Issuu

The Legacy of the African American Experience shines bright at Motlow State

ALSO FEATURING GREAT INSIGHT IS IN SIGHT | GIVING NEW MEANING TO STAGE RIGHT | LAUREN RENZ

STRATEGY & PLANNING

Instructor Tabitha Parker teaches math behind a plexiglass divider built by Motlow’s Facilities personnel.

RESPONDING BELONGING

Staying Safe, Staying

Connected, Staying

On Mission

or more than a year, we’ve lived, learned, and worked in pandemic response mode. We attended classes virtually. We worked remotely. We sheltered in place. We masked-up. We stayed in. We ordered out. We shopped online. We wiped down, cleaned up, checked our temperatures, social distanced, and we used new technologies to close the distance between us so that we all maintained our sense of belonging. The separation visited upon us by the pandemic has been challenging. Many of the people we care about have been sick. Too many have been lost. Still, we’ve learned lasting lessons from this shared experience. We have proven that we don’t need to be in the same room to share the same vision. We have shown that we can stay connected in innovative ways. We’ve stepped-

up and embraced alternative ways to connect by using new tools and becoming proficient with new technologies. Most of all, we’ve learned that it truly is a cherished thing to meet in shared spaces and to see each other face-to-face instead of screen-to-screen. In the future, campus life will forever hold a dearer and more sacred sense of place and unity. Our buildings and grounds are

more than utilitarian spaces. They are treasured landscapes where we gather in common purpose to pursue the grand tradition of learning, sharing, and belonging. It is Motlow’s hope and plan to achieve a more significant onground campus footprint for fall 2021. Outstanding student and staff input have supported Motlow’s

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

Pandemic Emergency Management Team. Together we’ve bridged the pandemic divide to maintain a sense of togetherness that has seen us through this trying time. Many of our pandemic unity-ensuring tactics will follow us back to campus and classroom and become lasting tools of our trade. We plan to keep our drop boxes, parking lot Wi-Fi, loaner technology, and our committed focus on safety and cleanliness. Our return to campus plan places a premium on safety and wellbeing. We will move as quickly as possible and as slow as needed. We want to be back on campus. We miss campus life with

our students and colleagues. Still, above all, we must remain faithful to our obligation to take care of each other. We salute all of our colleagues for Motlow’s swift, robust, and successful pandemic response plan. Motlow has been one of the safest colleges in the state. We thank our students for transitioning and continuing with us through this experience. As we look forward to a more normal future, let us remember all the actions and tactics we implemented to stay safe, keep learning, and maintain our sense of belonging.

Highlights of Pandemic Response › Authored a pandemic plan › Established a digital pandemic guide and added information to the website › Developed interdisciplinary response team that meets regularly › Communicated daily student support messages › Installed drop boxes on each campus › Loaned hot spot devices and laptops to students › Installed plexiglass dividers in classrooms › Provided outdoor wi-fi access on each campus › Installed safety social distancing signage › Disinfected facilities daily › Conducted daily health self-assessments for students, employees, and visitors

Notable pandemic responses on each campus included drop boxes for materials, outdoor wi-fi access points, and temperature scanners at entrances.

M OT LO W STAT E

STRATEGY & PLANNING

Dr. Sid Hill, Vice President for Organizational Development and Leadership, oversees Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Compliance, Administrative Computing, and Policies.

Great Insight IS IN SIGHT

he more data you have, the more informed you are, leading to innovative products and services. In Education, we always want to make informed decisions. We assess quantitative data or numerical counts such as the number of students who graduate on-time or student satisfaction survey results. We also use qualitative data such as stories about real student experiences. This combination of quantitative and qualitative data guides our decision-making as we serve our community.

STUDENTS ARE THE DATA MISSION The work at Motlow impacts the lives of everyone in our community--people who are our friends and neighbors. Motlow trains the nurses who care for your family. We educate the technicians that keep your businesses operating. We help families make livable wages and upskill for job advancement. We prepare generations of families to build careers, transfer to 4-year universities, and lead inspired lives. To achieve this success, we continuously identify areas that need improvement and do everything we can to improve in those areas. We also need to

scale what we do to serve as many learners as possible. So, we look deeply into data to find real insight.

