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

The conversation includes:

• building a unified institutional culture
• supporting students at open-access colleges
• aligning programs with workforce and community needs
• breaking down silos to better serve students
• the importance of early momentum through programs like tnAchieves Summer Institute and Summer Bridge

While Summer Programs are discussed later in the episode, both leaders reinforce the importance of helping students start strong. These programs give students the opportunity to build confidence, earn credits and begin college with a clear path forward.

At Scale is a podcast from tnAchieves focused on the ideas and partnerships that improve student outcomes across the state.

Listen now to learn how collaboration and innovation are driving student success.

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We are celebrating one year of the At Scale podcast, and we could not imagine a better guest to mark the occasion than the 49th Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam.

Governor Haslam has been deeply connected to the tnAchieves story from the very beginning. From early skepticism around a small idea sketched on a whiteboard to helping scale it into what became Tennessee Promise, his leadership has shaped opportunities for hundreds of thousands of students across the state.

In this conversation, we cover:

What led him from business into public service
How servant leadership shows up in high-stakes roles
The origin story of Tennessee Promise and Drive to 55
Why defining a clear “North Star” matters for systems change
The importance of connecting K-12, higher education, and workforce
What keeps long-term mission-driven work sustainable

This episode is a reflection on impact, leadership, and what it takes to build something that truly changes lives.

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Drawing from survey responses from nearly 6,000 students, the framework highlights key challenges facing Tennessee students today—from financial hardship and limited career exposure to gaps in workforce connections and emerging technology readiness.

Krissy DeAlejandro and Tyler Ford join Ben Sterling to discuss how tnAchieves is responding to those challenges through coaching, workforce mentorship, job shadowing and AI-informed career preparation—and why long-term success depends on stronger alignment across K–12, postsecondary institutions and business and industry.

The episode also explores the five commitments outlined in the framework and what it will take for Tennessee to move beyond access and completion metrics toward true economic mobility for students.

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Links:

• Tennessee's Future Workforce Framework — For nearly two decades, tnAchieves has helped Tennessee students navigate the transition from high school into postsecondary education and, ultimately, into the workforce. We do this at scale, with systems built for real life: work schedules, family obligations, transportation barriers, financial uncertainty and the challenge of finding a clear path forward in an evolving economy. Today, Tennessee has a powerful opportunity to strengthen the transition from high school into postsecondary education and career by aligning around outcomes that truly change lives.

In this episode:

• Tara’s journey from corporate marketing to nonprofit leadership
• The mission and impact of the Scarlett Family Foundation
• Expanding scholarship access across rural, suburban, and urban Middle Tennessee
• Why Tennessee must “grow its own” workforce talent
• The importance of measurable statewide postsecondary attainment goals
• Systems-level change in education policy
• Artificial intelligence in classrooms and workforce preparation
• The role of human connection in guiding student pathways

Listen now to learn how collaboration, innovation, and bold leadership can secure brighter futures for Middle Tennessee students.

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Chancellor Plowman shares how alignment across leadership, faculty, and staff creates momentum. When priorities are clear and consistently communicated, teams can focus less on noise and more on improving the student experience, strengthening retention, and increasing graduation outcomes.

The episode also explores innovation as a practical tool rather than a buzzword. From leveraging technology to improving systems and communication, UT’s approach focuses on removing barriers and supporting students more effectively at scale.

For Tennessee, this work matters. Large public institutions shape the state’s workforce and future economy. Episode 23 offers a candid look at what it takes to lead boldly, build culture, and improve outcomes for thousands of students each year.

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In this episode, An Idea on a Whiteboard Part 2, former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale — founding board member and longtime champion of public service — reflects on the roots of Knox Achieves, the partnerships that helped spark Tennessee Promise, and the future of completion-focused workforce pathways across our state.

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From regional job creation and rural prosperity to education-to-career pathways and high-wage, high-demand industries, this episode highlights how workforce development is at the center of Tennessee’s long-term success and why partnerships across business, education, and community organizations matter now more than ever.

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After more than three decades in public education, Jeff now leads a team combining MIT technologists and veteran educators to help teachers, administrators, and students navigate the promise and pitfalls of AI. Through teacher training, student curriculum, and policy guidance, Day of AI is preparing the next generation to use this technology with curiosity, caution, and purpose.

Jeff shares how AI can reduce administrative burdens, personalize instruction, and reignite engagement in the classroom, offering practical ways that K–12 leaders and teachers can begin integrating AI thoughtfully into their schools. The discussion also examines the need to balance innovation with ethics—tackling issues like misinformation, bias, and student safety—while emphasizing the importance of foundational skills and critical thinking.

