{"id":5231,"date":"2026-06-30T20:27:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=5231"},"modified":"2026-06-30T20:27:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:27:58","slug":"june-2026-volume-9-issue-11","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/","title":{"rendered":"June 2026 Volume 9 Issue 11"},"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

June 1 marked the beginning of my ninth year at Nashville State! As a look over the last eight years, I am proud of the work we have done together. From navigating the unknown during COVID, through the tornadoes, ice storms and cyber-attacks \u2013 we remain Nashville State strong! It is my honor to serve with the Nashville State Dream Team!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

TBR Board Meeting \u2013 Nashville State cohosted the June Quarterly Board meeting with TCATs Nashville and Dickson. We received many compliments and kudos for being exceptional hosts. This is due to the incredible planning and attention to detail provided through the team and hosts of volunteers. I am grateful to Natalie Olsen and Kathleen Duff for setting and achieving a high bar and to everyone else involved! It truly took a village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the June Board meeting, I am happy to share that both our Budget and Compensation plan were approved. A college-wide email was sent on June 30 with more detailed information about the budget and compensation plan. In addition, a new International Fee of $5 was approved for the college. The fee was approved by students’ last fall. I am excited to share that Associate Professor Emily Naff will be providing additional leadership for increasing global awareness across the college and increasing study-abroad opportunities for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One final note is that our capital request for a new Science and Technology building to replace building A on the White Bridge campus is back on the TBR list. In addition, a new Student Innovation Center Building, which would bring together all the student services functions on White Bridge, made the list for future capital projects. Both buildings were identified in the preliminary assessment underway with the Master Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capital Projects<\/strong> \u2013 We have submitted several disclosed projects that will use college funds to upgrade college facilities. The first is to update several science labs on the White Bridge campus. The others involve the Southeast campus. One is for an external renovation of the building and grounds. The second to explore building out the 50,000 square feet of undeveloped space on the second floor. We are also working on upgrading\/repairing the HVAC system at Southeast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Office of the President<\/strong> \u2013 Effective July 1, Natalie Olsen\u2019s role is expanding. She will now serve as Executive Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives. This change will better position the college to execute and assess both short-term and long-term critical projects and initiatives. Natalie will<\/p>\n\n\n\n

