{"id":4484,"date":"2025-02-27T18:00:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T18:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=4484"},"modified":"2025-02-28T13:58:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T13:58:00","slug":"february-2025-volume-8-issue-7","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/february-2025-volume-8-issue-7\/","title":{"rendered":"February 2025 Volume 8 Issue 7"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Update from the President<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Greetings Fellow Falcons,  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 is off to a fast start and Spring is just around the corner! While I hope it will bring warmer weather, I know we will soon reach the end of the first 7 weeks and the midpoint of the semester.\u00a0 The newness of the semester has waned and the weight of completing assignments, projects and exams is upon our students. It is a crossroads for many who are deciding whether to continue the journey or stop out.\u00a0 This is the perfect time to remind students of the many resources we have available for academic support<\/a> and non-academic support<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are a few updates from the Office of the President:<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TBR Board Meeting<\/strong> \u2013 The Quarterly TBR Board meeting was held on February 26 at 1:00 pm. Meeting materials and the livestream link (and post-meeting recording) can be found online at the TBR Board Meetings webpage.<\/a> Meeting information is available to all employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TBR SOAR Awards<\/strong> \u2013 Please join me in congratulating Lindsay Hager who is the Middle Tennessee finalist for the TBR Staff Excellence Award. The SOAR Award winners for Community Colleges and TCATs for Faculty, Staff, Student and College of the year will be announced during the SOAR Awards Dinner on February 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment Update <\/strong>\u2013 As of February 24, we are up 13.6% in headcount, which is more than 800 students from last spring and up 16.3% in FTE! This is a larger increase than we experienced this fall and is building on the momentum of retaining our students at a significantly higher rate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Student Outcome Data<\/strong> \u2013 The Persistence, Retention and Graduation dashboard has been updated and there is good news to share!\u00a0 Persistence increased from 72% to 76%, retention improved from 43% to 45% and the three-year graduation rate improved from 17% to 19%. The improvement in student outcomes and increase in enrollment is a testament to the individual and collective efforts that each of you makes every day. Stay data informed by visiting our new Data Access Page<\/a>. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness <\/strong>\u2013 Wellness includes both our physical and mental health. Along with Partners for Health\u2019s online wellness benefits, the Fitness Center on the White Bridge Campus and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) for support services; each month in The Voice<\/em>, the Employee Engagement Committee will share practical tips for<\/strong> staying in good shape physically, emotionally and mentally.  I encourage you to check it out and take care of you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as I talk about students being the reason we are here and how critical our mission is to support their hopes and dreams, I know you have your own. Those dreams, whether they are personal or professional, are valuable.  Your contributions to our college matter and so do you!  Thanks for being a difference maker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mental Health Tips for College Employees: Nurturing Your Well-Being in a Demanding Environment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Danielle Sullivan, Coordinator, The Learning Center and Dyamond Williams, Student Services Specialist III, Clarksville Campus<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February – Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindfulness practices\u2014like meditation, deep breathing, or simply focusing on the present moment\u2014can be powerful tools for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being. The academic year can get hectic, but taking a moment to be present can help you reset and refocus.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to do it:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n