For K–12 administrators, teachers, and education leaders, this episode offers real-world insight into how AI can make teaching more human, not less. For Tennessee Promise, community college, and technical college audiences, it connects AI literacy to career readiness, postsecondary success, and workforce development.

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Together, they explore how HAMMER’s groundbreaking research in hybrid and autonomous manufacturing systems is revolutionizing how products are made, while also expanding opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers. Dr. Daehn and Dr. Trzinski share insights into how industry, education, and innovation are converging to build accessible, high-tech career pathways—especially in regions ready to embrace manufacturing’s digital transformation.

Tune in to learn how HAMMER’s vision is turning the promise of smart, automated production into a reality and why this work matters for Tennessee students, employers, and communities preparing for the manufacturing careers of tomorrow.

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Together, we explore how tnAchieves and UT Medical Center collaborate to create meaningful job shadowing and career exploration opportunities that allow students to experience healthcare careers firsthand. Dr. Gray and Craig share insight into current and emerging workforce needs, particularly within allied health fields, and discuss what students should know as they consider pathways into healthcare.

The conversation also highlights UT Medical Center’s commitment to exposing students throughout the region to real-world opportunities inside the hospital, helping them better understand the range of careers available and the preparation required to be successful. From early exposure to intentional partnerships, this episode underscores how collaboration between education and healthcare can strengthen the workforce pipeline and expand access to high-demand careers for students across East Tennessee.

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On this episode of the At Scale podcast, tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro and Senior Vice President Graham Thomas sit down with Senator Bo Watson, longtime representative of Hamilton County and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Guided by his belief that his role is to “improve quality of life for all Tennesseans,” Senator Watson discusses his path to public service, his approach to the state budget, and his vision for Tennessee’s education and workforce future.

*A Heart for Service
*
Senator Watson did not enter politics through a single moment or major issue. Instead, he credits his parents for instilling the belief that if you have the ability to serve your community, you should. When a House seat unexpectedly opened in 2004, he stepped forward, ran a grassroots campaign, and won. His career began not with political ambition but with a desire to contribute to the community that raised him.

Balancing Local Needs with Statewide Priorities

Representing Hamilton County while overseeing the state’s finances requires both a local and statewide perspective. Senator Watson notes that every county in Tennessee looks different, and effective policy must reflect that diversity. He consistently asks what best serves Tennesseans across all 95 counties. Although the state cannot fund every good idea, he believes the budget must ensure every community’s voice is heard and that the final product reflects Tennessee’s shared priorities.

Data Matters, but So Do People

With a background in biology and chemistry, Senator Watson approaches decisions through data. However, he acknowledges that behind every program are real people and communities. Ending a program that is no longer effective is rarely simple because lives and local economies are intertwined with long-standing initiatives. In Tennessee’s zero-sum budget, every dollar spent must be accounted for, making careful and thoughtful decisions essential.

Looking Ahead: Caution and Stability

As Governor Lee prepares his final budget, Senator Watson expects a careful, responsible approach. He hopes to leave resources available for the next administration, just as previous leaders did. With economic uncertainty and the end of major federal grants on the horizon, Tennessee must evaluate which programs should continue with state support and which may need to phase out, especially within education.

Tennessee’s Role in Workforce Development

Senator Watson views the state as a convener rather than the sole problem-solver. Workforce challenges cannot be solved by government alone; they require strong relationships between the state, communities, colleges, and employers. With fewer workers entering the labor market and a growing need for specialized talent, particularly in healthcare, Tennessee must leverage technology and ensure students are prepared to use it effectively.

More Pathways, More Opportunity

One of Tennessee’s major accomplishments, according to Senator Watson, is the expansion of educational pathways. Today’s students can choose from TCATs, community colleges, four-year institutions, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment options. These opportunities help students explore their interests and pursue a credential of value, directly aligning with Tennessee Achieves’ mission.

If you want to understand how state policy, education, and workforce needs intersect in Tennessee, this conversation offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has spent nearly twenty years shaping that work.

Listen to the full episode of At Scale featuring Senator Bo Watson wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with TBR’s Chancellor, Dr. Flora Tydings. She explains how TN Promise changed the higher education system in Tennessee as well as the conversations students and their families are having about going to college. She also casts TBR’s vision to create a workforce with the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the world economy. It directly aligns with our efforts to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce. Stop us if you’ve heard us say it before, but we can’t do this work alone!

Tune in to hear how TBR is creating a bridge between students, higher education, the community and businesses across the state. She also explains what TBR is focusing on for the future.

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