MEANINGFUL INSIGHT Insight comes from analyzing data in meaningful contexts so that it securely guides decisionmakers as they draw appropriate conclusions. Should Motlow add a cyber program or logistics degree? Is there a way the College could do both? Is it time for a change, or should we continue to invest in proven practices? These are the questions Motlow studies. Everyone at Motlow participates in this ongoing assessment process. As we do, we rely on a team of leaders in our Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) unit to help us value our measures and ensure the available data provides meaningful insight.

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

RECENT DATA-DRIVEN INITIATIVES › INCREASED SAFETY: Student satisfaction surveys and employee assessments suggested the need for additional security. Motlow added an assistant director of public safety and increased coverage to achieve a full-time police officer on all campuses. › MORE OPPORTUNITIES: ODL created a data dashboard that explores existing data for dual enrollment. Now, targeted efforts are being developed to provide dual enrollment opportunities to a more diverse group of students. Fun fact: dual enrollment made up 28% of Motlow’s total enrollment in Fall 2020. › MAKING IT MORE AFFORDABLE: Academic departments are developing Open Educational Resources for numerous courses to mitigate/eliminate costprohibitive textbooks so that more students have access to course materials.

Through a series of qualitative and quantitative investigations led by ODL, Motlow recently completed several studies that revealed meaningful progress, informed critical strategic decisions, led to new services, or will guide our future planning. For example, effectiveness measures revealed that Motlow had met enrollment and program initiatives targeted for completion by 2025. So, when the insight showed we had achieved existing targets, we knew it was time to update our goals.

› PANDEMIC RESPONSE AND REDUCING THE SPREAD: Through CARES funding, 14 classrooms received Zoom conferencing upgrades to allow for hybrid functionality. Four classrooms received fully interactive Zoom conferencing capability to allow connections of multiple socially distanced remote classrooms. There was also an increase in online course development. › ENHANCING CRITICAL THINKING: Scores on the ETS Exit exam from 2015-2019 indicated a significantly low proficiency rate of graduating sophomores regarding their critical thinking skills. Motlow developed and is currently implementing a collegewide, 5-year Quality Enhancement Plan to improve students’ critical

e l b i s s e c ac

caring

fun

s s e c c su sitive

y l d n e i fr

nt e i n e v n co

M OT LO W STAT E

› BETTER ASSISTING TRANSFER STUDENTS: Community College Survey of Student Engagement data indicated that transfer students desired more support during their time at Motlow. In a multi-year project, Student Success worked to assist students with their transfer needs by holding transfer student workshops and ensuring that transfer students are assigned to an advisor or completion coach.

local

g n i m o c l we po

thinking skills within the learning environment of the First Year Experience classroom.

l u f p l e h

quality ence ty i n u m excell m co 9

STRATEGY & PLANNING

AWARDS D

& PARTNE

eveloping new learning experiences and career opportunities for students is central to the Motlow mission. To achieve that, we intentionally build relationships with companies, organizations, and agencies willing to collaborate with us to pursue developing new ideas. These associations provide Motlow with support for new initiatives and give us access to subject-matter experts who can inform our

work. Through these state, regional, national, and international collaborations, Motlow has found new supporters, earned valuable recognition, and forged new partnerships. Here is just a sampling of the collaborative partners joining Motlow to advance our student success mission by moving our projects forward or validating excellence in our work.

