At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

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.

The conversation includes:

This week’s episode is a special one.

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:

Wh...

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.

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-t...

In this episode of At Scale, Tara Scarlett discusses leadership, scholarship impact, statewide education strategy, and preparing Tennessee students for the future workforce.

In this episode:

Listen now to learn how co...

In Episode 23 of At Scale, Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville joins tnAchieves for a conversation about leading a flagship, land-grant university with clarity and purpose. At the center of the discussion is a simple idea: student success must remain the north star, even within a large and complex institution.

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...

Every statewide movement has a beginning — and for tnAchieves, that beginning was a simple but bold idea sketched out on a whiteboard: every Tennessee student deserves a chance to continue their education and build a future through a credential of value.

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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In this episode of At Scale from tnAchieves, Josh Brown, CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, and Stephanie Coleman, CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, join the conversation to break down what is driving Tennessee’s economic growth and what it will take to sustain it.

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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In this listener-recommended episode of At Scale, hosts Ben Sterling and Graham Thomas sit down with Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and current Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit launched out of MIT that helps schools and communities understand and responsibly use artificial intelligence.

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...

In this episode of tnAchieves At Scale, we dive into the cutting-edge world of automated manufacturing with the team behind HAMMER – Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution. Hosts from tnAchieves are joined by Dr. Glenn Daehn and Dr. Samantha Trzinski from The Ohio State University to discuss how this ambitious national initiative is reshaping the future of advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

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...

In this episode of the tnAchieves At Scale Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Keith Gray and Craig Pickett from UT Medical Center for an in-depth conversation on workforce demands across East Tennessee and the critical role healthcare partners play in preparing the next generation of talent.

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...

From Policy to Practice with Senator Bo Watson

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 en...

The TN Promise scholarship offers every high school senior in the state of Tennessee the chance to go to community college or technical school tuition and mandatory fee free. As a partnering organization to the TN Promise scholarship, tnAchieves could not do the work we do without the partnership and support of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). TBR is a unified system that oversees every community college and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in the state.

In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with TBR’s Chancellor, Dr. Flora Tydings. She ex...

At tnAchieves, we believe that Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce begins with ensuring that every community—especially our rural ones—as a seat at the table. That means making a commitment to making sure students are skilled, educated and prepared to meet the needs of businesses once they graduate and enter the workforce. It also means fostering partnerships with organizations that are on the ground in these rural communities and doing the work.

In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with the CEO of Obion County’s Joint Economic Development Corporation (JEDC), Lindsay Theobald...

Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce means having strong relationships with the chambers of commerce across the state. We often sit down with their leaders who wake up each day thinking about the best ways to drive a thriving economy, hire a diverse and talented workforce and attract the best businesses to their area. Those are also things we think about as we help students into and through college and on their way to a thriving career. We also think about how to best equip students in rural areas versus urban ones and in East Tennessee versus West Tennessee (and ev...

At tnAchieves, we like to put a big tent around the word college. College is not just four-year universities. It also includes community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). While many may think of TCATs as being separate, they DO belong under the college umbrella; the word college is right there in the name!

Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce means we believe EVERYONE belongs in college, and there’s a place for each student to get a high-quality credential after high school before entering the workforce. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit...

Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce isn’t something that tnAchieves does alone. It takes support and partnership from a variety of partners. That includes our state’s government. tnAchieves expanded to be a statewide organization during former Tennessee Governor (and current tnAchieves Board member) Bill Haslam’s time in office. His support and enthusiasm were crucial in the creation and implementation of the TN Promise scholarship.

Today, that support still comes from current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office as well as the General Assembly. It takes Governor Lee’s vision for our state’s economic future and the creati...

Ever wondered how tnAchieves began? We started in 2008 as knoxAchieves. It began as a conversation…and an idea on a whiteboard. That brainstorming idea grew into a workforce development initiative in Knox County. From there it continued to grow and scale (hence our podcast name) before becoming the statewide and nationally recognized organization it is today.

tnAchieves would have never gotten off the ground in Knox County without our Board Chairman and UT System President Randy Boyd. We would not have expanded to other counties as a college access and success program. We never would never have gr...

In 2008, tnAchieves was launched as knoxAchieves. It began as a workforce development initiative in Knox County. Since then, tnAchieves has grown to become a nationally recognized college access and success program. One of the main components we’re known for is the launch and partnership of the TN Promise scholarship statewide. Along the way, we’ve learned lots of lessons about what works and what doesn’t.

Those aren’t lessons we keep to ourselves.

