Empowering Future Innovators

With its wide array of programs, Nashville State's School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math is set on preparing the students for the foundations of core subjects and the consistent evolution in the workplace. 

“Our workplaces are becoming much more technical from construction all the way up through robotics in medicine,” Dr. Shawn Wild, dean of the School of STEM, said.

“We are seeing how valuable it is to provide support for all of our students who need STEM skills to be employed or go on to further education.”

From computer science to natural sciences and construction, STEM is often at the heart of how we move through the world. As those fields are ever-changing and rapidly evolving, Wild is ready to have the college grow with them.

Wild came to Nashville State in July 2024 from Bucks County Community College, located in a rural area outside of Philadelphia. After relocating and starting her new job, she has immersed herself in the city and college.

“I’m new to Nashville but you can’t drive through the city and not see all the construction. Those are STEM things going on,” she said.

“I very much enjoy being here. I have found colleagues here that are committed to the mission of Nashville State to serve our students to help them reach their goals. We’re all part of a big team.”

STEM fields often receive some of the highest attention from students and the options for incoming and current students can often be overwhelming.

Wild creates an environment where students can ask questions and use the resources at Nashville State to navigate this wide mix of careers.

“There are many different career paths that students can choose from in STEM, and it’s our job to ensure they are aware of all their options.”

“We are lucky here at Nashville State with our Student Success Advisors and Student Success Center. They’re the first line of defense helping students figure out what they want to major in.”

To help prepare students for those careers Wild says that community partnerships and feedback from the employers of the area is critical to helping them shape the right curriculum to prepare students for high-paying jobs.

“Our advisory boards are critical to letting us know what the new technology is and what our students need to learn. They’re looking ahead to changes that are coming and they can inform us what skills our students need most,” Wild said.

She says having faculty who are also experts and embedded in their field gives them a leg up on creating the best environment possible for students to learn and be prepared for the workforce.

“We’re fortunate to have faculty who are subject matter experts in a lot of different areas. It’s a team project to look at the future and see what’s coming.”

“It’s all about supporting the faculty, which in turn supports our students which is our top responsibility.”

Wild is excited about all the opportunities provided by the college.

“I love supporting faculty do what they love to do, supporting students in the classroom, and then meeting with folks in the community and making connections with our industry partners.”

As for the future, Dr. Wild hopes to continue to build on what the STEM school has been doing and continue to serve students in the best way they can.

“That kind of big picture work is a passion. Learn what I need to learn and how I can do that effectively.”

“I want to continue creating educational opportunities, making sure we have state-of-the-art labs and equipment and cutting-edge programs for our students so they can secure good jobs with great wages.”