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

Standing Ovations › Chancellor’s Veteran’s Award › Minuteman Award › Appalachia Community Colleges Workforce Development Innovation Award › Arts Educator of the Decade Emily Seal › 1 Best of Show, 5 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze in TCPRA Awards › 6 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Merit in 8th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards › 13 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Merit in 36th Educational Advertising Awards › 5 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze in NCMPR Regional Medallion Awards › 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze in NCMPR National Paragon Awards

PTK

› Top 100 Chapters › Five Star Region

RSHIPS

› Distinguished Regional Coordinator - Mr. Gregg Garrison › Distinguished Regional Award for Scholarship › Continued Excellence Award for Advisor - Ms. Misty Griffith › Five Star Chapter › Distinguished College Project Award › Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award › Distinguished Chapter Award › Five Star Chapter Alumni Association › Reach Reward Chapter

M OT LO W STAT E

TEACHING & LEARNING

GIVING NEW MEANING TO

STAGE 16

Righ OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

ullahoma is now home to an award-winning theater in South Jackson Civic Center. The civic center was recently the recipient of 13 different honors from the 2020 BroadwayWorld Nashville awards, including Theatre Company of the Decade. SJCC wasn’t the only winner in Tullahoma to walk away with recognition; Motlow’s very own theatre instructor, Emily Seal, won Arts Educator of the Decade. Professor Seal is a contributing artist at the SJCC. She is also renown in middle Tennessee for the plays, musicals, and ensembles she brings to the Motlow stage at Eoff Hall. Her productions consistently draw capacity seating night-after-night of each run. One of Seal’s passions is to introduce young learners to their first theatrical experience. She produces annual performances that are a staple field trip experience for area elementary school students.

Motlow was recently approved to offer a new applied science degree in theatre–a program Seal has been cultivating for years. The College plans future renovations and expansion to its facilities in anticipation of the growth this new learning pathway will foster. The anticipated space will give Professor Seal and her colleagues a new, expanded platform for teaching theatrical arts. To be sure, Seal teaches far more than theatre. She uses her stage to develop students’ ability to perform with confidence in all they do. Her students learn to speak clearly, thoughtfully, and comfortably in front of audiences, and how to commit to a plan and see it through to completion. They must choose to step outside their comfort zone

and willingly obligate themselves to arrive on time, be consistently wellprepared, and to be able to trust the productivity of their collaborators. No matter what career ambitions a student might have, a Motlow theatre course can cultivate academic and career success. Seal uses her craft to develop a performance mindset in her students. While her scholars hone their artistic abilities, she ensures they build critical skills. Her performers learn to work cooperatively and creatively as a team. They must produce a meaningful product. They learn to earn their audience–skills essential to every profession. Theatre is real work. It is work that requires excellent leadership. That is where Seal shines. She is a producer, director, artist, author, choreographer, stage mom, and kind critic. She has a great capacity to inspire students to pursue a shared mission by developing and contributing their talents. She does this under the pressure of great time and logistical constraints as well as public scrutiny. Students joining Seal’s stage learn life lessons that help them perform in every arena. Theatre fuses Seal’s passion for teaching, love of the arts, and heart for service. She is the model for Arts Educator of the Decade.

Arts Educator of the Decade Professor Emily Seal backstage in Motlow’s Powers Auditorium.

M OT LO W STAT E

LEADERSHIP & VISION

Motlow Head Coach Andy Lyon and Assistant Coach Katie Reid (background) instruct Ashton Miller (left) and Janai Hosley during practice. Lyon and Reid led the women’s soccer program to national recognition.

TEAM PINNACLE AWARD SOCCER TEAM PINNACLE AWARD The Motlow women’s soccer team was one of only nine college soccer teams in the nation to receive the College Team Pinnacle Award. To be considered, teams must have received a College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award, been a recipient of the College Team Academic Award (team grade point average of 3.0 or higher), and also recorded a winning percentage of .750 or higher during the respective season. Motlow completed the 2019 season with a 14-4 overall record, winning the Region VII regular season championship before dropping the region tournament championship game 1-0 to Columbia State. “As a coach, it’s incredible to see the team get the recognition they deserve, not only for their performance on the field but for their character and the way they conduct themselves in their academic lives,” said Head Coach Andy Lyon. “The players continue to make me extremely

proud, and I am confident they will succeed in all aspects of their college experience at Motlow.”

BASEBALL ALUM MCINTOSH EARNS PRESEASON HONOR Former Motlow baseball player Paul McIntosh, now a member of the West Virginia Mountaineers, was selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team. He hit 10 home runs and collected 34 runs batted in during his first season as a sophomore at West Virginia in 2019. McIntosh had an outstanding year in his one season at Motlow, slamming 16 home runs, driving in 67 runs, and setting a new school record with 52 bases on balls. He was named to the All-TCCAA team.

