{"id":5270,"date":"2026-09-04T19:33:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T19:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=5270"},"modified":"2026-09-10T01:55:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T01:55:44","slug":"august-2026-volume-10-issue-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/","title":{"rendered":"August 2026 Volume 10 Issue 1"},"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

A new academic year is underway, and I am excited to have students back on campus.  Nashville State LEADS is my theme for the year! Yes, it is in the acronym of our Core Values: Learning, Empowering Success, Accountability, Data-Informed and Student Success. Those Core Values continue to move us forward toward Vision 2030! But in addition, we need to spend time this year developing the leaders inside each and every Falcon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Convocation \u2013 <\/strong>I want to commend Natalie Olsen for her leadership and say thank you to every Falcon who supported and volunteered to make thisan outstanding day for the college! The day started with a wonderful performance by our Nashville State Roots ensemble. Thank you, Dave Edgington and Meghan Perdue, for your leadership <\/a>of<\/a> this group! The morning also featured a great keynote on self-leadership by Dr. Nina Morel; a celebration of our service awards; and presentation of our Outstanding Employees of the Year: Hurahman Hussain (Staff), Peter Lyon (Administration), and Emily Naff (Faculty) and adjuncts Regina Willis (BAPS), Adela Brito (Arts and Humanities), Sharley Ross (STEM), and Pam Claybaker (Health Sciences). Congratulations to all and a special<\/a> congratulations to Charles May for reaching his 50th year of state service. I also want to thank the Foundation for once again sponsoring lunch. Here are the links to the recordings: Convocation Main Session<\/a> and the ACUE Pinning Ceremony<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southeast Campus<\/strong> – One of my priorities this year is the Southeast Campus. We are estimating a $10 million investment to replace\/repair the HVAC system. The state requires an arduous process for a capital<\/a> investment of this size. While it will take several months to get through the first step of securing a vendor, the process is underway. As funding allows, we have two additional projects on the list. One is to build out unused space on the second floor for new or expanding programs and the second to update the external building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waverly Flood<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Five years ago on August 21, 2021, the Saturday before fall classes began, a devastating flood impacted Humphreys County. Our Falcon family and many of our students suffered great losses. We stand committed to helping the community recover and rebuild. Part of that commitment centers on expanding opportunities for area residents to build skills and advance their careers. One way we are doing this is by partnering with the non-profit American Job Center, now co-located at our Humphreys Co. Campus, to create a stronger, more coordinated approach to meeting local needs. AJC provides job training and industry certifications, HiSET preparation, and business support services designed to help residents build skills and advance their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reigniting our Future Open House<\/strong> \u2013 To celebrate the partnership with AJC\/Workforce Essentials, the college is hosting an open house on Wednesday, September 2 from 10am-2pm. All employees are invited to attend. The community open house will celebrate the resilience, opportunity, and a shared commitment to Humphreys County\u2019s future. During the event we are planting a tree in recognition of the flood and the community\u2019s commitment to build back stronger than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fantasy Football Season 5<\/strong> \u2013 Season 5 begins September 9!  Commissioner Ron Jackson is once again overseeing our league that has more than 70 Falcons playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Enrollment Update <\/strong>\u2013 Before the final purge, Fall<\/a> headcount was up 7.8% and FTE was up 7.3%. On the fourth day of classes, more than 8,800 students were enrolled! 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 <\/strong>\u2013 As we begin a new academic year, I want to remind you to take care of yourself. There are wellness benefits available online through Partners for Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions for support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As stated by Donald McGannon \u201cleadership is an action, not a position.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> There is greatness in you! And I am honored to work with the Nashville State Dream Team!