{"id":5284,"date":"2026-09-30T14:07:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T14:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/?page_id=5284"},"modified":"2026-10-01T14:29:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T14:29:42","slug":"september-2026-volume-10-issue-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ww2.nscc.edu\/thensccvoice\/","title":{"rendered":"September 2026 Volume 10 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

Nashville State continues to lead the way!  We are a bridge to opportunity for our students, and talent solution partners for our area employers.  As an example, we are the first Community College in Tennessee to have a Federally Registered IT Apprenticeship program.  Earlier this month, I attended a graduation celebration for our third cohort of Caterpillar Financial IT Apprentices.  These students completed their associate degree from Nashville State while employed at CAT Fin. I was impressed with not only what they learned but how much they contributed to the organization. Both are working toward completing a bachelor’s degree while now working full time at CAT Fin. Partnerships continue to be a key to our success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

TBR Quarterly Board Meeting<\/strong> \u2013 The September Quarterly Board meeting took place September 17-18 at TCAT Shelbyville.If you are interested in viewing the meeting, please visit TBR\u2019s Board Meeting Schedule and Materials<\/a> webpage and select archived board meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reigniting our Future Open House<\/strong> \u2013 We had a wonderful celebration at our Humphreys County Campus September 2.  The County Executive and city Mayor attended and gave remarks.  During the event we planted a tree in recognition of the catastrophic flood in 2021 and the community\u2019s commitment to build back stronger than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dickson Campus Grand Opening<\/strong> \u2013 You are invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Dickson Center of Higher Education, home to our Dickson Campus, on October 12 at 10:00am. The campus is located at 2575 Highway 46S in Dickson. If you are planning to attend, you can let the planning team know by RSVPing using this link: RSVP HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Enrollment Update<\/strong> \u2013 Registration is continuing for our 2nd 7-week classes.  As of September 23, we had 8,789 students enrolled; our Fall headcount was up 7.8%, and FTE was up 7.3% from the prior year.  This is the highest increase in both across the TBR community college system.  Most notable is an increase in dual enrollment and adult students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The persistence, retention, and graduation dashboard is up to date with Fall 26 data.  While we remained fairly flat on persistence and retention, we raised our three-year graduation rate from 20% to 23%!  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\/Healthcare<\/strong> \u2013 A campus announcement was sent September 23 regarding the Annual Enrollment period for benefits.  It includes a link to book a meeting with Rochelle Williams, our Benefits and Leave Administrator.  Please review carefully for changes and options.  We will continue to have wellness benefits available online through Partners for Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions for support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I cannot believe how fast the fall semester is going.  I have already finished my 5-week NSCC 1010 course.  I am already looking forward to teaching it again.  Special thanks to Jessica Rabb, Marla Perry, and others who provided training and helpful tips along the way.  Being in the classroom with first semester students has given me the opportunity to learn what we do well and what opportunities are still in front of us.  We have work to do but we are Moving Forward<\/em>!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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New Director of Financial Aid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By the Financial Aid Office<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On August 3, the Financial Aid Office at Nashville State Community College welcomed our new Director of Financial Aid,<\/strong> Mr. Husni Abdelqader<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Husni brings more than nine years of progressive financial aid leadership experience from two of the nation’s premier institutions, Columbia University and New York University. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid administration, with particular strengths in Title IV compliance, operational management, regulatory reporting, staff development, and delivering exceptional service to students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success, Husni has a proven track record of building strong partnerships across enrollment management, student affairs, information technology, and academic departments. His dedication to continuous improvement and innovation will be a tremendous asset as Nashville State continues its mission to expand access and support student achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please join us in welcoming Husni to Nashville State. In just a short time, he has visited multiple campuses, connected with internal and external partners, and begun identifying opportunities to strengthen and streamline processes within the Financial Aid Office. We are excited to have him leading our team and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our students, employees, and institution.<\/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

