2024 TBR Regents Award Presented to Nashville State Community College Supporter Dr. Julie Doochin

The Tennessee Board of Regents has honored Dr. Julie Doochin with the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. Dr. Doochin has been a champion of supporting student success and the mission of Nashville State Community College.

As one of four recipients statewide, Nashville State nominated Dr. Julie Doochin for the award. She is recognized as a Tennessee leader, trailblazer, philanthropist, and advocate in providing post-secondary educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

One of her notable accomplishments in education was founding and growing the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) in 2011. Partnering with the Tennessee Department of Correction and Nashville State, the nonprofit would fund and coordinate degree-granting college courses behind bars. THEI has since partnered with other institutions.

After leaving THEI, Doochin served as vice president of programs at Dismas House, a transitional living program for men returning to the community from incarceration. Now, as Board president and director of the Doochin Family Trust, she continues that work with community and financial support for all returning citizens.

In 2022, through the Trust, Doochin partnered with the Nashville State Community College Foundation to create an annual $20,000 scholarship pool for returning citizens.

“Nashville State is grateful for Dr. Doochin’s transformative commitment to removing barriers for justice-involved individuals and assisting formerly justice-involved students in completing their education,” said President Dr. Shanna. L. Jackson.

Doochin was presented with the award by TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, Vice Chair Emily Reynolds, Dr. Jackson, and Nashville State Foundation Board Chair Nancy Eisenbrandt during an event at Nashville State's White Bridge campus. Regent Deanne DeWitt, representing the 6th Congressional District, was in attendance to congratulate and thank Doochin.