Motlow State Impact Report - Volume 1

Impact

Homeless to High Pay

Sommers started pursuing an associate degree in Mechatronics at Motlow.

“I always had mechatronics on my mind,” he said. Fortunately, he was able to take advantage of the TN Reconnect program because he still hadn’t completed a degree. Reconnect paid for his classes, and he continued to work to pay for his books and other needs.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Michael Torrence, Ph.D.

The IMPACT of Motlow State Community College is immeasurable. As thousands have come into this dedicated teaching and learning community, even more will come seeking knowledge and skills that will transform their lives and communities. The IMPACT of the Motlow community over the past 54 years cannot be put into words. Today, Motlow State is transformational; it serves the present age purposefully, methodically, and deliberately. The community college that had its original campus nestled between foothills in Moore County Tennessee, has expanded beyond its 11-county service area to become an international leader, and its IMPACT transcends the past and present.

The Motlow mission to “enrich and empower its students and the communities it serves” remains a constant. Through these doors, regardless of physical location, up and down these hallways, in classrooms whether in-seat, online, or hybrid, our students have access to opportunities that once never existed but have now become the norm. The IMPACT of access is the most powerful agent in education. The IMPACT of Motlow State transformed a formerly homeless man into a proud, productive wage earner with a beginning salary of $75,000. IMPACT allows students who have never traveled beyond their local communities to participate in the Study Abroad program taking them to Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. IMPACT allows those who cannot physically travel to put on headsets that will take them anywhere in the world during any period in history. IMPACT happens every time someone leaves better off than when they came. Open Educational Resources (OER), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are expected. The next iteration of the ecosystem will exceed this one, and we are prepared to receive it.

As you review the Motlow State IMPACT Report, you will get a glance of Motlow’s greatness. You will see strategies that have made a significant impact over the year. You will read statistics that have changed the trajectory of Motlow State. Yet, in all of our forward movement, we remain a student-centered institution that meets each student where they are and helps them get to where they dream of going. The Motlow IMPACT will only become stronger as this community of faculty, staff, and students anxiously anticipates our next landing.

NTRAP E R WITHMOTLOW: ASOURCE O F THGIL

Join us and help light the path forward. Our student-success and workforcedevelopment missions reach citizens and businesses throughout an 11-county service area in Middle Tennessee. We raise the torch of learning. We fuel regional economic growth. We spark innovation. We create pathways to higher education, and we kindle personal ambitions and collective collaborations.

This Impact Report spotlights Motlow’s most recent achievements and casts light on our aspirations for new programs and partnerships.

We hope the results of our work thus far inspire you to take up the torch and join us.

Together, we change lives. We reshape communities. We author economic miracles that reach across generations.

“I was staring at a blank test. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep that night. I couldn’t think at all. I told myself I couldn’t do this,” recalled Quebeck resident Legrand Sommers, graduate from Motlow State Community College. Just a few credit hours from finishing his degree, he handed his blank test to Mechatronics Associate Professor Paul Sand.

“I looked at the blank paper and said to him, Legrand, this isn’t you,” said Sand. “I knew that he was hardworking and one of my best students. Him not

“My grandfather was an engineer, and I wanted something that would lead to a job. I like working with my hands, so engineering seemed like a good fit,” said Sommers. “I knew I needed to save money to attend college and earn an engineering degree.”

Before completing his degree, he found himself in a bad living situation and ultimately had to drop out and move back to Murfreesboro. Sommers is one of 10 children. When he lost his house in Chattanooga, he took his limited financial resources and purchased a 7-by-10-foot tiny home.

In January 2018, Sommers tried to

“This was a difficult time for me,” he said. “I had no shower. It was pretty much a place to sleep with lights. I could access water from a hose. I pretty much lived off the dollar menu at Taco Bell.” During this time, he would shower at the fitness center on the campus of the college he was attending at the time. Studying was difficult because he didn’t have internet at his tiny home. He said he sometimes slept in his truck on campus and stayed there because it wasn’t much different than sleeping in the tiny home anyway.

Sommers secured an internship with Hutchinson while attending his second college. Then COVID hit, eliminating his ability to use campus facilities like the

Homeless to High

completing an assignment was not a good sign and highly irregular.”

