Update from the President
by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Greetings,
Fall is my favorite season of the year. Cooler weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and football games every weekend brings joy to my heart. My hope as we build a Culture of Excellence in People, Programs and Places is that we create special traditions, events and moments that we all look forward to each year. I am excited about future “Return to the Nest” events and spending time with Finn the Falcon. Coming together to learn, grow and have fun is essential to Moving Forward. Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:
Student Support
As we head into fall break for students, regardless of your role please check on the students that cross your path. I know it can make a big difference to students when we show genuine interest in their Nashville State experience. For those you encounter that have challenges, please help connect them to the most appropriate office. As a reminder, you can find more information to best direct students by visiting the Student Support Services webpage for resource information and the Care Team Referral Form.
Staff Professional Development
An exciting Professional Development opportunity for all part-time and full-time Nashville State staff will take place Tuesday, October 11 from 8:30am-12:30pm on the White Bridge Campus. I encourage staff and highly recommend supervisors to support participation in this new opportunity designed for staff to explore their roles as leaders at Nashville State. A special thank you to Staff Assembly Chair Renee Johnston and her team! This is a great example of how we Build a Culture of Excellence in People.
New Appointment
On October 3, Shari Shields will transition from the Healthcare Professions Division to serve as the new Administrative Associate. In addition to the Office of the President, Shari will provide administrative support for several departments reporting directly to the President. Please join me in congratulating Shari!
Dickson Campus
I am excited to share that we have finalized a three-year agreement with the city of Dickson to relocate campus operations to the soon-to-be vacated senior center on West Walnut Street beginning Spring 2023. As we are committed to staying in Dickson, this agreement will provide the critical time needed to find a permanent location. We are thankful to TCAT Dickson for hosting us; they have been amazing partners.
Nashville State classes will continue at TCAT through the current fall semester. The senior center will require some modification for instruction. A special shout-out goes to our outstanding facilities crew that will have a tight turnaround to prepare the building and move current operations from TCAT for Spring 2023 classes.
Clarksville Campus
On September 29, we held a 10-year celebration for the Clarksville Campus! All were invited to stop by the daylong celebration from 9am to 7pm. A special ceremony took place at 11am. See the October issue of the Voice for photos and information about the event!
Enrollment Update
At fall Census, headcount was down .8% (52 students) and FTE was down 4.1%. Overall, TBR Community Colleges were down 4.0% in headcount (2,937 students) and FTE was down 4.9%. While we, like most of our sister institutions, were down in continuing students, there were some very bright spots for Nashville State this fall.
Celebrating the Good, at census reporting, Nashville State was one of only four Community Colleges that saw an increase in new students this fall. We were recognized at the September TBR Board meeting as having the largest increase among the four. The college was up 2.2% in new undergraduate students which is fantastic considering the impact COVID still has on public community college enrollment. However, the most significant factor was an increase of over 230 new Dual Enrollment students! Continuing Dual Enrollment was up over 120 students as well. Congratulations to all involved with our high school partnerships throughout our seven counties.
Budget Update
As a reminder, we budgeted FY23 with a projected decrease in FTE of 7.5% in the fall, 5% in spring and flat in summer. Although our FTE decline was lower than projected, we still have a budget shortfall of $3.2 million. To bring the October budget into alignment, we will use our final HEERF allocation for lost revenue and eliminate several vacant positions. It is imperative that we continue the good momentum building from fall and remain better than projected for FTE in spring 23.
Our state appropriations for next year will be determined by the outcomes funding formula that uses end of term fall 22 data, not fall Census FTE. We are continuing to enroll students in our 7-week courses which is important, but retention of current students should be our major focus.
Fantasy Football
Week 3 is in the books, and we have six teams out of 60 that remain undefeated. Just in case you were wondering, my team is 3-0! Then, we have six teams that haven’t won a game. There is plenty of trash talking, frustration and crying happening within the league, but it is all in good fun.
Employee Support
Please remember we have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers services 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, I believe we are turning a very important corner in the history of our college as we work toward Vision 2030: A Student Ready College. Lately, I have been reminded of my father’s, who passed in 2020, favorite saying: “the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong but to the one that endures to the end.” Together, I believe our vision to become a national leader in achieving equitable outcomes for our diverse community of learners will be realized. Together, I believe we will be the best community college in the country. I believe we are more than capable of doing great things – together. As Nashville State LEADS, Students Succeed. We are the difference makers!