September 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>
Susan Austin<\/td>Campus Coordinator<\/td>Office of Academic Affairs, Dickson and Humphreys County Campuses<\/td><\/tr>
Tiffany Blalock<\/td>Admissions & Records Clerk<\/td>Office of Admissions & Records<\/td><\/tr>
Melissa Flores Griffith<\/td>Sterile Processing Manager<\/td>Office of Workforce Development & Continuing Education<\/td><\/tr>
Brandi Myers<\/td>Instructional Designer<\/td>Office of Online Learning & Teaching Innovation<\/td><\/tr>
Lydia Snyder<\/td>Library Assistant III<\/td>Office of Learning Resources<\/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>
Jonathan Dructor<\/td>Security Guard<\/td>Office of Police and Security<\/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>
Sierra Leach<\/td>Director of Donor Relations<\/td>College Foundation<\/td><\/tr>
John Troung<\/td>Executive Director of Facilities<\/td>Office of Business and Finance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Meet Melissa Flores, New Sterile Processing Trainer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Tammy Oropesa, Senior Administrative Assistant, The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education welcomes Melissa Flores as its new Sterile Processing Trainer. In this role, Melissa will lead instruction for NSCC’s Sterile Processing program, offered in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Center for Programs in Allied Health – a program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training to prepare students for careers as sterile processing technicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa brings direct, hands-on experience to the classroom. As a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), she has worked in instrument decontamination, sterilization, and surgical tray assembly, and is skilled in operating and troubleshooting sterilization equipment, including Bowie-Dick and autoclave challenge testing. She has also served as a preceptor, training and mentoring new team members – experience that translates directly into her new role preparing NSCC’s next generation of sterile processing technicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before entering healthcare, Melissa spent more than four years as an Executive Assistant supporting a team of real estate professionals, sharpening the organizational and multitasking skills that now serve her in a fast-paced training environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from California State University at San Bernardino and completed her Sterile Processing education at Martinson College. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Melissa Flores, Sterile Processing Trainer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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New Program Highlight at The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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New Six-Week Course Explores the Healing Power of Music<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education welcomed its first cohort into Introduction to Music Therapy<\/em> this month, a new six-week course meeting Thursday evenings at the East Davidson Campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course introduces students to the clinical applications and professional practices of music therapy – from wellness and rehabilitation to mental health and end-of-life care. Students explore how music engages the brain, supports emotional and cognitive well-being, and offers a uniquely accessible form of healing across ages and abilities. By the end of the course, participants will be able to define music therapy’s historical development, identify clinical goals, and design basic therapeutic interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading the course is Professor James “Mitch” Rollins, Associate Professor of Psychology at Nashville State. A lifelong musician and 20-year veteran of teaching psychology, Rollins says the idea took on new meaning as he watched music help both of his parents through declining health. “Music Therapy sooths our souls and restores our memories,” he says, “to create a holistic healing effect that gives us hope for tomorrow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch for future course offerings through the Center for Workforce Development.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Clarksville Campus Spotlight<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Ann M. Rowley, Student Services Specialist III, Clarksville Campus Welcome Center<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students, faculty, and staff recently came together for an engaging lunch and learn hosted by Instructor Mike Knap on the Clarksville Campus. Designed to connect students with valuable Nashville State resources, the event encouraged conversation, self-improvement, and student success through highlighting academic and non-academic resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presenters included Doctor Kenisha Burke, who led an invigorating presentation emphasizing the impedance of an ego mindset and importance of a growth mindset. Jeffrey Johnson highlighted Nashville State Foundation resources and described the care referral process. Career and Transfer Services Director, Andrew Burton, led an informative discussion regarding available assistance for students and graduates. Clarksville Campus Student Success Specialist, Dawne Ramaker, provided encouraging words regarding advisement and navigating higher education; and Dr. Jessica Rabb, as the lead of the NSCC1010 program, shared her educational experience and discussed making the most of the first-year experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lunch and learn provided a unique opportunity for students to step out of their traditional classroom and interact directly with the people and programs dedicated to supporting their success. Reflecting on the lunch and learn, Knap described it as \u201ca cool way to make class more engaging\u201d that was \u201cchock full of information.\u201d With such a positive student response, Knap looks to incorporate events like this as a series of multiple events in future semesters. Experiences such as this help build student connections, inform students, and assist students in discovering resources that can be used to support them in achieving their educational and personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover Your Strengths, Find Your Path: YouScience in NSCC 1010<\/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

My main job at Nashville State is biology instructor. My side job is NSCC 1010 First Year Experience instructor. When I started at Nashville State more than 15 years ago, if you had asked me which classes I would like teaching the most, I would not have said NSCC 1010. This class did not even exist. Yet this class has become one of the most important parts of my Nashville State career.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wish I had a course like NSCC 1010 when starting college. When I picked a college major, I picked a major based on what I thought I couldn\u2019t do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

School of Arts and Humanities Majors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n