At that moment, Sommers broke down and told his teacher everything he had been dealing with and the challenges he was facing. He said his biggest challenge in completing his college education was finally acknowledging that he needed help and reaching out to his instructor. He was struggling with homelessness, financial crisis, and depression. “Small things felt like mountains, and it was overwhelming.”

Sommers graduated from Murfreesboro’s Blackman High School in 2012. He admits that he struggled with school and discovered during his senior year of high school that he has ADHD. However, in 2015, he decided to start college in Chattanooga. There, he began his studies in mechanical engineering.

relaunch his education. After only one semester, he found out his mom had been diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in August 2018. This spurred him to pursue a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from a four-year institution in Cookeville.

Sommers pulled his tiny home to Cookeville and found someone willing to let him set it up in their yard for a small monthly fee. He lived there without running water while attending school part-time and working to support himself from the Fall of 2018 through 2020.

gym and library. Even though he had completed several classes towards a bachelor’s degree, he said he didn’t feel like the degree he was working towards would be helpful because it didn’t have practical hands-on experience and didn’t offer certifications that employers desired.

“I had to make a decision. I was out of money and had student-loan debt. I knew I would have to drop out,” he explained. But he didn’t want to be in debt for nothing.

Sommers found a place in McMinnville and moved his tiny home to it.

Pay

“I didn’t stay there the first winter because I didn’t have electricity in that location. I slept with family, friends, and even at my girlfriend’s house,” he said. “I was very dependent on her. My own family didn’t know much about what I was struggling with at the time. I made things harder on myself because I didn’t want to ask for help.”

After moving to McMinnville, Sommers discovered that the location where he parked his tiny home was right down the road from Motlow State Community College’s Automation and Robotics Training Center. He admitted that he didn’t even know Motlow existed in McMinnville at

the time. It was just by chance that he moved close to the campus. “I was driving by and saw the robotic arms out front of Motlow, and I wanted to find out more,” he recalled.

“I knew from my internship that I needed hands-on technical training. When I discovered that was what Motlow offered, I knew this was where I needed to be to start a career,” he said. From his apprenticeship, Sommers learned that mechatronics was a technical degree, and that everything he would learn from it applies on the job.

Sommers started pursuing an associate of applied science degree in Mechatronics at Motlow. “I always had mechatronics on my mind,” he said.

Fortunately, he was able to take advantage of the TN Reconnect program because he still hadn’t completed a degree. Reconnect paid for his classes, and he continued to work to pay for his books and other needs.

On his way to school one day, he wrecked and totaled his truck. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he admitted. Not long after his accident, he was riding with his girlfriend, and they passed an old 1991 Honda on the side of the road. Sommers talked to the owner and discovered that the car had been parked there for 11 years. He bought it for $100 and towed the clunker back to his tiny home, unsure if it would start.

“The gas tank was rusted, so we replaced that. Surprisingly, after that, it started right up! The fuel gauge didn’t work, so I had to remember to fill it up before I drove anywhere,” he said. But the car got him to classes and to work.

“I wasn’t as in touch with my family. I pushed people out, and it really wore on me.” Despite the small victory of now having transportation, Sommers said he was still struggling with his mom’s death and started to feel life wearing him down.

Challenging living conditions, unreliable transportation, and a lack of financial support were barriers Sommers needed help navigating. Turning in the blank test to his instructor was the turning point he needed. He discovered that Motlow’s faculty do more than pass on knowledge and skills.

“We get to know them and often stay in touch after graduation,” explained Sand.

When then Dean of Mechatronics and now Executive Director of Motlow’s ARTC Larry Flatt discovered the student’s predicament, he worked with various Motlow leaders to help Sommers find the support he needed to complete his degree.

“Motlow takes care of its students,” said Flatt. “I am proud that we could collaborate and fill a need.”

“They helped me with food and finances,” Sommers said. “They made sure I was able to finish my degree. Even before I told them everything, I

felt I could always communicate when I needed more time or extra help with something. They were always very understanding and accommodating with deadlines when possible.”

Sommers made remarkable progress despite many obstacles. “I was so close and had a goal in mind. I am extremely grateful that I had people around me who want to help. You create a family during the two-year program at Motlow.”