Local Moe’s Southwest Grill Franchise Teams Up with the Nashville State Community College Foundation to Fund Employee Scholarships
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Eligible employees of Middle Tennessee area Moe’s – a locally owned and operated burrito business – now have a $1,000 per year scholarship opportunity to assist with funding tuition, textbooks, supplies, or fees correlated to their associate degree or certificate program at Nashville State Community College.
Scott Portis, Owner of Cannon Restaurant Management and Independent Franchisee of Moe’s Southwest Grill’s 8 Middle Tennessee locations has established a scholarship fund with the Nashville State Community College Foundation. This employee appreciation initiative supports new and existing employees enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at Nashville State Community College while remaining employed by Moe’s – working an average of 20 hours per week throughout the semester.
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, president of Nashville State, and Mr. Portis have long shared a commitment as leaders to make a difference in the lives of their students and employees, respectively. “By investing in our employees, Moe’s is able to contribute to success in the classroom and in the workplace,” said Mr. Portis, “The Nashville State team and I believe this initiative has the potential to weave a fundamental pattern of support in the academic fabric that hard working individuals can benefit from in the long-term.”
The scholarship fund broadens Moe’s Southwest Grill’s ongoing community-supporting efforts including fundraising opportunities and philanthropic giving, and adds to employee perks such as healthcare benefits, paid time off, a monthly cell-phone allowance, and growth promoted from within the company.
“Working alongside Moe’s Southwest Grill, specifically Mr. Portis, Nashville State appreciates the opportunities this scholarship fund will bring in making sure all residents have access to an education and the liberating influences it brings,” said Cecily Stone, Nashville State Foundation’s executive director. “Partnerships such as this are an innovative practice that benefits all involved, and the College will continue seeking out and listening to additional opportunities.”
Create a Lasting Impact
by Chelsea Spence, Director of Development, NSCC Foundation
At Convocation, we heard from one of our students, James Copp, and the many challenges he faced at other institutions before arriving at Nashville State. Our goal at the Foundation is to support the college in becoming student-ready by identifying and eliminating barriers to success for our students. But we need your help!
Our students are faced with real-life challenges every day, these challenges can derail a college education for good. More and more of our students are reaching out directly for support, we are seeing the needs of our students continuing to climb at an alarming pace. For the Summer and Fall semesters, the Foundation has already deployed $158,455 to students through Beyond Financial Aid Programs. On top of Beyond Financial Aid Resources, this year we were also able to remove 104 students from the purge list.
Last year, Dr. Jackson called on faculty and staff to join her in making a monthly payroll contribution toward the important work of the Foundation. We are so grateful for those of you who answered that call. We launched our new program, GEMs (Gives Every Month), and currently, 14% of our staff are signed up for payroll deduction – THANK YOU! Supporting the Foundation through payroll giving is easy and with a gift of any size, you are helping students achieve their educational goals. Giving through payroll deduction helps the Foundation determine how we can continue to support students throughout the year; this is crucial to our success.
Last year, 62 of our colleagues pledged support during our staff campaign, answering Dr. Jackson’s call by either making a one-time gift or by signing up to become a monthly payroll donor. It’s not about how much you can give, it’s about what we can accomplish as a team! This year, our goal is to increase the number of donors participating in the staff campaign by 30%. Imagine how many more students we could serve! Will you be the difference for one student this year?
Click here to become a GEM or to make a one-time gift directly from payroll. If you would prefer to make a pledge to pay later in the year, please contact Chelsea Spence at chelsea.spence@nscc.edu in the Foundation Office.
Nashville State Student Receives Gift Violin
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Loren Hatcher has many interests, but a passion is creating and sharing music.
The Visual Communications major with a concentration in Graphic Design is on course to graduate in May 2023. She is also a violinist in Nashville State’s Jazz Ensemble and is in her second semester of Applied Violin.
“I have always had a love for music from a young age and violin just happened to be the first instrument I tried at MNPS’s Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School.”
“I practiced violin 24/7, and it was with me wherever I went.”
Hatcher was an orchestral member for five years while at Meigs and then Hume-Fogg High School.