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrate Our 2026 Falcon Award Honorees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Ryan Parker, Executive Director, NSCC Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We are thrilled to announce this year\u2019s Falcon Awards Honorees. The Falcon Awards<\/a> is our annual celebration of Nashville State alumni who have gone beyond professional success to embrace a higher purpose. These honorees have built careers while creating opportunities that strengthen and uplift their communities. Their achievements and service inspire others and highlight the impact of donors and volunteers whose generosity opens doors for students and creates lasting change across Middle Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Falcon Awards also shine a light on the donors and volunteers whose generosity and dedication make this work possible. By giving their time, resources, and support, they help open doors for students and create lasting impact across Middle Tennessee. Together, our alumni, donors, and volunteers embody the spirit of service, achievement, and community that defines Nashville State Community College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration on Tuesday, October 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Nashville State Community, White Bridge Campus \u2013 Falcon Theater<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a member of our Falcon Family, you are invited to join the celebration with two discounted tickets for $50 each. <\/strong>
Simply use the access code FS26FA<\/strong> at https:\/\/event.gives\/falconawards26<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Human Resources Update<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Connie Daniel, Senior Administrative Assistant, Human Resources<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

August 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Nashville State\u2019s newest employees!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Hires<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Husni Abdelqader<\/td>Director<\/td>Office of Financial Aid<\/td><\/tr>
Oliver Brown<\/td>Instructor, Reading Support<\/td>Southeast Campus<\/td><\/tr>
Gina Bullington<\/td>Instructor, Nursing<\/td>School of Health Sciences<\/td><\/tr>
Kristin Burnette<\/td>Instructor, Biology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Corianna Chauncy<\/td>Tutor Coordinator, Writing<\/td>Office of the Learning Center<\/td><\/tr>
Miranda Cheatham<\/td>Librarian<\/td>Office of Learning Resources<\/td><\/tr>
Hannah Cole<\/td>Student Success Advisor, Nash Grad<\/td>Office of Student Success Center<\/td><\/tr>
Rhyder Cowart<\/td>Instructor, History<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Brady Duncan<\/td>Instructor, History<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Fayeja Easmin<\/td>Instructor, Mathematics<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Christopher Evancho<\/td>Admissions and Records Clerk<\/td>Office of Admissions and Records<\/td><\/tr>
Jennifer Huddleston<\/td>Senior Administrative Associate<\/td>Office of Vice President of Academic Affairs<\/td><\/tr>
Lesa Kauffman<\/td>Senior Administrative Associate<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Timothy Kennedy<\/td>Computer Technican<\/td>Office of Technology Services<\/td><\/tr>
Tina Long<\/td>Student Success Advisor<\/td>Office of the Student Success Center<\/td><\/tr>
Lyle Morgan<\/td>Student Success Advisor<\/td>Office of the Student Success Center<\/td><\/tr>
William Mullins<\/td>Director, Culinary Arts and Hospitality<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Anastasia Nichol<\/td>Student Success Advisor<\/td>Office of the Student Success Center<\/td><\/tr>
Nhanlinh Nguyen<\/td>Instructor, Business<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Heriberto Palacio<\/td>Instructor, Art<\/td>School of Arts and Humanities<\/td><\/tr>
Ann Rowley<\/td>Student Services Specialist III<\/td>Clarksville Campus<\/td><\/tr>
Rinku Sen<\/td>Instructor, Computer Information Technology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Surbhi Sharma<\/td>Instructor, Biology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Jackson Strick<\/td>Student Success Advisor<\/td>Office of Student Success Center<\/td><\/tr>
Katherine Wallace<\/td>Instructor, Biology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Shelby Webb<\/td>Access Services Coordinator<\/td>Office of the Access Center<\/td><\/tr>
Hafiz Zaheer<\/td>Instructor, Chemistry<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Please join us in congratulating Nashville State\u2019s employees who are in a new role!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Roles<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Ashley Barrett<\/td>Instructor, Surgical Technology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Jameson Bear<\/td>Senior Accountant<\/td>Office of Finance and Accounting<\/td><\/tr>
Daniel Bua<\/td>Instructor, Culinary Arts<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Nadia ElChaer<\/td>Instructor, Surgical Technology<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Sharley Ross<\/td>Instructor, Mathematics<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Please join us in saying farewell to these NSCC employees!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Separations<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Kristian S Morgan<\/td>Instructor, Culinary Arts<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Maryellen Nash<\/td>Instructional Designer<\/td>Office of Online Learning<\/td><\/tr>
Wendy O’Barr<\/td>Temp Tutor<\/td>Office of Learning Resources<\/td><\/tr>
James Pegler<\/td>Instructor, History<\/td>School of Business and Professional Studies<\/td><\/tr>
Amelia Rinehart<\/td>Associate Professor<\/td>School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics<\/td><\/tr>
Dwanna Shelton<\/td>Police Officer<\/td>Office of Police and Security<\/td><\/tr>