“You have the same instructors throughout the entire program. All the teachers at Motlow have worked in the

internship, Sommers was excited to gain additional practical knowledge from his Motlow education. He said it opened pathways he didn’t feel would have been available without a degree. “I received hands-on training with programmable logic controllers and computers that I would never have received at a four-year university.”

Just before graduation, he secured a high-wage career. He was particularly proud of his decision to pursue mechatronics when he learned he was making more money starting out than his friends who completed bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering. Sommers now works as a robotics field service engineer for a robotics company based in the southeast region that operates worldwide. He feels that he wouldn’t be as successful now if it weren’t for Motlow.

fields they teach and have a lot of realworld experience to draw from,” he said. Additionally, Motlow’s class sizes are smaller and more personable. “They get to know you. You aren’t just a number. This is why I felt like I could open up when I was having a hard time. And they did everything they could to ensure I understood the material.”

Sommers completed his Mechatronics Associate of Applied Science Degree and earned his University Parallel Associate of Science Degree with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering from Motlow with a 3.8 GPA.

Coupled with experience from his

Sommers advises adults considering starting their college education not to be afraid to ask for help; he knows from experience that there are many resources available that students may not even be aware of.

“[You] can get what you need by asking,” he said. “Do it with purpose. Have an idea of what you want, and don’t waste the opportunities available to you,” he said. “I don’t think many people come into the program fully understanding what mechatronics entails. Motlow’s program is way above other institutions. You earn certificates and microcredentials along the way that you can add to a resume and set yourself apart in job interviews.”

For more information, contact robotics@mscc.edu.

Student Success

Motlow offers a wide variety of support services that foster student success. Our student support programs are like rays of sunshine delivering a sense of brightness, warmth, and belonging to students navigating new paths.

7

4

986

STATE MEDALS NATIONAL MEDALS STUDENT MEMBERS

333

YouScience career interest assessments

Announced Handshake platform connecting students to prospective employers

Launched BigInterview helping students and graduates prepare for job interviews

Opened Bucks Closet, accepting donations of interview attire to gift to students in need

Introduced self-serve Transfer Information Stations

Hosted

8 Career Fairs

100% Transitioned

of Fact Book Data and Course Completion Rates to live dashboards. The platform provides transparent, filterable, public-facing data accessible 24/7. The data allows users to assess enrollment trends, completion rates, course success rates, and more.

EMT/AEMT

to include First-Aid and CPR training for non-profit agencies, schools, daycares, and more.

1,852

Focus on early registration helped students with scheduling and won national recognition for our Early Bird campaign

Expanded Google IT portfolio to

8 Free Courses

Eric Murry, Adult Initiatives Program Manager is one of the many faces contributing to advance our Black Male Initiative designed to increase enrollment of under-represented learners.

>3,000

Online Appointment Bookings for Student Advising Face-to-Face Student Success Coaching Sessions

The Black Male Success Initiative included workshops, tours, exploration sessions, inspiring stories, and mentorship.

2 14 10 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED SENIOR STUDENTS FROM OAKLAND HS, 4 ENROLLED

SENIOR STUDENTS FROM ROCKVALE HS, 3 ENROLLED

Academics

The lamp of learning is a ubiquitous symbol of higher education. At Motlow, we chose a larger light to represent our passion for teaching and academic achievement. The new Motlow seal raises a torch, illuminating a wider horizon. This torch more appropriately signifies the radiance, lift, and reach we strive to achieve.

Quality

Launched a High-Impact Practices (HIP) focused training for faculty to lead HIP initiatives at the classroom level. Future Motlow graduates will benefit from digital transcripts that include HIP classroom accomplishments. HIP achievements are valuable marks of accomplishment for graduates competing for positions in the new economy. College Catalog-level HIP achievements include curriculum-

embedded certifications, participations in firstyear experience, learning communities, honors education, study abroad, and work-based learning. Course Section-level HIPs include global cultural awareness, service learning, honors education, study abroad, and technology-enhanced learning.

Andrea Green, Charles Whiting, and Walter McCord were selected as HIP Ambassadors. The High Impact Practice program is a Tennessee Board of Regents Initiative that identifies outstanding faculty across the system to help support and lead high-impact practices within their institutions and beyond.

Debbie Simpson, Associate Professor and Department Lead of Education, was also selected as a HIP Ambassador and is a lifelong educator and brings a wealth of practical knowledge as well as leadership to the department.

