NCC Launches Success Network
This semester, students at Nash Community College will likely notice Success Network signs dotting the physical campus. As returning and prospective students make decisions regarding in-person, hybrid, virtual, and online classes, Nash Community College remains committed to supporting and empowering students.
As a member institution of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), NCC created a Quality Enhancement Plan during the college’s decennial review. After a comprehensive and collaborative process to identify needs to enhance student learning and/or success, Nash Community College selected the establishment of a Success Network as the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
Nash Community College views the Success Network as an opportunity to enhance the holistic nature of how students are supported at the College. As envisioned, the Network serves as a “hub” to connect students with success coaches, tutoring services, and on-campus resources like the food pantry, Single Stop, Student Government Association and the library to name a few.
Renee Martinez
As Director of Advising Services, Renee Martinez is responsible for the planning, coordinating, and improving the experience for students via the Advising Center and advising/registration initiatives. “The Success Network connects students with the support they need through the guidance and mentorship of a Success Coach from application to graduation,” Martinez said. “Success Coaches support students’ power to succeed by listening and seeking to understand their lives and needs. Coaches offer academic advising, assistance with the college application process, ongoing engagement with students, proactive assistance in helping students achieve long-term and short-term goals, referrals to a variety of focused services, and ongoing assessment and intervention to help meet student needs.”
Since the pilot launch, the center has already received positive reviews. “Returning to school to continue my education after many years away from the classroom I knew I would need some help and guidance on my journey. I am impressed at NCC’s resources to support student success,” NCC Associate in Arts student Laura Robbing said. “As a returning student I took advantage of the success coaching and my experience has been incredible. Meeting with my success coach on a regular basis allows me to ask questions and helps hold me accountable as I move forward. Most importantly, the assistance and support encourage me to keep pursuing my goals.”
In addition to the director, the Success Network employs three coaches: Jamal Pitt, Jason Rierson and Tessa Weisenborn.
Jamal Pitt
Jamal Pitt serves as Men Achieving Leadership and Excellence Success Coach and Minority Male Success Initiative Coordinator. He provides coaching, advising, resources, and activities to enhance the academic success of racially or ethnically minority men enrolled in NCC’s curriculum programs.
Jason Rierson
Jason Rierson is the NCC American Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. He assists with admission and registration, and as needed makes referrals to and works with agencies that serve the needs of students with disabilities. At a student’s request, the ADA Coordinator meets to assess individual needs and helps determine accommodations when needed.
Tessa Weisenborn
Tessa Weisenborn is the Early College Success Coach. An experienced community college success coach and former high school teacher, she assists Early College students with academic advising and follows through with them throughout their journey at NCC to help ensure academic success.
For more information about the NCC Success Network, call 252-451-8373, email successcoaching@nashcc.edu or visit www.nashcc.edu/advising.