Loren’s quality of play along with her passion recently caught the attention of two staff members of The Rockley Family Foundation.
The College’s Music Associate of Fine Arts program has partnered with the Foundation for the past two years to support music education through the sale of instruments. Due to this partnership, the Foundation provides scholarships and world-class instruments to the program.
It was during a recent event on Nashville State’s White Bridge campus that good luck and generosity came to Loren.
While working the event, she had with her the violin that rarely leaves her side. Unfortunately, the violin had a large crack, which impacted the sound quality.
Eric and Robin from the Foundation took an interest in Loren, especially when they saw her violin.
“They took a look at the instrument and really had determined that her violin was not reparable for the value it was worth,” said the Foundation’s President Tobin Rockley.
With the Foundation’s core value of creating, supporting, and fostering musicians, Eric and Robin felt very strongly that gifting a new violin to Loren would make a difference to her.
The handmade violin, a Stravari Arista, is valued at approximately $10,000.
Eric and Robin personally wrote checks and got Mr. Rockley involved to make a match, with the manufacturer providing spectacular pricing as if the Foundation were donating it to an institution.
Hatcher was beyond excited about the generous gift.
“I was honestly ecstatic; I didn’t believe Eric was serious when he said the violin was mine. And I am genuinely grateful because now I can continue my music career and pursue the violin.”
TLSAMP Welcomes Twenty New Scholars
by Dr. Jo Williams, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
This Fall, 20 Nashville State Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) students joined the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP) Program. TLSAMP consists of a consortium of ten higher education institutions in the state of Tennessee with the goal of supporting the retention and completion of underrepresented STEM majors. The scholars kicked off the academic semester with a welcome & orientation meeting where they learned about the program, its benefits, and resources for academic success. They also met their faculty mentors – Dr. Jessica Rabb (biology), Mr. Omari Smith (computer science) and Mr. Kwaku Forkuo-Sekyere (mathematics).
TLSAMP scholars will benefit from a textbook stipend, monthly educational seminars, workshops, networking opportunities, and transfer and workforce advising. Dr. Justina Rogers, director of the student success center and Nashville GRAD, was the featured speaker at TLSAMP’s first monthly seminar where she provided advice on perseverance and student success. TLSAMP scholars will also attend a two-day undergraduate research conference hosted by Tennessee State University.
With the goal of increasing the number of underrepresented STEM graduates in the state of Tennessee, TLSAMP offers students a community of support and mentorship. Students are supported through their academic programs at Nashville State, and coached through the academic transfer process.
Civil and Construction Engineering Technology A.A.S. Students Visit TDOT
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communication and Marketing
Several Civil and Construction Engineering Technology A.A.S. students in Instructor Roger Foster’s Soil and Foundations class recently got an in-person look and tour of TDOT’s Materials and Test Division lab on Centennial Drive.
10 Questions with Brent Smith
by Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication, EHCT
Brent is a Student Success Advisor at our North Davidson campus. Previously, he served Nashville State as a History adjunct professor, and he served our country as an Army Sergeant for two tours in Iraq and as a Marine Reservist for six years. Here are his answers to 10 questions to get to know him better.
1. What are some favorite books/movies and why?
My favorite book of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. It is the ultimate revenge story. I also love Bernard Cornwell; he does the Sharpe series, the Last Kingdom series; he does a lot of historical novels.
2.If you were stranded alone on a desert island, assuming food and shelter were not a problem, what three items would you want to have with you?
I’m a big nerd, so I’d have to have my Foreign Affairs magazine. And of course, I’d have to have a copy of my favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo, and being a good old Texas boy, give me a supply of Shiner Bock beer!
3. What do you miss most about being a child?
Just the innocence; I mean, just going out without a care in the world except your little sandbox or your football you’re throwing with your buddies. Being carefree. And just being able to witness new things; everything is new. It was a magical time.
4. What are some favorite hobbies or activities?
I love, love to read! I also do Karv Maga, a martial art. It’s an Israeli self-defense.
5. What do you like best about working at Nashville State?
The people. The people are amazing; from day one when I got here, everyone was so kind. Everyone was willing to lend a hand and to say, “how can we help you with this?” Dr. Julie Williams and Dr. Justina Rogers are so helpful; there is no, “I run this department, or “I’m the Dean.” We work together, we brainstorm together. Everybody is there to help each other out. It’s a team here at the Success Center, and no one is too busy to help someone else out. I feel very blessed.