Vincent Steele<\/td>Police Officer<\/td>Office of Police and Security<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Apprenticeships Create Pathways to Careers Across Middle Tennessee<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Joseph Johnson, Executive Director, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education continues to expand apprenticeship opportunities that connect students to high-demand careers while helping employers build and strengthen their workforce pipelines. Through partnerships across healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing operations, and information technology, Nashville State is creating pathways that combine classroom instruction, paid work experience, industry credentials, and long-term career advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Healthcare Apprenticeships Growing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In 2026, the Center expanded into healthcare apprenticeships through partnerships with Tennessee Oncology and TriStar\/HCA. Five Medical Assistant apprentices have completed their classroom instruction and are now gaining valuable on-the-job experience as they work toward journeyworker status. In addition, three Patient Care Technician-Advanced apprentices recently began training and are expected to transition into full-time employment, creating new opportunities in critical healthcare occupations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Addressing Teacher Shortages Through Apprenticeship<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Through the Tennessee Grow Your Own (GYO) initiative, Nashville State is helping address teacher shortages by preparing future educators in local communities. The program is a collaborative effort between the Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education, the School of Business & Professional Services and NSCC\u2019s Clarksville and Humphreys County Campuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, the College supports teacher apprenticeship cohorts in the Clarksville-Montgomery County and Humphreys County school systems. Currently, 59 teacher apprentices are participating across multiple cohorts. The Workforce Development team manages apprenticeship registration, work-based learning documentation, and compliance requirements while working closely with faculty and school district partners to support apprentice success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting Industrial Careers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Center’s partnership with Chemours in New Johnsonville continues to create opportunities for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial operations. In 2026, two apprentices completed both their Industrial Process Control Technology associate degree and apprenticeship requirements. The program prepares participants for careers in process monitoring, operations, maintenance, and industrial safety. Three additional apprentices are currently enrolled and are expected to complete their degree and apprenticeship training in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Building the Region’s IT Talent Pipeline<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Nashville State and Caterpillar Financial Services will celebrate the graduation of two apprentices from the program’s third cohort this September. Since launching in 2023, the partnership has successfully guided three cohorts from the classroom into full-time technology careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed through a partnership between the Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education and the School of STEM, the apprenticeship combines an associate degree with extensive paid technical training, creating a direct pathway from education to employment. Representatives from Cat Financial and Caterpillar Inc. will begin recruiting students for the program’s fifth cohort in October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With nearly 75 apprentices currently participating across healthcare, education, industrial operations, and information technology programs, the Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education continues to expand opportunities that connect students to careers while helping employers build a skilled workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Center welcomes opportunities to partner with academic schools, faculty, and employer partners interested in exploring apprenticeship models for their students and industries. Faculty and staff who work with credit students and believe apprenticeship opportunities could benefit their programs are encouraged to connect with the Center. Whether adapting an existing program or developing a new apprenticeship pathway, the Center stands ready to collaborate on creating additional earn-and-learn opportunities that help students gain valuable experience while meeting workforce needs across the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faculty, staff, and employer partners interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities or exploring the development of a new apprenticeship program should contact Rob Tudor, Director IT Partnerships, at robert.tudor@nscc.edu<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these partnerships, Nashville State apprenticeship programs continue to provide students with a direct pathway from education to employment while helping regional employers build the skilled workforce needed for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Library Resources for Faculty and Staff<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Faye Jones, Ph.D., Dean, Learning Resource Center<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hello! This is my yearly reminder that the library has resources and services for staff and faculty!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n