Early College

We crafted a unique dual-enrollment program called Early College with LaVergne High School in Rutherford County.

7%

29 LaVergne High students received their Associate degrees from Motlow State while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.

44%

increase in overall Humanities course enrollment increase in on-ground Humanities enrollment

Ramona Shelton, Academic Resource Center director and associate professor of History; Donna Brewer, ARC coordinator and associate professor of English; and Dr. Charles Wexler, ARC coordinator and assistant professor of History, enjoy the power of engagement and learning together in Motlow’s new ARC.

Cyber Lab opened on the Moore County campus. Through a gift from the Motlow College Foundation, additional Cyber labs are planned for each campus.

Affirmation

ATMAE reaccreditation for Mechatronics Associate of Applied Science program

Transfer and Articulation Agreements

International Opportunity

Finalized an articulation agreement with the Waterford Institute of Technology in Carlow, Ireland

Dual Enrollment

Pathways 5

Motlow formalized a partnership with Florida International University (FIU) for articulation, enabling Motlow graduates holding an Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Distillation to be accepted into FIU’s Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program. FIU is one of the top hospitality programs in the nation.

Expanded DE curricula offerings at high schools

More Upgrades

other HS students from various HS earned associate degrees.

Concurrent-Enrollment Agreements

Three rooms in three buildings were renovated to accommodate an expansion of Art and Theatre. The results of this renovation included opening a set-design classroom shop, a 2D-art design space, and a 3D-art workshop.

Belonging

The need for meaningful relationships burns deeply in us all. But before students can develop a meaningful career network, they must first believe that they belong at college. At Motlow, the glow of hope for acceptance finds proactive support. We are intentional about cultivating student engagement. Differences in socioeconomics, culture, values, and identity can serve to unite collaboration when diversity and individuality are valued. Belonging is the only fire capable of spreading the equity and inclusion needed to reach and retain all learners through to their goal.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Motlow focuses on ensuring that all students are welcome and enjoy equitable access to support and resources needed to help them achieve. Cultivating a sense of belonging is central to our inclusion goals.

Dr. Quianda Harris, program director of the Violence Against Women grant, works across the College to educate students on their rights and responsibilities to report and prevent violence.

educators from across our institution were nominated and selected to participate in the National Inclusion Excellence Leadership Academy (NIXLA) Strategic DEI Accelerator Series fellowship.

Year 2: We are in our second year of stewardship of a $300,000 Violence Against Women Grant. Our outreach efforts for the Title IX education initiative lead a community collaborative focused on preventing gender- and sex-based aggression.

$300K

Year 1: Motlow was recently recognized as a VETS Campus in keeping with the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act.

Year 2: While we are in our first year of service as a VETS College, we are in Year 2 of a full-time staffed Veterans Affairs Office. This staffing and recognition is a reflection of our increasing focus on outreach to Veterans and eligible disabled Veteran dependents who need a high-quality education. We were also accepted into the ArmyCA system for soldiers and military spouses pursuing microcredentials through workforce certification training.

National Inclusion Excellence Leadership Academy

MPower Grant VETS Campus

Emerging Technology

Motlow is increasingly recognized for its reputation in emerging tech. For our students to land high-paying, high-tech, high-demand jobs, they must shine in the competitive limelight. Novel tech, including vision systems on smart robots, integrated controls preventing live cyberattacks, and Manikins with active CPR feedback technology, brightens Motlow’s experiential-learning environments.

Dr. Tony Millican, Executive Vice President for Workforce Development, External Affairs, and Community Development, is a nationally recognized leader in VR/XR educational applications. His extensive background in virtual reality jumpstarted Motlow’s aggressive movement to integrate these tools into various learning, training, and outreach environments at Motlow.

2VR Labs

Motlow now has two virtual- and mixed-reality Library Learning Labs, and XR equipment available at all Library locations. These spaces are equipped to transport entire classes to new learning opportunities. Our Baseball and Softball teams use these virtual experiences to improve their batting swings. Our history classes use them to tour ancient ruins. Education students get early field-experience opportunities teaching to virtual students in mixed-reality classrooms.

