our fall instructors and potential instructors, I am hosting Zoom workshops on four consecutive Fridays, beginning July 12. I will record the workshops and will share the recording links. These workshops are open to any faculty and staff interested in these topics.

NSCC 1010 Summer Workshop Topics

D2L Topics I Should Know for NSCC 1010 – Target audience: NSCC 1010 instructors that are not faculty and need to learn D2L basics.
- Zoom Link for Friday, July 12 @ 1pm

What is YouScience? Why do we use it? Career Planning is a very important part of NSCC 1010.
- Zoom Link for Friday, July 19 @ 1pm

How to make an Academic Plan in Degree Works Academic Planning is a very important part of NSCC 1010.
- Zoom Link for Friday, July 26 @ 1pm

Mindset GPS– How do we help NSCC 1010 students see they can personally grow, find value and belong at Nashville State. Mindset work is a very important part of NSCC 1010.
- Zoom Link for Friday, August 2 @ 1pm

The Teaching Center

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

Did you know that you can access professional learning from The Teaching Center anytime?

The Teaching Center’s professional development library is available for all employees at NSCC to access recordings of professional development sessions when it is most convenient for you. The library contains over 300 recordings, and you can search the library by keywords and by category.

Office of Online Learning Update

by James Edwards, PhD, Director of Online Learning

We want to remind summer faculty that the Office of Online Learning (OOL) is available throughout the semester to assist with all aspects of D2L and supported learning technologies including using Yuja Video, Panorama for accessibility, Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor for exam proctoring, and Turnitin for AI and plagiarism detection.

We encourage faculty to seek out our D2L resources on our website or email online.learning@nscc.edu to ask questions or set up a consultation.

We also have D2L Student Resources available for you to share with our online students and our Instructional Designers will be hosting online D2L Student Summer Drop-Ins the first few days of summer classes to help attendees navigate through their D2L classes and answer questions.

See you this summer!

Falcons’ News on NSCC.edu