{"id":4566,"date":"2025-04-01T19:33:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T19:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=4566"},"modified":"2025-04-07T13:54:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T13:54:05","slug":"march-2025-volume-8-issue-8","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/march-2025-volume-8-issue-8\/","title":{"rendered":"March 2025 Volume 8 Issue 8"},"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,  <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is exciting to see the transformation from being a \u201ccollege-ready\u201d institution to one that is \u201cstudent-ready\u201d taking place in real time.  When I think about how students navigated Nashville State when I first arrived until now \u2013 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<\/em> targets of 10,000, 90, 60 and 30.  We are on the right track; let\u2019s keep Moving Forward<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Dickson Campus<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clarksville Campus<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Nashville State<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning<\/a> <\/strong>(scroll down to Upcoming PD Opportunities)<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Enrollment Update <\/strong>\u2013 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<\/a>. Please contact Institutional Research if you have questions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness <\/strong>\u2013 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\u2019s 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<\/a> to get a code to access the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Fun and Engaging Experience for Students!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

by Harlan Pease, Associate Professor of Communication, EHCT<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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On March 1st<\/sup>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>young faculty members, and I saw this professional code being picked up by other students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Here\u2019s Gino (center) participating in the \u201cChandler Cheer,\u201d a competition for the privilege of keeping Chandler the mascot until the next regional conference:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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19 NSCC employees have earned the ACUE Badge in Inspiring Inquiry and Lifelong Learning in Your Online Courses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

by Amy S. Bryant, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Director, The Teaching Center<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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