BASKETBALL ALUM EARNS POSTSEASON HONORS Former Motlow basketball player Javion Hamlet, now a member of the North Texas Mean Green, was named the Conference USA Player of the Year. Hamlet led UNT to the conference title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Hamlet averaged 15.6 points per game and led the country in assists with an average of 8.5 in the 201617 season as a Motlow Buck.

MOTLOW 2020-21 TEAM CAPTAINS Baseball – Marcus Joyner Soccer – Kaitlynn Wofford, Cassidy Connor, Sydney DeGurse Men’s Basketball – Cameron Welch, Anterrious Rhyan, Jace Wallace, Jarius Key Softball – Morgan Smith, Lexie Chadwell Women’s Basketball – Stephanie Nwankwo

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

NEW ASSOCIATE OF FINE ARTS DEGREES – MOORE COUNTY

TEACHING & LEARNING

fine & performing

ARTS DEGREES

Motlow’s new Associate of Fine Arts degrees are offered at the Moore County campus. Most of the classes associated with these degrees will be taught on-ground in a studio or lab setting as they are visual or performance-based courses. There are some lecture classes required for the degrees, which are offered both online and on-ground.

ASSOCIATE OF FINE ARTSTHEATER ARTS DESIGN/ TECHNOLOGY An introduction to the various technical elements of theatre and the different phases of putting on a play.

ASSOCIATE OF FINE ARTSTHEATRE PERFORMANCE Performance classes are more engaging for the students and create a sense of collegiate community.

ASSOCIATE OF FINE ARTSSTUDIO ART Careers include: Artist, Designer, Commercial and Industrial Designer, Secondary, Elementary, and Middle School Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, Digital Imaging, Animator, Illustrator, Web Designer, Video Game Designer and Architect.

NEW MO TLO Associate W

of F ine Ar ts s s o A ciate

of F i

–T

“These degrees and courses allow students to achieve their goals in high-demand careers such as Web Development, Web Design, Industrial and Commercial Design, and more. They also provide students a hands-on approach that isn’t available in other disciplines or through a purely online format. Students need to be in a classroom, with a professor, to better understand the materials and methodologies of their future professions.”

nology Tech gn/ esi

– rts

ormance RE ts D G r Ar ter Perf te Art ea dio Th Stu

he ne a Associate Ar of t s Fin – e A

M OT LO W STAT E

Beth Martin, Assistant Professor of Art Humanities Curriculum Chair

CURRENT DEGREES Associate of Art in Studio Art Associate of Fine Arts in Music Associate of Science in Speech and Theatre

Campus Visits Register for a guided campus tour or experience MTSU virtually from your home. Start at mtsu.edu/visit

0321-9565 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. See our full policy at www.mtsu.edu/iec.

NO. 1 CHOICE OF TENNESSEE

TRANSFER STUDENTS A seamless path to MTSU with your Motlow degree Motlow provides a great start, and MTSU is a great place to finish! MTSU promises Motlow students: · Guaranteed admission and a $3,000 per year scholarship for qualified students (see deadline and details at mtsu.edu/partners) · A smooth and easy process with access to our academic advisors · Superior service from MT One Stop for all enrollment questions

mtsu.edu/transfer

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

Motlow

makes planning for college

We can even make college tuition

motlow.com/simpleandfree *FREE courses, programs, and tuition have eligibility requirements. FREE tuition is exclusive of some fees, textbooks, and other non-tuition charges that may apply. Motlow State is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Sections 504/ADA Employer. motlow.com/non-discrimination | MOT-0366-21

ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

MODEL MOTLOW SPARTA

PARTNERSHIP

Danyelle Hawkins, Coordinator of the Sparta site

ublic-Private Partnerships fuel forward motion at Motlow. The Sparta Advisory Board, created in 2018, is a model for education-industry collaboration.