As part of Motlow’s curriculum, holographic and augmented-reality integrations in clinical labs allow us to simulate emergency disaster experiences for EMS and Nursing students. They can perform interventions and measure their effectiveness in responding to a variety of patients suffering from a multitude of illnesses and injuries, instead of the limited experiences available from Manikins.

Motlow athletic teams sharpen their skills through the use of AR/VR equipment.

3Motlow staff members were recognized with an award for collaborative innovation by the Palm Beach Safety Council for VR training leadership.

ZERO NADA ZIP

Finance

Motlow’s fiscal fitness is an oft-unseen but never undervalued institutional trait. Our demonstrated pattern of stewardship has earned us both business awards and philanthropic confidence. Our financial soundness has a halo effect on our institution. It projects an aura of trust to our planning and our partnerships.

Renee Austin and Hilda Tunstill

A comprehensive audit by the Tennessee Comptroller of the State Treasury resulted in zero findings. In layman’s terms, that’s a perfect score. This achievement is a testimony to our stewardship and the impeccable attention to detail of our Business and Finance staff. Our stewardship of the public trust placed in us is evidence of our commitment to be worthy of valuable partnerships, meaningful programming investments, and growing philanthropic donations.

Motlow’s Composite Financial Index (CFI) of 7.41 is one of the top 3 among the community colleges and above the system average.

In summary:

• Primary Reserve: This ratio indicates the sufficiency of resources and their flexibility.

• Viability: This ratio indicates the capacity to repay debt through reserves.

• Return on Net Assets: This ratio indicates whether the institution is better off this year than last year.

• Net Operating Revenues: This ratio indicates whether the institution is living within available resources.

The CFI is a single measure of the overall financial health of the College. In accordance with TBR’s standards, the expected performance is to be at least 3.0. Our score puts Motlow at more than double the required performance.

2,100 students received scholarships from Motlow College Foundation

187

students received free 5G smartphones through partnership with T-Mobile

$197,810

awarded in scholarships

Composite Financial Index (CFI)

FREE at Motlow

is a growing rallying cry we are proud to claim as we strive to steward resources that allow us to nurture student success. Our goal is to raise outside support to fund programs and services that will yield the individual success that in turn builds great communities.

Highlights of our Free at Motlow efforts include:

Tutoring

BRAND REFRESH

Motlow’s innovative persona is a product of our creative energy. Bright ideas rise from our interdisciplinary collaboration. Our collective vision, voice, and messaging reveal incandescent originality. As Motlow Bucks, we radiate a singular passion for forging new trails that lead others to greener pastures.

Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence supports the reveal of the new Motlow brand.

new brand assets created

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1,657+ marketing awards

STORIFICATION OF MOTLOW

The updated seal symbolizes Motlow’s student success mission: forging pathways and lighting the journey forward for all learners. The refreshed design reveals the breadth of communities we serve and frames us as united, One Motlow. Rooted in history and enveloped in academic excellence, as one, we stand together and lift high a torch that both draws learners to us and gives light to their journey forward toward new horizons and bright futures.

The hills in the landscape of our seal speak to the challenges across which we guide our learners and the vistas we inspire them to attain. The terrain echoes the story of our College’s small, ruralcommunity beginnings as well as our current and future growth. It is a visual message of shared aspirations, journeys, and achievements.

More Information: Motlow.edu/brand

STACKED LOGO

HORIZONTAL LOGO

COLLEGE SEAL

Community

Motlow State continues its support of Governor Lee’s Drive to 55 initiative. The mission to equip 55% of Tennessee citizens with a credential that empowers their economic potential is the winding road that lies before us. As we map this mission, we are fortunate to have many wonderful community allies. Our volunteers, donors, and partners help us forge two-way streets. They enable us to help individual citizens who, in turn, use newly earned credentials to strengthen the communities we serve.

New Campus Engagement Directors have strengthened campus and community involvement, resulting in a myriad of collaborative ventures. Engagement Directors are Larry Flatt, McMinnville Campus; Lisa Sanders, Fayetteville Campus; and Gary Winton, Smyrna Campus.

New

Regional

Motlow is known as a nimble and innovative regional industry partner. Our responsiveness recently earned a capabilities assessment visit from Governor Lee as well as an invitation for a capabilities presentation with BueOval City.