While tnAchieves is focused first and foremost on, you guessed it, Tennessee, that doesn’t mean our knowledge is bound by our sta...

If you’re talking about the higher education landscape in the state of Tennessee, you can’t do it without talking about THEC/TSAC. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC) is the layer between higher education and the state government that thinks through the needs of higher education and the policies needed to support it. THEC serves as that central hub to make sure every student in Tennessee is able to pursue a high-quality education and high-value credentials.

In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, THEC’s Executive Director, Dr. Steven Gentil...

The Lumina Foundation is a private philanthropy foundation that is devoted to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to everyone. One of the things it’s best known for is setting a goal for the nation around post-secondary attainment. That includes Tennessee’s Drive to 55 goal which aims to increase the percentage of working age Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025. The Drive to 55 served as a launching point for the Tennessee Promise.

In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, Lumina’s Strategy Director for Access Melanie Heath talks about the ne...

In May, SoFi and tnAchieves launched a partnership alongside Tennessee native Kelsea Ballerini called The Rising Stars Program. The goal is to equip the next generation of Tennessee students with the tools to achieve financial independence. As part of the partnership, SoFi is equipping all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum to cover topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones.

In this episode of At Scale, the tnAchieves Podcast, we’re joined by SoFi’s head of advice and planning Brian Walsh—aka Dr. Money. The SoFi Philosophy is to attack debt with a plan...

Donna Linderman is the Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the State University of New York. In her current role and previous role at the City University of New York , Donna has been instrumental in revolutionizing student-focused support. As you listen, you may hear a few acronyms you'll want to be familiar with:

• SUNY – State University of New York
• CUNY – City University of New York
• ASAP – Accelerated Study in Associate Programs
• ACE – Accelerate, Complete, Engage

ASAP|ACE are student success programs for postsecondary students that provide participation with personal, academic and financial suppor...

Nathalie Gazzaneo serves as the Co-Director of The Project on Workforce at Harvard University. This innovative project is researching and providing guidance on closing the college to career gap and ensure future workforce needs are met.

In this episode, we dig into the research The Project on Workforce is focused on like the Workforce Almanac. We also talk pragmatically about today’s workforce needs and how certain organizations and businesses are thriving in our current climate. We wrap up with advice from Nathalie on how non-profits like tnAchieves can best serve students who are navigating the journey fr...

In this episode of At Scale, the tnAchieves Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Streiffer, Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the nation’s most advanced research institutions and a major economic engine for the Southeastern United States. As ORNL continues to lead groundbreaking work in fields like energy, national security, and especially artificial intelligence (AI), Dr. Streiffer offers a compelling look into how innovation at the lab is shaping not only the future of science, but also the future of Tennessee’s workforce.

Together, we explore what it takes to pursue a career...

In this episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling sit down with Dr. Martha Kanter, CEO Emerita of College Promise and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education, along with Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. Together, they explore the mission and nationwide impact of the College Promise movement—expanding access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities for students of all backgrounds. The conversation highlights the urgent need to strengthen America’s talent pipeline and the role College Promise plays in building a more equipped and prepared workforce. From policy to practice, this episode offe...

In the second episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri joins the conversation to discuss the evolving landscape of education and workforce development in Tennessee. The episode centers around SCORE’s strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the role of meaningful data analysis in driving outcomes. Mansouri highlights how building strong, intentional connections between education and employment is vital to ensuring Tennessee students are prepared for the demands of the modern economy. The conversation explores how partnerships between education leaders, nonprofit organizations, policymakers, and employers are critical to achieving statewide progress.

In the first episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling welcome two visionary leaders in education: Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Superintendent of Knox County Schools, and Dr. Anthony Wise, President of Pellissippi State Community College. The discussion ranges from Knox County Schools' new 865 Academies to how Pellissippi State Community College has innovated to meet the ever-changing needs of students. Alongside Knox County leaders, Dr. Rysewyk, Dr. Wise and tnAchieves helped form ADVANCE865 - a community aligned effort to increase the number of Knox County high school seniors pursuing high-quality post-secondary pathways. Learn more at...

**Welcome to At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, where we explore the bold, complex, and transformative work of tnAchieves—a Tennessee-based organization dedicated to breaking barriers and building opportunities for students pursuing college credentials. **Hosted by Krissy DeAlejandro, President & CEO of tnAchieves, this podcast dives into the challenges, solutions, and innovations driving student success and shaping Tennessee’s future workforce. Since 2008, tnAchieves has been reimagining what’s possible for students often seen as underdogs—arming them with the tools, support, and pathways to achieve economic mobility through higher education.