The incorporating mission and purpose of the Advisory Board is to: • Assist in fundraising for the Motlow Sparta site • Support and facilitate planning for the Motlow Sparta site Motlow State is an EE O/AA /Ti

tle V

X/S ec tio ns 50 4/

AD A

e te

r ta

le I

19 -11 18 -00 KT .M er oy pl Em

Tuition College ships Scholar lts For Adu

I/Ti t

yo u r

deg

n re e i

M OT LO W STAT E

The Sparta Advisory Board

• Serve a liaison role for Motlow and the community • Explore the changing education needs of the region and support Motlow in developing new programs that lead to new job opportunities in White County. The College Advisory Partnership (CAP) is a 501c3 organization developed by the Advisory Board to enrich the lives of students either by scholarship or an enhanced learning environment. The teaching site, located adjacent to the White County High School campus, opened in the fall of 2007 as a cooperative effort between the City of Sparta, White County, the White County Board of Education, and Motlow. Facility funding comes from the City of

Sparta, White County and the White County Board of Education. Motlow provides funding for labor, instruction, and leadership and handles daily operations. Danyelle Hawkins, coordinator of the Sparta site, collaborates heavily with the Motlow McMinnville campus to bring services and programs to Sparta such as Emergency Medical Services, courses to achieve a general education degree, and dual enrollment classes. For more information about enrolling at Motlow State Community College, contact the White County campus at (931) 8373341 or visit them at 603 Roosevelt Dr. in Sparta, or go to mscc.edu.

EQUITY Front and Center: Dr. Phyllis D. Adams, Professor Seated from left to right: Shawn Allen, Alexandria Williams, and Nicholas Walker Standing from left to right: Melissa Vasquez, Stephanie Farrar, Meia Kounlavong, Joyce Swanson Martin, Amber Bain, Jessie Rigdon, Emmanuella Ingabire, Casey Hester, John Avaritt

The Legacy of the

AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE SHINES BRIGHT AT MOTLOW STATE

DR. PHYLLIS D. ADAMS, PROFESSOR

ouls have been touched, stories have been shared, and truths have been declared throughout history. Today more than ever, this must prevail as we strive to develop successful scholars who truly reflect diversity, equity, enthusiasm, and empowerment. Involvement and engagement heighten when people feel welcomed, seen, heard, and appreciated. The energy of any project soars when all are treated with dignity, respect, acceptance, and appreciation. Motlow State is dedicated to student success. We are ever mindful that we must provide scholarly engagements that offer diversity of thought,

contribution, voices, and experiences as an institution. Motlow embraces all communities and encourages our scholars to dare to be different and realize that differences are celebrated, valued, appreciated, and welcomed. Access, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the benchmarks that guide all endeavors at Motlow. The Annual African American Read-In is a part of a national endeavor hosted by colleges and universities throughout the country. Motlow’s African American Read-In is a testimony to our call to encourage and continued on page 34

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Evidences: Block-Grant Funds were distributed to: › Recruit and retain a diverse student population by supporting the needs of Motlow’s Strategic Enrollment Management Team 2020-2025 Plan › Provide Student Access & Diversity Scholarships › Recruit and retain diverse faculty from underrepresented groups that mirror the student population › DEI professional development for faculty and staff › Host events supporting DEI awareness and education CARES Grant funding was used to address equity and access challenges among special student populations: › Supplementing or creating a micro-grant program › Increasing food pantry funding › Technology access initiatives › Books/materials assistance › Certification exam costs › Workshops or training for faculty and staff that address equity-related issues TENNESSEE POET LAUREATE MS. MAGGI VAUGHN “I write to show students that everybody is given a gift, you just have to find it. Everybody hears the drums, daydreamers see the drummer.”

continued on page 34

RETIRED AFRICAN AMERICAN BROADWAY MUSICAL CONDUCTOR MS. LINDA TWINE

AUTHOR AND MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR MS. CAROLINE RANDALL WILLIAMS

“When I was in school it never occurred to me that I would be a conductor. I had never seen a Black conductor or been to a live symphony. Thank God for television! It is important that we see people who look like us doing these wonderful things. We are continuously learning. We never stop.”