1st

Named new full-time site director at Sparta Center

30% Read to Success program increased by participation in Smyrna

Motlow has received regional industry recognitions and media attention for its efforts to increase female representation in the Mechatronics field. Alexis Clark was one of the students recognized for forging new ground in the industry.

7,000 sq. ft. cyber expansion approved for McMinnville

Plans for the 7000 sq. ft. expansion at the Robotics Center are being reviewed carefully by Larry Flatt.

Introduced Mechatronics AAS Robotics concentration at Fayetteville campus

T-Mobile

Motlow partnered with T-Mobile to give every student a free phone with:

• 5G internet connectivity

• Pre-loaded, pre-tested, pre-activated, ready-outof-the-box hand-held devices

• Unlimited texting

• Unlimited minutes

• Phone service for up to one full year

• Pre-installed Free Student Success apps Our partners included T-Mobile, Samsung, Motlow College Foundation, Tennessee Board of Regents, Motlow State Employees, and a host of community volunteers.

Demonstrating Equal Contributions of All Parties

1. T-Mobile: T-Mobile provided the free 5G service.

2. Samsung: Samsung donated 2,100, A32, 5G-compatible, AR enabled phones.

3. Motlow: Motlow’s own battalion of experts had the phones loaded with a carefully curated set of essential apps. Motlow’s Library staff became our device-deployment experts. Motlow Foundation supplemented Motlow’s careful use of CARES funds by providing additional interventional support services such as food cards, emergency childcare, and housing costs.

PEOPLE

We recruit and hire superstars with a passion for the 2-year community college mission. These talented individuals have such a great capacity to kindle inspiration and convey knowledge. Together their cooperative efforts radiate a collective wisdom and spark brilliant transformation.

#1

NJCAA Region VII Coach of the Year Andy Lyon, Head Coach, Women’s Soccer

Head Women’s Soccer Coach Andy Lyon has built an outstanding, reputable soccer program that consistently gains national recognition each year.

4

2

current Maxine Smith Fellows

3

Faculty Achieved Terminal Degrees Motlow Faculty Achieve Promotions & Tenure

3

11th in the Nation NJCAA Women’s Soccer Team Served as TBR High-Impact Practice Faculty Mentors New Campus Engagement Directors

Chancellor’s Award for Philanthropy

3,566

Children reached through Motlow’s 50 Stories/50 Stops Literacy initiative

1

1 TBR College Staff Leader of the Year

Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence remains heavily engaged with the community. Examples include:

• Every Learner Everywhere interview

• Organizational Models for Leading and Administering Blended or Online Programs education session

• Society for the Advancement in Management (SAM) Panel Presentation – “Expectations of Leadership in Higher Education: Finding Opportunities in Times of Crisis”

• BRAC Tour

• Radio interview with Dr. Robert (Bob) Bell, former president of Tennessee Technological University –“Motlow State: Supporting Student Success”

• NACRO panel member – “Ask me anything” “NACRO Roundtable: Demystifying Higher Education Partnerships and Measuring ROI”

Leading By Example

• Speaker and host for the Rutherford County Legislative Briefing

• Speaker at Reimagine: Workforce Development Institute

• Speaker at Coffee County Leadership and Leadership Rutherford

• Speaker at OER in Dual Enrollment “An In-depth Look at Motlow State Community College’s OER in Dual Enrollment Program”

• Speaker at Gathering in Sparta

• Speaker at Motlow Gala

• Speaker at Online Learning Consortium “The Ease of Growing OER Adoption”

• Speaker at Technology for Education the Undergraduate STEM Students of the Future “The Future Role of Technology in Undergraduate Learning”

MOTLOW COLLEGE FOUNDATION

As the fundraising arm for Motlow, the Motlow College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, works hard to raise money to help support the needs and priorities of the College.

The Foundation raises money through vital public-private partnerships. Last year, it hosted the annual Motlow Gala and golf tournaments; led private and public solicitations; and had a successful Motlow annual Employee Giving Campaign. Through the Employee Giving Campaign, employees make tax-deductible gifts to the Foundation that are automatically deducted from their monthly paycheck. The Foundation supports the College in three specific ways: providing financial assistance to Motlow students to help them purchase books and meet unique tuition challenges, raising money for new buildings and maintaining existing facilities, and fundraising to help launch new academic programs.