6. For those of us who aren’t completely familiar, what does a Student Success Advisor do?
We wear a lot of hats. Of course, we help students get registered for classes and things of that nature, but it’s more than that. We bring students in, show them their degree plan, show them the different types of programs we have here, make sure they are in the right program, and we just kind of pick their brain to ask them, “what is your end goal in all of this?” And then we help them make a plan. Once we do that, though, it doesn’t end there. For each semester they are here, they’re pretty much glued to us. We help them plan everything out, helping them with what they need to take this semester, next semester, etc. And even when their registered, it’s ongoing. It’s like coaching; we check in and ask them, “Hey, how’s it going? Are you going to your classes? Are you having any issues? If so, what are those issues?” And we try to help them solve problems and provide them with workarounds. Do you specialize in certain majors? No, we help all students. It’s a lot to keep track of. Fortunately, we have a great team here under Dr. Julie Williams and Dr. Justina Rogers.
7. If you could go back in time and witness one historic event, what would it be?
That brings out the historian in me. I’d like to see two events, because they go together: I’d like to go back to the 1850s. Looking at the country today, there is a lot of divisiveness, and there was a similar situation in the 1850s with the events leading up to the Civil War. I’d like to go back and see that situation with the divisiveness between the North and South. That being said, I’d also want to go back to a time when the country was united, like during World War II. So, I’d like to see a time when we were coming apart at the seams, but also a time when we were as tight as we could be. I think it could give us a lot of perspective on what’s taking place in today’s society.
8. Who has inspired you in your life, and how/why?
I might get a little teary-eyed with this. My great-grandmother, Ms. Corine Smith. She lived to be 104, and she was always giving me different perspectives on things. If I was having a bad day she would say, “Brent, don’t worry, this will all pass.” I really valued her kindness, her perspective, and her hospitality. She was a good, good, woman.
9. If you won $10 million in the lottery, what would you do?
My great-grandmother had a ranch down in Texas, and my uncle and my father run that place, but they don’t live there. What I would do is fix up her old ranch house, which is getting a little rundown, and it would be a nice vacation home for me. That’s exactly what I would do with the money.
10. What is a favorite quote?
“Learning does not make one learned: there are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding. The first requires memory and the second philosophy.” Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
Bass, Berry & Sims and GSRM Law Partner with Nashville State Community College Foundation to Provide Pro Bono Legal Clinics for Students
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Bass, Berry & Sims and Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC (GSRM Law) have partnered with the Nashville State Community College (NSCC) Foundation to hold a monthly Legal Help Clinic. These events will provide Nashville State students with pro bono legal counsel and referrals to appropriate legal resources for a variety of civil legal matters, such as landlord-tenant issues, vehicle purchase and repair, child support, expungement and more.
Beginning September 13, attorneys will meet students in-person at the College’s White Bridge campus and virtually with students across the College’s seven campuses in Tennessee, with the next events scheduled for October 11 and November 15. Each clinic will take place between 5 and 7 p.m.
“Our top priority at the Nashville State Community College Foundation is to ensure that every student who enrolls at the College has access to a comprehensive system of supportive resources that removes all potential barriers to the completion of a degree or certificate program,” said Cecily Stone, executive director of the Nashville State Foundation. “This partnership with two law firms with such deep roots in our communities reflects our commitment to that priority, and we are deeply appreciative of the time and legal resources they are so kindly donating for our students.”
Attorneys from Bass, Berry & Sims and GSRM Law will address a variety of legal matters for students by providing the appropriate legal and practical guidance, such as legal advice at the events, referrals to other legal service providers and resources or agreeing to provide extended counsel following the event.
Nashville State students interested in participating in this free clinic should check-in at the Student Services Center at the White Bridge campus, outside room S118.
Bass, Berry & Sims’ participation in this new event coincides with its 100 Acts of Service commitment to celebrate its 100th anniversary, in which attorneys and staff are volunteering time and expanded pro bono services to causes important to the firm and its employees.
