Nashville State Foundation Honors Alumni and Community Partners at 2026 Falcon Awards

The Nashville State Community College Foundation celebrated exceptional alumni and community partners at the 4th annual Falcon Awards on October 20, 2026.

Held in the Falcon Theater on Nashville State's White Bridge campus, the event recognized alumni for their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community service, and honored partners whose support has advanced student success and the college's mission.

“The Falcon Awards celebrate the very best of Nashville State. Our alumni, employees, and community partners demonstrate the power of education, service, and leadership every day. We are proud to recognize individuals whose accomplishments reflect the impact of Nashville State and inspire future generations of Falcons,” Nashville State Community College Foundation Executive Director Ryan Parker.

Guests enjoyed a dinner featuring food prepared and displayed by the Music City Center and entertainment provided by the Nashville State Roots and the Nashville State Music Associate of Fine Arts program.

The Falcon Award

This lifetime achievement award celebrates a career that has impacted their profession, community, and society, and reflects their dedication to Nashville State Community College through demonstrated leadership, ingenuity, and service.

Glen Oxford, 1975

After earning his Associate of Science in Architecture, Oxford founded and later sold Oxford Architecture, a company that has designed thousands of commercial and residential projects throughout the United States. Glen has continued to support the college by contributing to the Wallace Wilson Scholarship and sponsoring Tennessee Flavors.

Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year

Presented to an alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism and leadership, and served as a positive example to their community. Alumni in this category have graduated from Nashville State within the last 10 years.

Katrina Seaman, 2022

A biology graduate of Nashville State’s School of STEM, Seaman went on to Tennessee State University, where she graduated in 2025 with a biology degree and now works as a research associate, continuing her work to develop ways to help Tennessee tomato farmers manage rising temperatures.

“I am filled with gratitude for the mentors and opportunities that have helped me find footing on my path,” Seaman said. “The work has not been easy, but the rewards have been unimaginable, and it’s my deepest desire to help remove barriers for future changemakers with big dreams to feel seen and supported.”

Distinguished Alumni of the Year

Presented to a Nashville State alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism leadership, and served as a positive example to their community.

Jason Lewis, 2003

Jason Lewis attended Nashville State Community College’s Cookeville campus, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Police Technology in 2003. He later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and earned two Master’s degrees from Liberty University and Luther Rice University. Jason is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate mental health and addiction challenges. In addition to his counseling work, he has served as a pastor for more than 17 years, dedicating his life to supporting others through faith, guidance, and service. Through his commitment to counseling, ministry, and community engagement, Jason has made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Outstanding Service Award

Presented to an individual in appreciation of their service to Nashville State Foundation, Nashville State Community College, and their community.

Connie Matthews, Associate Professor, ESOL

Connie Matthews has been a dedicated ESL faculty member at Nashville State Community College since 2005. Throughout her tenure, she has served on numerous college committees, the Faculty Senate, and represented the college through organizations including the TBR ESL Task Force, the GOAL Collective, and the Coalition for Better Futures for Southeast Nashville. As ESL program coordinator, Professor Matthews helped expand the ESL program to Nashville State's Southeast campus. Her commitment to student success and community service sparked her passion for addressing student food insecurity. In 2020, she volunteered to lead the Foundation's effort to establish a food pantry at the Southeast campus. Under her leadership, the pantry grew from a small closet of grab-and-go items into the Southeast campus Falcon Market, providing hundreds of students with access to food and essential resources. Through her vision, compassion, and service, Matthew’s has made a lasting impact on the Nashville State community and the students she serves.

Partner in Philanthropy

Recognizes outstanding partners who provide dedicated, sustained support and have made contributions that significantly impact the mission of Nashville State Foundation and Nashville State Community College.

Dr. Julie Doochin

Dr. Julie Doochin is a leader, philanthropist, and advocate dedicated to expanding postsecondary educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

In 2011, she founded the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI). This groundbreaking nonprofit partnered with the Tennessee Department of Correction and Nashville State Community College to fund and coordinate degree-granting college courses within correctional facilities. Under her leadership, THEI grew to collaborate with additional institutions across Tennessee.

Following her work with THEI, Doochin served as vice president of programs at Dismas House, supporting men transitioning back into their communities after incarceration. Today, as board president and director of the Robert S. Doochin Foundation, she continues championing returning citizens through community engagement, advocacy, and financial support.

In 2022, through the Foundation's Trust, Doochin partnered with the Nashville State Community College Foundation to establish an annual $20,000 scholarship fund for returning citizens pursuing higher education.

“Education has the power to change the trajectory of someone’s life, and Dr. Doochin unequivocally understands this. Through her leadership, advocacy, and passion, she has created opportunities for justice-involved individuals to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. Nashville State is thankful for Dr. Doochin’s continuing partnership and impact,” said Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, president of Nashville State.

2026 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy

Presented through the Office of the Chancellor at the Tennessee Board of Regents, the award recipient was nominated by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, president of Nashville State.

This distinguished honor recognizes organizations that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the Tennessee Board of Regents and its institutions through generous contributions of time, resources and leadership.

The Odom Family Foundation received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy. Representing the Tennessee Board of Regents at the presentation were Vice Chair Emily Reynolds and Dr. Kimberly McCormick, executive vice chancellor for external affairs.

An endowment established in the names of Doug and Robbie Odom honors their legacy by providing timely financial assistance to students in need of tuition, textbooks and other educational support. The fund has already made a significant impact, helping students overcome financial barriers and stay on track toward completing their education.

2026 Falcon Award Sponsors

Thank you to the 2026 Falcon Award sponsors. They are Advanced Financial 24/7 Foundation, First Horizon, Fortera Credit Union, Music City Center, and Southwest Airlines.