187 Motlow students received scholarship funds from the Foundation. 2021-22 Summary of Private Giving Gifts to Institution $484,040 Cash & Marketable Securities from Foundations, Organizations, Businesses, etc. $484,040 In-Kind $0 Gifts to Motlow College Foundation $1,635,344 Cash & Marketable Securities from Individuals $403,405 Cash & Marketable Securities from Foundations, Organizations, Businesses, etc. $126,488 In-Kind $616,218 Total In-Kind $616,218 Total Cash & Marketable Securities $1,014,130

Foundation Scholarships

The annual Motlow Foundation Golf Tournament, held at the Bear Trace at Tims Ford in Franklin County, is one of the largest golf tournaments hosted by the Motlow College Foundation.

COLLEGE AWARDS & RECOGNITION

1. Tennessee Board of Regents Funding Formula | Motlow State Community College | Top Performing Community College in Tennessee | Ranking

2. THEC Open Education Week | Tracey Lee, Business and Technology Department Lead | Featured Speaker at THEC Open Education Week | Featured Speaker

3. High Impact Practices (HIP) | Donna Brewer | TBR Grant Awarded for English 1010 Course Revitalization to strengthen at-risk student performance

4. High-Impact Practices (HIP) Conference | Debbie Simpson, Education Department Lead | Inaugural HIP Ambassadors | Ambassador

5. High-Impact Practices (HIP) Conference | Charles Whiting, Assistant Professor | Inaugural HIP Ambassadors | Ambassador

6. High-Impact Practices (HIP) Conference | Andrea Green, Assistant Professor | Inaugural HIP Ambassadors | Ambassador

7. High-Impact Practices (HIP) Conference | Walter McCord, Dean | Inaugural HIP Ambassadors | Ambassador

8. UTSI’s Women’s History Month Virtual Celebration | Brenda Cannon, Executive Director of Community Relations | Guest Speaker at the UTSI Women’s History Month Virtual Celebration | Guest Speaker

9. Tennessee Board of Regents | Rob Keel, Human Resources Analyst 3 | Community College Staff Member of the Year | Award

10. Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) | Motlow Mechatronics | Mechatronics Receives Reaccreditation | Accreditation

11. Catalyst Convention Alpha Xi Pi, Motlow’s PTK Chapter | PTK Earn Multiple International Awards | Award

12. Annual State Leadership and Skills Conference | Motlow SkillsUSA | Motlow State Ranks First Among Community Colleges at State SkillsUSA Competition | Ranking

13. ARM Institute | Motlow State Community College | Motlow Earns ARM Institute Endorsement | Endorsement

14. Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy | Dr. A. Frank Glass, President Emeritus | TBR Chancellor’s Award for Philanthropy | Award

15. Tennessee Higher Education Commission | Motlow State Community College Motlow Recognized as VETS Campus | Recognition

16. T-Mobile “Unconventional” Awards | Motlow State Community College | Third place in the “Innovation in Customer Experience category” | Award

17. Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Relational Advising Grant | Motlow State Community College | Motlow Awarded $68K Relational Advising Grant to Increase Retention Rates | Grant

18. Tennessee Tutor Collaboration Day Conference Writing Center Motlow Writing Center Annual TN Tutor Collaboration Day Conference | Selected as Conference Host

19. Chancellor’s Veteran’s Award | Adam Boyd, Marine Corps Veteran and Motlow Student | Chancellor’s Veteran’s Award

20. Phi Theta Kappa Hallmark Awards | Motlow Alpha Xo Pi Phi Theta Kappa Chapter | Top 100 Chapters

21. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Five Star Region

22. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Mr. Gregg Garrison Distinguished Regional Coordinator

23. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Distinguished Regional Award for Scholarship

24. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Ms. Misty Griffith | Continued Excellence Award for Advisor

25. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Mr. Gregg Garrison, Ms. Dayron Deaton Owens, Ms. Misty Griffith, Ms. Laura Brown, Mr. Rob Keel, Ms. Dawn Copeland | Distinguished Chapter Advisor Team Award

26. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Five-Star Chapter

27. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Distinguished College Project Award

28. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award

29. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Distinguished Chapter Award

30. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Five-Star Chapter Alumni Association

