Nashville State’s ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’ Fits

5.4.22

As the College regularly says, ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere.’ 

This could not be truer for graduate Kimberly McKillop, who earned a Associate of Science in Allied Health as the first step in achieving her personal, educational, and professional goals.   

At Nashville State, Kimberly was able to complete her prerequisites at an affordable cost. She would go to her full-time job during the day and attend night courses, while trying to create a schedule that would still allow time with her growing family. 

During her three years at the Southeast campus, Kimberly ran through the gamut of college life challenges that all students face. However, she feels that the level of one-on-one attention and encouragement that she received from staff and faculty at NSCC gave her the support she needed to overcome those challenges and graduate.   

Adding to the other challenges she faced as a working student, a personal tragedy occurred early one semester when her step-daughter unexpectedly passed away. Her Anatomy and Physiology professor at the Southeast campus “helped in allowing me to grieve and letting me know that she was there if I needed anything. At that time, it meant so much to me.”  

Kimberly had worked in many professional fields as an adult but there came a point when her career wasn’t going anywhere and she felt like if she stayed in her job she would have no options to better her work environment, salary, and professional growth.  

“I finally made the decision I would attend college to get the degree I always wanted to have. It wasn't just for myself. It was to prove to my kids and other women my age you are never too old to attend college and go after what you want in life.”  

“I received so much more than a college education. I received life lessons, friendships, and mentoring, and more that I will cherish for a lifetime.”  

After graduating, Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, with a minor in Psychology from MTSU. 

Since September 2021, she has been the West Nashville territory nutrition services field manager for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). She manages, monitors, and evaluates 20 plus cafeteria programs while supervising and hiring staff and providing professional support.  

“The valuable information and lessons I received while attending Nashville State provided me with knowledge I use daily in my role as a leader in this field.” 

At Nashville State, Kimberly was able to complete her prerequisites at an affordable cost. She would go to her full-time job during the day and attend night courses, while trying to create a schedule that would still allow time with her growing family
At Nashville State, Kimberly was able to complete her prerequisites at an affordable cost. She would go to her full-time job during the day and attend night courses, while trying to create a schedule that would still allow time with her growing family. 

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