“It is always an inspiration to be part of a gathering that is a celebration of Black voices and Black truth, and this event was impactful for the energy, enthusiasm and intention of this group gathered in the virtual space at this moment in history.”

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR MS. ALICE RANDALL

AUTHOR AND DIRECTOR, NETFLIX ANIMATED SHORT FILM: COPS AND ROBBERS, MR. TIMOTHY WARE-HILL

“Testimony, witness, monument; transformation of both pain to beauty, and injustice into illuminating light--both transformations leading from public and private misery to better days; this is but a fraction of the high, holy, and hard work Black language and Black literature perform with shocking excellence amplified by the yearly African American Read-In.”

M OT LO W STAT E

“There’s a difference between creating from observation versus personal experience. If stories like my animated short film are going to be told, they have to be told from an authentic voice. They have to be told by Black people who know and have lived these experiences; not just from White allies who want to help tell our stories for us.”

(continued from main story, Page 32) support reading as we celebrate the impact and legacy of The African American Experience. Professor Phyllis D. Adams’ Culture, Differences and Empowerment students partnered with her Honors Communication scholars to cosponsor this year’s event. Professor Adams developed, organized, and facilitated this multi-disciplinary group of scholars. They prepared their performances to be coupled with other presenters from Motlow’s faculty, staff, and administrators, along with renowned authors and singers. This year’s event faced the challenges of the COVID Pandemic and the need to exercise social distancing. As a thespian, Dr. Adams embraced the notion that the show must go on and successfully expanded the performance territory, utilizing a virtual platform. This year’s stellar line-up will not be forgotten. Not only did our presenters include Motlow students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community voices, but included a national presence. This event hosted one of only three African American female Broadway musical conductors, an author and actor from the Netflix animated short film, Cops and Robbers, a New York Times best-selling author, an author and MSNBC Contributor, several Broadway actors, producers, a dancer, an Emmy award-winning playwright, a videographer, and a Tennessee Poet Laureate. The African American Read-In has expanded from a four-hour event to a full eight hours of presentations and performances. Those attending this year’s event tuned in from across the country. The pandemic may have shut off the lights on Broadway, but Motlow was able to keep its lights shining brightly, allowing voices to be heard, stories to be told, people to be empowered, and the inner spirit, presence, impact, and legacy of The African American experience to be celebrated, appreciated, and valued.

(continued from sidebar content, Page 33) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Evidences Continued:

› Motlow hosted Hispanic

Heritage read-in to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

› Financial scholarships were

awarded to 36 underrepresented students to assist with their tuition qualifying for Motlow’s definition of diversity

› 33 students were provided

› Diverse in Higher Education -

› Motlow participated in the

› Cultural competency training

with Kroger gift cards, textbooks and/or supplies

Tennessee Board of Regents - We All Rise 2020

› Faculty and students participated

in training at BIOGEN Company in Cambridge, MA, sponsored in conjunction with Massachusetts Institute of Technology University’s Intersectionality Conference. Attendees experienced pertinent conversations on global diversity and inclusion in the workplace, educational communities, and beyond. Experts in diversity and inclusion shared research, examples, and experiences that described individual intersections that connect and divide communities

› Motlow President Dr. Michael

Torrence served as keynote speaker for University of Tennessee Space Institute’s 25th Annual African American event; he was a presenter at the National Inclusive Excellence DEI & COVID-19 Strategy Training; he was also a panelist at the GlobalMindEd Difficult Conversations session, as well as at the University of Wyoming Black Studies Center African American History Month Lecture Series

› Motlow staff participated in

an interactive and immersive Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) to gain a deeper understanding of individuals and families in need. CAPS sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. Poverty awareness is intended to promote change and transform perspectives

› Motlow hosted Dr. Fredrick

Douglass Dixon’s presentation of Death of Black Wall Street and the Myth of the American Dream

› Ms. Barbara Scales was a presenter at and staff attended the Women in Higher Education Conference

Continuing DEI Education included:

› “Preserving Cultural Strengths but

Preparing for Changes: How Data, Measurement, and a New Sense of Safety are Key to the Path Forward.”