collaborate closely with senior leaders while continuing to provide operational support to the President\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment Update<\/strong> \u2013 Fall enrollment is up 8.9% and FTE is up 9.0%. Stay data informed by visiting the Data Access Page, which includes information regarding applications, persistence and retention data. Please contact Institutional Research if you have any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wellness<\/strong> \u2013 This is your monthly reminder that you are valuable! Your health and wellness are critical. If you have not already, please take advantage of the programs and resources available online through Partners for Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly EAP) if you need to make lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I enter my ninth year at Nashville State, I also recognize that it is year 26 with the Tennessee Board of Regents, and my 29th year in higher education. Over all these years, the Community College core mission has not changed, but how we serve students continues to evolve. I am excited about year nine and our progress toward Vision 2030. We are on track to becoming a Student Ready College and being a leader in achieving equitable outcomes for our diverse community of learners while meeting the existing and emerging needs of our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrate Our Falcon Alumni!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Sierra Leach, <\/em>Director of Donor Relations and Programs, NSCC Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It is time to recognize the powerful impact of Nashville State alumni and celebrate those who are leading with purpose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Falcon Awards spotlight alumni who have gone beyond career success to create meaningful change in their communities. These individuals lead, serve, and inspire others, showing what it truly means to be a Falcon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know a Nashville State alum whose achievements, leadership, or service deserve recognition? This is your chance to share their story and help us celebrate their impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfc6Award Categories:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distinguished Alumni of the Year<\/strong>
Honors an alum who has achieved excellence in their profession while demonstrating strong leadership through service and making a lasting difference in their community. Nominees must have graduated from or completed at least two semesters at Nashville State Community College or Nashville State Technical Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year<\/strong>
Recognizes an emerging leader who is building momentum in their career while actively contributing to their community. Nominees must have graduated from or completed at least two semesters at Nashville State within the past 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-nominations are encouraged, so don’t be shy! Nominate here: 2026 Nominations<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us in celebrating the Falcons who continue to make an impact across our communities and beyond. For more information contact Sierra Leach at (615) 229-5809 or alumnirelations@nscc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Rejoicing:<\/strong> Ready to Reconnect Celebrates Three Years of Impact and a Bold New Beginning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Kenisha Burke, Ed.D., Manager, Ready to Reconnect Program<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are moments in this work that remind us exactly why we do what we do. Our recent Ready to Reconnect Certificate Ceremony was one of those moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What began as a workforce development initiative designed to reconnect adults to education and career pathways has grown into a life-changing movement that has now impacted more than 300 individuals across the Nashville community. This year\u2019s ceremony was not simply a graduation it was a celebration of resilience, determination, and the power of second chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than 100 family members, community partners, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered in the room, the energy was undeniable. The atmosphere was filled with joy, pride, and encouragement as graduates crossed the stage to receive certificates representing months of hard work, growth, and perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came from our student speakers. Their voices carried truth, honesty, and strength as they shared stories of struggle, rebuilding, and triumph. They reminded everyone in attendance that success is rarely a straight line, but it is always possible when determination meets opportunity. Their testimonies reflected not only academic achievement, but personal transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests gathered to celebrate, share memories, take photographs, and enjoy cake and punch together a simple but meaningful reminder that community is at the heart of everything we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Than 300 Lives Changed<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Over the past three years, Ready to Reconnect has proudly served more than 300 adult learners throughout Davidson County. Each participant entered our program carrying a different story, but all shared one thing in common: the courage to return, rebuild, and invest in their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether pursuing careers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, or industry certifications, our students continue to prove that when barriers are removed and support is consistent, transformation is inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I watched our graduates cross the stage, I was reminded once again that workforce development is not just about employment. It is about transformation. It is about helping individuals reconnect with their purpose, rebuild their confidence, and rejoice in their accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Difference Maker: Ego Mindset Training<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the defining elements that sets Ready to Reconnect apart is our intentional focus on whole-person development. Technical training matters. Certifications matter. Industry credentials matter. But long-term success requires something deeper: emotional resilience, self-awareness, accountability, and the ability to lead oneself through challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where Ego Mindset Training becomes essential. Our Ego Mindset framework helps students understand how thought patterns, emotional responses, and internal narratives influence performance, persistence, and professional behavior. Students learn how to regulate emotional reactions, take ownership of decisions, strengthen communication, and develop the confidence required to navigate both academic and workplace environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact has been undeniable. We continue to see increased persistence, stronger engagement, improved communication skills, and a deeper sense of purpose among our participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this impact, I am honored to share the Ego Mindset framework with Nashville State faculty during Fall Convocation this August. This session will provide educators with practical mindset strategies to better support, engage, and empower adult learners across all campuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking Ahead: A New Year of Opportunity<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While we celebrate three years of impact, we are also stepping boldly into a new chapter of expansion, innovation, and opportunity. This upcoming year, Ready to Reconnect will offer an expanded lineup of workforce pathways, seminars, and professional development experiences designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and regional employers, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Medical Assistant Pathway<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

High-demand clinical training preparing students for essential roles in healthcare and patient support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heavy Equipment Operations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on technical training designed for careers in construction, infrastructure, and transportation industries. Students gain real-world experience operating heavy machinery while building safety awareness, technical skill, and workforce readiness for high-demand, family-sustaining careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drone and Surveying Technology<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cutting-edge instruction in aerial mapping, surveying, and data collection, preparing students for emerging roles in technical and engineering-related industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Financial Education Seminar<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A practical and empowering series focused on budgeting, credit building, saving strategies, and long-term financial wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mastering the Interview Workshop<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An immersive experience designed to strengthen communication, build executive presence, and prepare students to confidently navigate competitive hiring processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Future Starts Here<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Three years ago, Ready to Reconnect was built on a simple but powerful belief: that every individual deserves access to opportunity and a pathway forward. Today, with more than 300 success stories and counting, that belief has become reality. To our graduates thank you. Your courage, persistence, and transformation are the heartbeat of this program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our faculty, staff, and community partners, thank you for believing in this mission and standing beside our students every step of the way. And to those preparing to join us this fall we are ready for you. The future is not something we wait for. It is something we build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And your next chapter starts now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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R2R 1 – L to R:<\/strong> Students Leticia Tyler and Azayzel DeRegis
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R2R 2 – L to R:<\/strong> Breanna Butler, Dr. Kenisha Burke, Azayzel DeRegis & Aimee Irvine \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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R2R 3 <\/strong>– Ready to Reconnect Graduates!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chilly in Chile, Warm Welcome for Nashville State<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Jessica Rabb PhD, Biology Professor and NSCC 1010 Course Lead<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Santiago 2026: International Conference on Assessing Quality in Higher Education<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do we keep students on the path to graduation? In June, I traveled 5,000 miles to land in winter in Santiago, Chile to share a Nashville State motivation strategy. With only 60 participants, and only two from community colleges, this international conference kept us together the entire time \u2013 to discuss the emerging trends in assessing and improving quality in higher education.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what I heard.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n