“We congratulate the team at the Nashville State Foundation for their leadership in coordinating this wonderful event to connect students across the state with pro bono legal counsel and resources that are seldom made available to college students,” said David Esquivel, pro bono member at Bass, Berry & Sims. “Our firm is committed to ensuring equal access to justice and legal services, and we are excited to build upon our firm’s foundation of giving back with this new initiative. We also would like to thank the great team at GSRM Law, who share our commitment to our communities in Nashville and across the state, for their partnership in this program.”
GSRM Law is also celebrating an anniversary with 80 years of business in Nashville since launching as Martin & Cochran in 1942, which was followed by mergers with Gullett, Sanford & Robinson (1957), Westlake, Marsden & Montgomery (2003) and MTR Family Law (2022).
“We are grateful to celebrate 80 years as a firm and dedicated member of the Nashville community, and this is an exciting opportunity to continue GSRM Law’s legacy of supporting the community, legal and civic initiatives by contributing financial resources and volunteer hours,” said Ginna Winfree Burrell, attorney at GSRM Law and board member of NSCC Foundation. “This partnership with Bass, Berry & Sims to help fulfill this innovative initiative from the NSCC Foundation is a great opportunity for our attorneys to give back and engage with the future of our communities across Tennessee.”
NSCC Historical Minutes
by Faye Jones, Ph.D., Dean, Learning Resource Center
Edward Weld
In 1969, an article in The Nashville Tennessean showed a photo of Edward Weld at the construction site of what was to become Nashville State Technical Institute. Weld had been hired to bring Nashville State to life, supervising not only its construction but also the hiring of faculty and staff and developing the curriculum. The college officially opened in 1970, and Weld served as its director, then president, until 1978 when he retired.
In that first decade, NSTI saw many changes:
- Enrollment grew from 398 to 4018 students.
- The number of programs increased from five to nineteen.
- NSTI was accredited by SACS.
- The engineering programs became accredited by the Engineers’ Council for Professional Development.
- Special courses designed for business and industry were offered.
In 1978, Weld was profiled in the PrintOut. It’s interesting to note that some of the issues he addressed were still being talked about two decades later as Nashville State prepared to become a community college. When asked about the growth of programs, Weld said,
“Nashville Tech was established to provide education for technicians who are needed by business, industry, and government in Middle Tennessee. This responsibility includes preparation of students for initial employment or continuing education to upgrade or retrain employed technicians. We should carefully evaluate each recommended program to determine if there will be a continuing demand for students who are trained in that program.”
When asked about becoming a community college, the college being under the State Board of Education, Weld answered,
“Experience has shown that in Tennessee the state technical institutes should remain under the State Board of Vocational Education if these institutions are to continue training technicians to meet the needs of business, industry, and government.”
Even then there was talk of a name change. Weld’s response:
“Nashville Tech has established a good reputation and an enviable image as a technical institute and is identified as an institution that prepares technicians and should keep the name Nashville State Technical Institute.”
Many things have changed since that interview. However, the Weld Building is a good example of the continuity that NSCC can be proud of: No matter our name, our mission, or our number of campuses, we remain committed to providing a solid education so that our students can be successful whatever they do next.
Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Receive Assistance to Persist While in College
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Students pursuing a degree or technical certificate at Nashville State Community College who were formerly incarcerated have access to bridge scholarships and microgrants that will pay costs directly associated with attending college such as textbooks, supplies, and potentially tuition and tuition balances.
The Doochin Family Trust has partnered with the College and Nashville State Community College Foundation to create an annual $20,000 scholarship pool for returning citizens.
This scholarship provided through the Foundation supports full or part-time students. Depending on funds availability and the specific needs for each applicant, recipients can be awarded up to $2,686.00 each semester. Funding will be provided during a student’s bridge semester (the first semester in which they are released from prison) as they set up their financial aid.
“Nashville State has been on a mission to create and clear pathways for our students, with an emphasis on completion and post-completion success,” said President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson. “We would not be able to carry out our work without the support of organizations such as the Doochin Family Trust. We are grateful for their partnership and the belief in returning citizens looking to better their lives and that of their community.”
Dr. Julie Doochin has been a Tennessee leader in providing post-secondary educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals, having founded the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative. THEI was born out of a program Doochin launched at Nashville State more than 10 years ago. The Nashville-based nonprofit works with the Tennessee Department of Correction and several colleges to offer degree-bearing higher education.