31. International Award | PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) | Reach Reward Chapter

32. Chancellor’s Veteran’s Award | Zachary Dwyer, U.S. Navy Veteran and Motlow Freshman | Chancellor’s Veteran’s Award

33. Tennessee National Guard | Minuteman Award in support of Tennessee STRONG Act

34. Community Colleges of Appalachia | The Advanced Robotics Training Center (ARTC) Appalachia Community Colleges Workforce Development Innovation Award

35. Broadway World Regional Awards | Emily Seal | Arts Educator of the Decade

36. NCMPR Medallion Awards | Gold Award | Motlow External Affairs | Special Event or Fundraising Campaign | Motlow Brand Refresh

37. Education Digital Marketing Awards | Gold Award | Motlow External Affairs | Digital Special Video: Over 2 minutes | Brand Refresh Athletics Reveal

STUDENT DATA

RECENT GRANTS AWARDS

STUDENT FINANCIAL DATA

Student Financial Aid

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

OUR LOCATIONS

With locations in Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, Smyrna, and Sparta, Motlow’s service area encompasses eleven Middle Tennessee counties including Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, Van Buren, Warren, and White.

Executive Staff

Dr. Michael L. Torrence, President

Dr. Tony Millican, EVP, Workforce and Community Development

Renee Austin, EVP, Business and Finance

Dr. Regina Verdin, EVP, Academic Affairs

Dr. Brelinda Johnson, EVP, Student Success

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Associate of Arts

Associate of Science

Associate of Applied Science

Associate of Fine Arts

Associate of Science in Teaching

Technical Certificates

Tennessee Transfer Pathways

TN BOARD OF REGENTS & FOUNDATION TRUSTEES

Tennessee Board of Regents

The Honorable Bill Lee

Governor of Tennessee, Ex-Officio Regent

Ms. Emily J. Reynolds

Vice Chair, 5th Congressional District

The Honorable Penny Schwinn

Commissioner of Education, Ex-Officio Regent

The Honorable Charles Hatcher

Commissioner of Agriculture, Ex-Officio Regent

Dr. Emily House

Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education

Commission, Ex-Officio Regent

Mr. Thomas A. H. White, At-Large, East

Mr. Mark George, At-Large, West

Mr. Miles A. Burdine, 1st Congressional District

Ms. Danni B. Varlan, 2nd Congressional District

Mr. Weston Wamp, 3rd Congressional District

Mr. Mark Gill, At-Large, Middle

Ms. Yolanda S. Greene, 4th Congressional District

Dr. MaryLou Apple, 6th Congressional District

Ms. Nisha Powers, 8th Congressional District

Ms. Ramona Shelton, Faculty Regent

Mr. John Lee, Faculty Regent (Non-Voting)

Mr. John Long, Student Regent

Dr. Flora Tydings

Chancellor

Motlow College Foundation Trustees

Jeff Anderson, Coffee County

MaryLou Apple, Coffee County

Brenda Cannon, Franklin County

Cheryl Cole, Van Buren County

Larry Combs, Moore County

Terry Crain, Van Buren County

Les Enoch, DeKalb County

Nelson Forrester, Jr., Putnam County

Frank Glass, Coffee County

Lisa Henry, Coffee County

Todd Herzog, Warren County

Dan Holt, Lincoln County

Liz Kennedy, Coffee County

Howard Kirksey, Franklin County

Lance Lee, Rutherford County

Fran Marcum, Coffee County

Troy Martin, Coffee County

Don Midgett, Coffee County

Clifton Miller, Coffee County

Gary Morgan, Rutherford County

Barbara Parker, Cannon County

John Parker, Bedford County

Jim Payne, White County

Allen Pitner, Bedford County

Gary Prater, Warren County

Paige Prescott, Moore County

Cain Rogers, White County

Cindy Schueman, Putnam County

Jody Sliger, White County

Judy Boyd Terjen, Moore County

Lynne Tolley, Moore County

Jerry Tunstill, Franklin County

Kirt Wade, Rutherford County

Daryl Welch, Franklin County

Andy Womack, Rutherford County

Steve Worsham, Coffee County

Eric Yarbrough, Williamson County

Bill Zechman, Warren County

Officers

Eugene London, Coffee County (Chair)

Gay Dempsey, Lincoln County (Vice Chair)

Mark Hutchins, Putnam County (Secretary)

Hilda Tunstill, Franklin County (Treasurer)