At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

Innovative Ideas on Student Success with Dr. Tracy Hall and Dr. Michael Torrence

April 20th, 2026  |  53 mins 15 secs

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In this episode of At Scale, the podcast hosted by tnAchieves, Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling sit down with Dr. Tracy Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College, and Dr. Michael Torrence, president of Motlow State Community College.

Together, they explore leadership, innovation and partnership in support of student success across Tennessee’s community colleges.

Taking the "Idea On A Whiteboard" Statewide with Governor Bill Haslam

April 6th, 2026  |  38 mins 25 secs

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Celebrate one year of At Scale with Governor Bill Haslam as he reflects on leadership, the creation of Tennessee Promise, and the power of a shared vision to drive statewide impact.

Tennessee's Future Workforce Framework

March 23rd, 2026  |  30 mins 26 secs

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In this special edition of At Scale, tnAchieves releases Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework, a new strategy grounded in student voice and nearly two decades of experience supporting postsecondary access, persistence and workforce readiness.

Securing Futures for Middle Tennessee Students with Tara Scarlett

March 9th, 2026  |  40 mins 15 secs

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In this episode of At Scale, Tara Scarlett discusses expanding postsecondary access and securing stronger workforce pathways for Middle Tennessee students. The conversation explores scholarships, systems-level change, statewide education goals, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in learning. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on leadership, collaboration, and building Tennessee’s future talent pipeline.

A Lesson in Leadership and Innovation with Chancellor Donde Plowman

February 23rd, 2026  |  41 mins

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In Episode 23 of At Scale, Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shares how UT is improving student outcomes through leadership, culture, and innovation. The conversation explores what it takes to create alignment in a complex institution while keeping students at the center. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

An Idea On A Whiteboard Part 2 with Mike Ragsdale

February 9th, 2026  |  34 mins 13 secs

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In An Idea on a Whiteboard Part 2, former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale returns to reflect on the bold beginnings of Knox Achieves and the statewide impact that followed through Tennessee Promise. He shares why mentorship, community service, and clear workforce pathways to credentials of value remain essential for Tennessee students today. This episode is a powerful reminder that student success is not about statistics — it is about individuals, families, and opportunity across the Volunteer State.

Tennessee's Competitive Edge with the Tennessee and Nashville Chambers

January 26th, 2026  |  41 mins 51 secs

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Tennessee’s economy is thriving, but long-term success depends on building a strong, prepared workforce. In our latest At Scale episode, Josh Brown and Stephanie Coleman share how education, talent development, and economic opportunity are coming together across the state. Listen now to hear how partnerships and career pathways are helping students access high-wage, high-demand futures.

Preparing Students for the AI Future with Jeff Riley (Day of AI)

January 12th, 2026  |  30 mins 20 secs

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Former Massachusetts education commissioner Jeff Riley, now leading Day of AI, joins At Scale hosts Ben Sterling and Graham Thomas to discuss how schools, teachers, and students can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence. A must-listen for K–12 administrators, educators, and postsecondary leaders, this episode explores how AI can reduce administrative burdens, personalize learning, and prepare students for the future of work—all while keeping ethics and equity at the forefront.

Revolutionizing Manufacturing Careers with The Ohio State University's HAMMER

December 29th, 2025  |  35 mins 33 secs

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In this episode of tnAchieves At Scale, we sit down with Dr. Glenn Daehn and Dr. Samantha Trzinski from The Ohio State University to discuss HAMMER – Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution. They share how HAMMER is advancing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and creating new pathways for careers in automated and hybrid manufacturing. Tune in to hear how innovation, education, and workforce development are coming together to shape the future of high-tech manufacturing.

From Exposure to Career: Healthcare in East Tennessee with UT Medical Center

December 15th, 2025  |  38 mins 43 secs

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Dr. Keith Gray and Craig Pickett from UT Medical Center join the tnAchieves At Scale Podcast to discuss workforce needs in East Tennessee, preparing for allied health careers, and how UT Medical and tnAchieves partner to provide students with job shadowing and career exploration opportunities inside the hospital.