After leaving THEI, Doochin served as vice president of programs at Dismas House, a transitional living program for men returning to the community from incarceration. Now, as Board president and director of the Doochin Family Trust, she continues that work by staying involved in making sure there is community and financial support available to all returning citizens, in part through her family’s trust.
“Higher education is a gateway to stop the revolving door of recidivism, and as a result making our communities safer and saving millions of taxpayer dollars,” Doochin said. “Nashville State plays a critical role in serving all populations with their quality instruction and welcoming and inclusive attitude.”
Nashville State currently works with THEI to provide academic programs at the Turney Center Industrial Complex, Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center, and Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Most recently on August 29, nine incarcerated men at the Turney Center graduated with their Associate of Science in Business Administration. Since the inception of the collaboration, which includes work at the now-closed Charles Bass Correctional Complex, 81 students graduated while incarcerated or shortly after release.
“This donation not only supports formerly incarcerated persons who are now students pursuing their educational goals, it highlights the depth of resources the Foundation seeks to secure for students,” said Cecily Stone, Nashville State Community College Foundation’s executive director. “We thank the Doochin Family for their foresight and commitment to assist this important population.”
In addition to the College’s associate degree level program, Nashville State’s Workforce Development has partnered with the sheriffs of Houston, Stewart, and Montgomery counties to provide Industrial Readiness Training through the GIVE Act grant to currently incarcerated persons.
Lauren Solina, coordinator of Special Programs for Correctional Education, Tennessee Board of Regents, who helped facilitate the Doochin Family Trust partnership with Nashville State said, “This new opportunity for students highlights Julie’s commitments to removing barriers for justice involved-individuals and to assisting formerly incarcerated students in completing their education. The transformative nature of education is shown to reduce recidivism by as much as 36%, and we hope that this will be one more tool in the toolbox of the Correctional Education Initiative.”
Interested and eligible Nashville State students can learn more about this and other resources by visiting: www.nsccf.org.
Student Life Events!
by Kelsey Johansen, M.Ed., Director of Student Life
Here is a photo recap of the events conducted this past month.
InfoSecNashville
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
CIT Cyber Defense students Kyeonwon Lee, Sasha Lassiter, and Kennedy King, and Welcome Center/Career Services staff Nicole Hubbs and Lisa Fletcher supported Information System Security Association Middle Tennessee Chapter’s InfoSecNashville on September 9, at the Music City Center while also answering questions about the College.
Online Learning Fall 2022 Newsletter
by Anna Everett, Instructional Designer, Office of Online Learning
The Office of Online Learning has published its next quarterly newsletter dedicated to NS Online and D2L.
The link to the newsletter can be found here.
We will 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
Finn the Falcon Returns to the Nest
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
Falcon’s always “Return to the Nest,” and that is what happened the week of September 12 at Nashville State Community College.
We unveiled our mascot during a series of on-campus events welcoming Finn’s Return to the Nest. Finn will be visiting the Nashville State Clarksville campus on Thursday, September 29, during the campus’s day-long 10th-anniversary public celebration.
For a number of years, “Francis” the Falcon has had a residence on Nashville State’s White Bridge campus. During that time, Francis, quietly, watched over the College as it grew and expanded across northern middle Tennessee counties. Always working behind the scenes to build and foster a sense of community among other Falcons.
As the Falcon family has grown and individuals have made their enduring imprint in communities not only in Tennessee but throughout the United States, there has been a stronger urgency for Francis’ offspring to build a more public sense of community.
Now, Francis’ grandchild, “Finn,” has begun to take on responsibility for looking over, supporting, and championing our NSCC Falcon family, which includes alumni, students, and employees—-past and present. In the end, Falcons know we are all part of one family.
Finn plans to carry the proud Falcon family tradition while also sharing many of the same characteristics that make people living in northern middle Tennessee so special.
Those characteristics include intelligence, vitality, strength of heart, ambitiousness, and an acute vision and sense of direction.
Finn is now calling all individuals who have called Nashville State home, that it is time to come together and support the newest members of the Falcon family, every campus, and the communities we serve in a bold new way. It is time to return to the nest!
