Hawkins is new site director for Motlow’s Sparta campus

Danyelle Hawkins

 Danyelle Hawkins took over as Motlow State Community College’s Sparta campus’s site director, in November 2020, and she is excited about the future of the location and the school’s ability to reach students of all ages throughout the Sparta community.

“Motlow’s goal is to grow enrollment. If enrollment grows, then people are being educated and learning,” Hawkins said, addressing the college as a whole and then narrowing the mission down to her location. “My goal for Sparta is Motlow’s mission - Student Success. The Sparta location now offers Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certificates. We have seen outstanding success with these programs and hope to add Paramedic classes in the future. Through partnerships with industry and other education institutions, I am excited about the future and how Motlow’s Sparta location will benefit students, industry, and the community.”

She went on to say that, specifically, she hopes to have the Sparta campus full of students in the upcoming fall (2021) semester.

“Motlow has been the economic engine that drives its 11-county service area for over 50 years, and our possibilities in emerging technologies are growing. We are increasing apprenticeship and internship opportunities, offering more courses remotely, and improving our communications strategy,” she said, expanding on the educational opportunities within the school. “The last year has taught all of us alternative ways to communicate effectively, and I’m excited about using our knowledge gained to increase student success.”

Hawkins also discussed the many ways  students can access all of the opportunities that Motlow offers, regardless of the economic hardships that many families are finding themselves facing right now.

“Adult learners may qualify for Reconnect, a tuition-free scholarship program for adults without degrees,” she said. “The Adult College Express (ACE) program is an adult-centered program where students can take one class every 5 or 10 weeks.”

Hawkins also said that high school graduates may be eligible for up to five college semesters of free tuition with the  Tennessee Promise Scholarship. In addition, Motlow has opportunities for high school students through their  dual enrollment and other college opportunities as well as offering scholarships for high school students. “Many courses are offered remotely, with little or no on-campus requirements,” she added, discussing how the college strives to make receiving a post-secondary education accessible for everyone and offers competitive programs to get graduates into the workforce. “Motlow offers one-year certificate programs in high demand, high-wage fields such as Mechatronics, Robotics, Medical Lab Technology, and more.”

Hawkins said she is excited to be coordinating classes and working to bridge the path between students and faculty and between learners and the workforce. However, she knows her job has just begun and states she is aware she has a lot of work to do to be the positive influence she desires to be.

“Motlow is a large entity, and I have much to learn. My professional goal is to educate myself first, then the citizens of Sparta and White County, about the opportunities that Motlow provides,” she claimed. “Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge I can distribute about Motlow, the more lives that will be changed for the better.”

She urged prospective students and members of the community to contact her to learn more about the opportunities Motlow’s Sparta campus, and all of their campuses, have to offer.

“Contact me at (931) 837-3341 or dhawkins@mscc.edu and visit our website at mscc.edu,” she said, adding that she is willing and eager to help anyone and everyone take the steps toward creating the future they want for themselves.