Nashville State Community College Foundation Honors Alumni and Community Partners
The Nashville State Community College Foundation celebrated exceptional alumni and
community partners at the annual Falcon Awards on November 18, 2025. During the event,
the 2025 Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was also presented.
Held at 14Tenn in Nashville’s Nations neighborhood, the event recognized alumni for their professional accomplishments and community impact, as well as college partners for their ongoing support of student success. Food was prepared by The Pepper Pott.
“Our alumni and community partners are doing incredible work—leading, innovating, and serving across Tennessee and the nation,” said Ryan Parker, executive director of the Nashville State Foundation. “Through the Falcon Awards and the Regents and Chancellor’s awards, we honor those who not only excel professionally but also reflect the values of leadership, service, and community that define Nashville State.”
With Nashville State alumna and Threads by Dreads CEO Christiana Afotey leading as
emcee, the celebration featured awards in several categories.
The atmosphere was enriched by live performances from Associate of Fine Arts in Music students and graduates, guided by Associate Professor David Edington.
Falcon Awards sponsors include Amazon, Advance Financial Foundation, First Horizon, Ascend Federal Credit Union, and Nashville Electric Service.
Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Presented to a Nashville State alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism leadership, and served as a positive example to their community.
Dr. Teresa Vasquez, an adult learner who graduated with Honors in Spring 2005, continued her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate. She also obtained a certificate in computer programming. A proud parent, all of her children have attended Nashville State. Dr. Vasquez has built a strong reputation as a technology leader, educator, and advocate for neurodiverse technologists.
“This award means so much to me because Nashville State wasn’t just the place I started. It became a family legacy. Every single one of my children has attended Nashville State, experiencing the same excellence, compassion, and belief in potential that carried me forward,” Vasquez said.
Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year Award
Presented to an alum who has set the standard of excellence in their career, demonstrated exemplary volunteerism leadership, and served as a positive example to their community. Alumni in this category have graduated from Nashville State within the last 10 years.
Jasmin Whitson came to Nashville State to pursue a second degree. She graduated in 2016, with a degree in Computer Networking. Jas and her husband (another Nashville State graduate), bought into a national franchise. As a DonutNV franchisee, they’ve been busy growing and expanding their business reach and influence.
Outstanding Service Award
Presented to an individual in appreciation of their service to Nashville State Foundation, Nashville State Community College, and their community.
Chef Max Knoepfel is the Music City Center’s Executive Chef. As a former trustee of the Nashville State Foundation board, Chef Max consistently cheers on, shows up for, and supports culinary arts students who are vital to Music City’s hospitality scene. Chef Max also serves on the advisory board for the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts.
Andy Marshall is the leader of A. Marshall Hospitality, owner and operator of restaurants and hospitality businesses in Tennessee and Alabama, and a member of the Nashville State Foundation’s board of trustees. To support culinary students and strengthen the future of Nashville’s culinary scene, Andy created the A. Marshall Hospitality Endowed Scholarship, which provides a full scholarship to Nashville State for high school students who earn first place in the Tennessee Junior Chef competition.
Randy Rayburn was a noted businessman, restaurateur, civic leader, mentor, and all-around excellent human being. A longtime member of the Nashville State Foundation, he founded the Foundation’s signature event, Tennessee Flavors, which raises funds for student support programs. Thanks to his vision and leadership, Nashville State’s Culinary Arts program became a reality. Today, through continued support, the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts at Nashville State proudly carries forward his legacy of education, creativity, community impact, and dedication to developing the next generation of culinary talent.
Partners in Philanthropy
Recognizes outstanding partners who provide dedicated, sustained support and have made contributions that significantly impact the mission of Nashville State Foundation and Nashville State Community College.
The 21st Century Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, in the 1990s, raised funds and constructed the building now home to Nashville State’s Humphreys County campus. After completing the project, the Foundation deeded the building to the County. Since then, the Foundation has established an endowment, consistently raised funds, and awarded need-based scholarships to students.
Nearly two years ago, the Foundation partnered with the college to launch the Funding Our Future scholarship, which covers tuition and fees for students aged 18 to 23 in Humphreys, Benton, Perry, and Stewart counties.
In addition to need-based aid, the Foundation awards four $1,000 Honors Scholarships each year to students at the Humphreys County campus—two for McEwen High School graduates and two for Waverly Central High School graduates. These scholarships automatically renew if students remain eligible and enroll for a second year.
2025 Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy
Given through the Office of the Chancellor at the Tennessee Board of Regents, the recipient was nominated by Dr. Shanna L. Jackson, Nashville State’s president.
This distinguished award recognizes organizations that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the Tennessee Board of Regents and its institutions through generous contributions of time, resources, and leadership.
The 21st Century Educational Foundation was presented with the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy.