Whitehouse Presents at ATD Annual Conference
by Tom Hayden, Associate Vice President, Office of Communications and Marketing
In addition to being an associate professor of Occupational Therapy, Donna Whitehouse is a College leader in equity-based work.
Donna has been at Achieving the Dream’s annual Data & Analytics Summit in Maryland where professionals have gathered to discuss the use of data to transform communities. Donna co-presented Nashville State’s collaborative high-impact practices on connecting and reconnecting adult learners.
Staff Assembly News
by Renee Johnston, Chair, Staff Assembly
Greetings Nashville State Staff!
We are being shown some love!
President Jackson and the Senior Staff want full and part-time staff members of the college to have time to learn and grow professionally. To support us, they have given us time on the college calendar for professional development.
Staff Assembly is hosting a special training event for college staff that will be both fun and thought-provoking. Staff Assembly members are working hard to make it a special time for you. So, join us for this in-person event as we explore our leadership role in the Student Success Experience.
What: Student Success Experience Professional Development
When: Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 8:30am – 12:30pm
Where: White Bridge Road Campus, H Building
Contact: renee.johnston@nscc.edu if you need more information
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/F3EHfXh5Pf
RSVP is mandatory for food count. Thank you for understanding.
Lunch: Provided courtesy of Staff Assembly
Emails have been sent to you from me, your Staff Assembly Chair. A flyer has been sent to you, from me. Now an article has been written to you, from me. These have each been Your special invitation to Your special event.
So, what are you waiting for? Get permission from your supervisor to attend. (I bet they say yes!) Then RSVP…. ASAP!
We look forward to seeing you!
Please send an email to renee.johnston@nscc.edu if you work at the Dickson, Clarksville, or Humphreys County Campus and would like to attend.
Facilities Management Department Report
by Christopher Saunders, CFM, Executive Director of Facilities Management
A Special Note of Thanks: None of the projects would be taking place without Senior Staff’s direction, Staff, Faculty’s involvement for the students, TSD making the spaces function, contracting bringing it all together, and security making sure the projects are safe for all NSCC users.
A brief update of the current projects:
Clarksville Campus
- LED Lighting and Cameras upgrade – 10 Anniversary – UNDERWAY
- Designer was just selected – TBR writing the Contract – UNDERWAY
Dickson – Campus Options:
- New location move forward pending – UNDERWAY
Humphreys County – Retrofitting the Building
- Roof Repairs – COMPLETE
- Labs Case Goods – UNDERWAY 9/16
North Davidson
- Security Alarms – Buttons – COMPLETE
- 1 Hood Being Certified – UNDERWAY
Southeast Campus
- Building Refurbishment Project – UNDERWAY
- Chiller Replacement – COMPLETE – Temporary being removed – UNDERWAY
- Second Floor Storage Clean Up – COMPLETE AGAIN
White Bridge
- LED Lighting Retrofit – STARTING 9/7
- H-Building Renovations – SCHEMATIC PHASE
- Hoods – Eye Wash – Shower Certifications – COMPLETE
- OCT Engineering Study for the Labs – COMPLETE
Human Resources News August 2022
by Janet Dennis, Personnel Assistant, Human Resources
New Hires
| Name | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Rochelle Williams | Human Resources Coordinator | Human Resources |
| James Brake | Financial Aid Counselor | Financial Aid |
Separation
| Name | Position | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Gloria Marshall | Testing Technician | Testing Center |
| Timothy Walls | Industrial Processing Instructor | Humphreys County Campus |
| Lia Nagge | Student Services Specialist I | Welcome Center |
| John Cherry | Technical Clerk | Southeast Campus |
| Bennie Kemp | Police Officer | Police and Security Services |
| Matthew McLean | Director/Associate Dean | Dickson Campus |
| Heath Ziebell | Testing Technician | Testing Center |
The NSCC Voice
Founded 2017
Cliff Rockstead, Managing Editor
David Gerth, Assistant Managing Editor
Dale Rogers, Web Developer and Word Press Wrangler
Isabella Putman, Web Layout Editor
September Contributors
Janet Dennis
Anna Everett
Tom Hayden
Dr. Shanna L. Jackson
Renee Johnston
Dr. Faye Jones
Harlan Pease
Christopher Saunders
Chelsea Spence
Dr. Jo Williams