› 2020 Title IX Regulations

Ensuring Equitable Access and Inclusion During a Pandemic to educators at k-12 schools

› “Racial and Cultural/Diversity” pre-service training for Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers

› Love, Learning, and Liberation › Queering Immigration: Owning

Our Power, Defending Our Own

› Beyond DEI: Organizing for Racial Equity

› From Policy Development to Ally

Training: Best Practices for Working with Schools in “Red States”

› Combating Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism through Solidarity

› Breaking ID Barriers: The Future of Gender Change Policies

› Suicide Prevention for The LGBTQ Community

› Picture a Coalition: Interfaith Organizing to Counter White Supremacy

› Visibly Invisible: The Experiences

of Black Queer Women in College

› Acknowledging Christian

Hegemony in the Academy: Challenges and Solutions

› Multilingual Freedom

Fighters: Connect & Engage Communities in ANY Language

› The Monster Behind the Mask: Deconstructing the Migrant Protection Protocols

› CUPA-HR 21-day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge

Motlow identifies diversity within the context of education and the educational community. Diversity represents the inclusion and support of groups of people with various human characteristics that go beyond the legally protected classes of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability status, and veteran status. This includes other categories such as socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, first-generation college status, non-traditional age, adult, urban or rural upbringing – and other personal characteristics that shape an individual’s identity and life experience in a substantive way.

Implementation Training & Certification Course

› The Tennessee Human Rights

Commission: Annual Title VI Compliance Training for Title VI Coordinator

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

TEACHING & LEARNING

ates onstr tant ), dem ft s e s (l /A is g ector Shan ir f a o D in r TE to st, T .D., C Direc eciali n, Ph d.D., a nt Sp E , e m y r r m e r p Zimm an Sudbe evelo s Shari rce D nd Su orkfo set to a d W l; a o e w h cho Motlo lus Rift S . igh S hools cu ma H ity Sc the O l, Tullaho C a m a o h ip a c ll in Pr y, Tu nolog Tech

D N E T X E CO

NIT U M M

L A E R D E

AC F PR

TICE

otlow State is partnering with educators throughout Tennessee to use immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality in the learning environment. These tools, collectively known as XR or Immersive Learning, have proven to provide powerful learning outcomes in many fields. Tullahoma High School recently joined the XR Community of Practice with Motlow, adding to the growing number of educational institutions turning to Immersive Learning. “Virtual Reality-based Immersive Learning is based on ‘influencing your brain’ to believe you are in a different place/time/location doing something that has learning value,” said Dr. Tony Millican, EVP of Workforce and Community Development at Motlow. “Augmented Reality, however, is about getting your brain to accept synthetic information coming to the senses as though the information were real.” One VR-based platform that allows people to meet together in a virtual space for learning is ENGAGE—a platform Millican has

M OT LO W STAT E

) R X ( Y T I

used for four years. The Motlowled XR Community of Practice will become a regular forum inside the ENGAGE platform in 2021-2022. In addition to working with local educators to help develop the educator workforce in the region, Motlow also plans to host regular ENGAGE forums to inspire the broader community to improve teaching practices. For the past year, Motlow has been sharing virtual reality experiences with educators. A focus of those visits is multi-user environments provided by platforms like ENGAGE. Below are some of the

Dr. Tony Millican, EVP of Workforce and Community Development

comments provided by local high school teachers when experiencing the multi-user virtual environment at Motlow: • “This provides a whole new approach to reach distance learners in a personal way.” • “Virtual simulations that focus on interactions among students make the learning material more dynamic and stimulating.” • “You seem to ‘feel’ the other person’s presence in virtual space.” Using both of these new immersive learning tools requires some initial familiarization, but most importantly, access to content. “Our Community of Practice is built for educators who want to develop and share best practices with Immersive Learning skills and content,” added Millican.

LEADERSHIP & VISION

Fast FANUC

ARTC Partnership with WESCO

Motlow State’s Automation & Robotics Training Center achieved a significant milestone this year, advancing into the FANUC Authorized Satellite Training (FAST) Program.

