A Vision in Action
The community in Nashville State Community College signifies a purpose. The college has been intentionally making strides to build upon that purpose. Higher education, especially community colleges equipped to meet the needs of the local communities they serve, must continually adapt.
A few years ago, the college launched its strategic plan, Vision 2030, a north star that guides its decisions and priorities. At the heart of this plan is the college’s mission statement, which says, “Nashville State connects students, employers, and communities through personalized, high-quality, innovative experiences.”
Since the introduction of Vision 2030, the college has been transforming its approach to education. The college is focusing on targeted and strategic initiatives that are proactively built to meet the needs of local economic trends, industries, and families.
Aligning Pathways with Student Interests
Many students, whether recent high school graduates or adult learners, don’t have the time or the financial resources to waste on determining their academic path. To ensure they’re guided toward a program aligned with their skills and goals, they can take a YouScience Career Assessment.
Looking within, Nashville State undertook a pathway mapping audit, reviewing programs by career area and identifying gaps across secondary and post-secondary institutions. The audit revealed that some degrees are outdated in relation to modern times. In response, the college is actively updating programs.
Seamless Transfer to Four-year Institutions
One of the key initiatives has been creating direct, seamless pathways for Nashville State students who want to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree or higher. By forging and building upon partnerships with local four-year institutions, the college is removing barriers to make it as easy as possible for students to transfer upon graduation. Recent agreements have been signed with the University of Tennessee at Martin, Middle Tennessee State University, and other institutions.
Paid Apprenticeship Programs
Partnerships with forward-thinking business leaders, Cat Financial and Tractor Supply Company, have yielded successful outcomes from paid apprenticeship programs. In short, Information Technology students are integrated into the companies and work in teams to create solutions to address customer-driven and internal business needs. Not only are the students gaining valuable hands-on experience, but they’re also being trained in a way that the companies want, and expanding professional networks.
To address national and local teacher shortages in primary schools, Nashville State collaborates with Austin Peay State University, the Tennessee Department of Education, and several local public school districts through Grow Your Own (Cheatham County School District, Dickson County School District, and Hickman County Schools) and Teacher Residency (Clarksville-Montgomery County School System) programs. These partnerships are filling critical positions and creating pathways to rewarding careers.
Empowering High School Students
Nashville State has been seeking to better integrate college and career readiness into the high school student experience. In 2020, it partnered with Metro Nashville Public Schools and launched Better Together, a venture designed to help MNPS graduates prepare for, attend, and complete college.
This partnership has yielded several highly successful outcomes, including the launch of Early College programs at Cane Ridge, Glencliff, Maplewood, McGavock, Pearl-Cohn, and Whites Creek high schools. Additionally, the Early College High School, a National Blue Ribbon School, provides an immersive college experience at Nashville State’s White Bridge campus. The results since the launch of these programs have been outstanding and continue to demonstrate a positive impact.
Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit classes are available across the college’s seven-county service area. These classes provide students with a head start on earning college credit.
Similarly, Greater Together was launched in partnership with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System to expand opportunities for high school students and enhance economic mobility after graduation.
Workforce Development that Collaborates with Industry
One of Nashville State’s most effective resources is its Center for Workforce Development
and Continuing Education, which offers quick and targeted support for non-degree-seeking
students and industry partners.
Strategic partnerships with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee Oncology are helping fill critical healthcare workforce gaps at each institution and creating career ladders for current employees.
The college also collaborates with industry partners and governmental organizations to provide training for in-demand professions such as patient care technicians, medical assistants, and other frontline healthcare roles. Ongoing training and certification enable students to earn advanced credentials and degrees, improving economic mobility.
Distinct within the educational landscape, the college’s East Davidson campus serves as a centralized hub for the workforce. It houses the Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, as well as the Davidson County American Job Center, ensuring that essential job-seeking and training services are accessible and collaborative.
Ensuring Student Resiliency
With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming industries, Nashville State is dedicated to equipping students with the skills necessary for a future where digital fluency and adaptability are essential. The college is exploring ways to integrate AI literacy, critical thinking, and other essential workplace skills into academic programs, particularly in mechatronics, information technology, and health sciences.
A Vision in Action
With every initiative, partnership, agreement, and innovative development, Nashville State is fulfilling its mission to connect students, employers, and communities through high-quality, innovative experiences.