Join us as we sit down with state and national...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the tnAchieves podcast! Join our hosts, Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford and Outreach Manager Baylor Williamson, as they delve into the critical role volunteer mentors play during the summer months in preparing students for their upcoming college journey in the fall.

In this episode, Tyler and Baylor share practical tips, effective strategies, and real-life success stories to help mentors maximize their impact. Learn how to guide students through the maze of college readiness, from completing necessary paperwork to developing essential life skills. Discover ways to foster resilience, confidence, and a...

tnAchieves Sr. Director of Mentors Tyler Ford is joined by tnAchieves Director of COMPLETE Emily Jones to discuss the upcoming July 1 community service deadline. Learn how you can support your students as they complete this important TN Promise requirement!

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In this episode, Tyler Ford sits down with Ben Sterling to discuss how mentors should be preparing to work with students this summer! Summer is a critical time for students as they graduate from high school, register for classes and make final preparations to begin in the fall. Remaining connected with your students and celebrating victories can lead to enhanced mentoring relationships!

Please connect with our team if you have any questions throughout this important time as a tnAchieves mentor. We are here for you!

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The tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program is a FREE, 14-day program designed to help students who have not tested into college-level courses enter college more confident, both socially and academically! Held at community colleges across the state, the tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program gives you the opportunity to gain college experience, meet professors and make new friends!

Specifically, if students have scored below a 19 in reading or math and/or below an 18 in English on the ACT, the Summer Bridge Program could be right for them! In this case, students' ACT scores may require them to take corequisite courses...

Check out the audio from the February 2024 tnAchieves Mentor Webinar focused on kicking off the 2024 mentor program. This episode provides insight into beginning your mentoring experience and establishing connections with students.

Connect with our team anytime you have questions by emailing mentors@tnAchieves.org and following us on social media at @tnAchieves!

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In this episode of the Mentor Moment, we dig into how mentors can help their students complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and highlight how tnAchieves is helping students navigate the financial aid landscape.

Host Tyler Ford is joined by Allison Johnson, Director of Knox Access, a transformative pilot program in Knox County designed to increase Knox County's college-going rate. Together, they dissect the FAFSA application process, breaking down its components and shedding light on recent updates for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of...

*tnAchieves is excited to announce The Mentor Moment podcast! *

The Mentor Moment is a podcast influenced by and designed for tnAchieves mentors! Join Tyler Ford from tnAchieves every other week for an episode highlighting tips and best practices to enhance your mentoring experience. Subscribe to tnAchieves in your favorite podcast feed to always stay up to date with episodes. Thank you for volunteering and standing with students across Tennessee!

The first episode of the Mentor Moment will be released this Wednesday, March 27!

If you would like to learn more about mentoring with tnAchieves...

Hear from three individuals that represent the first person in their family to attend college. We hope this discussion inspires you to Find Your Why! Learn more about #FindYourWhyTN​ at tnAchieves.org/findyourwhy.

Get to know each panelist:
Krissy DeAlejandro: https://youtu.be/i1kqxAIROnU​
Sumner Deason: https://youtu.be/DdRWFuloxzc​
Mike Ragsdale: https://youtu.be/QxcG8ELuep8

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Becoming a great leader requires hard work, trying a lot of things and learning from failure. Hear from tnAchieves Board Members Randy Boyd and Mike Ragsdale and Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro as they discuss what it takes to become a great leader!

This interview is taken from one of our virtual community service webinars. We liked it so much we turned it into a podcast!

More than a decade has passed since knoxAchieves was launched from a whiteboard in the Knox County Mayor's office, but Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro's commitment to student success has not wavered. Since 2008, tnAchieves has grown, innovated and paved pathways for all students, including those that are the first in their families to pursue college. The seventh installment of our podcast dives into the beginnings of tnAchieves, why it was founded and how we have stayed true to our mission. Graham Thomas steals Krissy's mic for an engaging interview!

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Tennessee provides each high school senior the opportunity to earn a post-secondary credential tuition and mandatory-fee free through a first-of-its-kind Promise scholarship. Communities, cities, colleges and even other states have looked to Tennessee for guidance in launching their own Promise programs. Hear from Dr. Michelle Miller-Adams from the Upjohn Institute and Dr. Celeste Carruthers from the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, as they discuss the growth and impact of Promise programs nationally and the success of Tennessee Promise.

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The fifth episode of the tnAchieves podcast features two longtime mentors, Janice Bettis and John Cagle. Joining us in 2011, Janice and John share what brought them to tnAchieves, what keeps them engaged and how tnAchieves has impacted their communities.

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