Motlow State’s Automation & Robotics Training Center (ARTC) is partnering with the WESCO’s Nashville branch to provide industry certifications in Siemens TIA, as well as customized training applications.

Achieving FAST school status qualifies Motlow’s students who successfully complete the authorized course work to be on par with those attending FANUC provided training. FANUC recognizes FAST certified students as eligible for advanced training. Motlow Senior Robotics Trainer Charlie King is a FANUC Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) Program instructor. This certification includes FANUC Handling Tool Operations and Programming. With the FAST endorsement, Motlow now offers the FANUC CERT program to students, local industry, professionals, integrators, and end users.

Motlow’s ARTC is an authorized training facility for the world’s leading robotics and automation equipment manufacturers. Workers can receive industryrecognized certification for high-demand skills in as little as one week. Mechatronics, automation, and robotics skills are in such great demand that Motlow offers eligible Middle Tennessee high school juniors full scholarships (including books, fees, and eligible travel costs) to pursue Mechatronics degree programs.

Dr. Torrence Appointed to AACC Commission Motlow-TCAT Murfreesboro Agreement Motlow State has partnered with TCAT-Murfreesboro to create a smooth transfer process for students studying Nursing, Cyber Defense, Business Office, and Mechatronics. Transfer students from TCATMurfreesboro to Motlow may also receive credit for prior learning and certifications. The articulation agreement between the schools facilitates the transfer of TCAT-Murfreesboro students to Motlow and provides specific advisement for TCATMurfreesboro students who intend to transfer to Motlow. The Nursing component involves the LPN-RN Transition Program. TCAT-Murfreesboro LPN graduates can easily transition into the Motlow LPN-RN program. Prior experience and certifications can speed up the process of earning a degree in Cyber Defense, Business Office, and Mechatronics.

M OT LO W STAT E

Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence was appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation. The appointment to the AACC board is the latest appointment and award Dr. Torrence has received since arriving as Motlow’s seventh president in May 2018, including: • PTK Honor Society Presidential Advisory Board • PTK Honor Society International Paragon President Award • GlobalMindED Inclusive Excellence Leader Award • Berkeley College Online Advisory Board The AACC is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. The association represents nearly 1,200 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions, and more than 12 million students.

ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

SALUTING VETERAN SCHOLARS R

etaining veterans in Tennessee’s workforce is a critical success factor in the State’s Drive to 55 vision. Celebrating veteran scholars spotlights the Tennessee Board of Regents’ (TBR) commitment to the educational needs of military families. Motlow State President Dr. Michael Torrence selected U.S. Navy veteran and Motlow student Zachary Dwyer, from Smyrna, to receive the inaugural TBR Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans. Each of Tennessee’s community and technical colleges selected one veteran for the award. Zachary attends Motlow’s Smyrna campus. He is majoring in general studies and plans to transfer to MTSU to study Geoscience. He graduated from Lancaster Christian Academy in 2010 and joined the Navy in 2011, serving aboard the USS Fitzgerald and USS Bonhomme Richard during his eight years of service. “Courage, commitment, and honor are the core values of the U.S. Navy, and Zachary Dwyer embodies these core values,” said Dr. Torrence. “In an unprecedented year, Zach’s core values are his anchor and compass as he begins a new journey as an adult learner in a time of uncertainty. He brings as much to

the classroom as he receives, and he enjoys the learning experiences and environment of Motlow.” The TBR and Chancellor Flora W. Tydings established the new commendation as a system-level award to honor the service, bravery, and sacrifices of military veterans in the campus communities. It supplements the Veterans Day ceremonies, observances, and recognitions that the colleges traditionally conduct.

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E

Where I come from, a neighbor is more than just the person who lives next door.

At Ascend, we know where you’re coming from because we come from there, too. We were

born and raised in Middle Tennessee. And everything we do, from the products we offer to the advice we give, is designed to improve the lives of those who live here. Congratulations to the Motlow State Community College Class of 2021!

ascend.org Federally insured by NCUA.

OVAT I O N M AG A Z I N E