{"id":4800,"date":"2025-10-07T18:43:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=4800"},"modified":"2025-10-07T19:26:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T19:26:50","slug":"september-2025-volume-9-issue-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/september-2025-volume-9-issue-2\/","title":{"rendered":"September 2025 Volume 9 Issue 2"},"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

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

For many years, I have started meetings and conversations talking about the \u201cnumbers.\u201d Being Data Informed is a LEADS Core Value and a very important one. But as I often say when talking about our 90, 60, 30 and 10k Vision 2030 targets, these numbers represent real people with real lives, hopes and dreams. Teaching NSCC 1010 this semester has brought me closer to our students and the challenges they face completing their education at Nashville State. I have gained a new appreciation for our faculty who must navigate those academic and nonacademic barriers in real time. And I am thankful that we are continuing to build a variety of resources for our students to help them stay and complete college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

TBR Quarterly Board Meeting \u2013 <\/strong>The September Quarterly Board meeting took place September 18-19 in Knoxville. If you are interested in viewing the meeting<\/strong> please visit TBR\u2019s Board Meeting Schedule and Materials<\/a> webpage. Nashville State will host the June 2026 Quarterly Board meeting in partnership with TCAT Dickson and TCAT Nashville on June 11-12, 2026. It is a wonderful opportunity to share the great work happening at the college with the Regents and colleagues across the state. You will be hearing more about how each of us at the college can support the event from your supervisors and right here in The Voice.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early College Expansion \u2013 <\/strong>Under our Better Together partnership with MNPS, we are launching three new Early Colleges. Maplewood and Pearl Cohn will be home to our first Early Colleges aligned to a high-demand workforce need \u2013 Health Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to earn an A.S. in Health Sciences. McGavock is the home of our third Early College where students can earn the A.S. in Business Administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAT Financial Apprenticeship \u2013<\/strong> On September 22 we honored two graduates of Nashville State\u2019s School of STEM Information Technology program, who have been working through a 20-month Information Technology apprenticeship at CatFin. Justin Crowley and Stephanie Pedigo are the second cohort to finish the paid apprenticeship. Stephanie will be our student speaker at the Legislative Breakfast the college will host on November 21 at White Bridge. Launched in January 2023 with the support of Apprenticeship TN within the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the apprenticeship offers Nashville State students a valuable opportunity to earn credit toward their degree while gaining thousands of hours of paid, hands-on experience in the field of Information Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fantasy Football Season 4<\/strong> \u2013<\/strong> The chaos of Fantasy Football is underway.  Several teams are off to a great start this year, and we still have a few that have yet to win a game.  The competitive spirit is high.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Enrollment Update \u2013<\/strong> To date, we have enrolled over 8,100! The last time our college had more than 8,000 students was Fall 2018 — and we are still registering students for the 2nd 7-week session. At the 14th day of enrollment, we were second only to Pellissippi State in both headcount and FTE.  Our continuing students are up 17.8% headcount and 19% FTE! Our improved student outcomes reflect the great work taking place and a united commitment to student success.  I do understand that our growth requires a strategic approach to increasing resources, as we do not want to lessen our support for students, staff or faculty. Stay data informed by visiting the Data Access Page<\/a>. Please contact Institutional Research if you have any questions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness \u2013<\/strong> Taking care of ourselves is not always easy. Many of us are in a season where we are caring for others, children, spouses, parents, etc. Always remember that there are programs and resources available online through Partners for Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) for support services. Also, you will be receiving information from Human Resources soon on annual open enrollment, which runs October 3-17. This is the only time to make changes to your benefits selections unless you have a qualifying event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being in the classroom has strengthened my commitment to supporting our students, our college, our community and each of you! Nashville State\u2019s mission is critical to the success of the region we serve. Together, we can realize our vision to become a national leader in achieving equitable outcomes in our diverse community of learners.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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FAFSA 2026\u20132027 Opens October 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Jennifer Byrd, FAAC*, Director, Financial Aid Office<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026\u20132027 academic year officially opens on October 1, 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why File Early?<\/strong>
Filing early ensures students are considered for aid with limited funding<\/strong>, which is often awarded on a first-come, first-served<\/strong> basis, such as Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), and\/or Federal Work-Study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early filing also gives colleges more time to prepare financial aid packages, allowing students to compare offers and make informed decisions about enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Ready to File<\/strong>
Students and families can prepare now by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n