Antonio Simpson recommends Cleveland State Community College to every veteran he knows in Bradley County because of his experience while enrolled there. The Army vet graduated from CSCC in December of 2012 with his associate degree in social work before transferring to Southern Adventist University, where he completed his bachelor degree, also in social work. He went on to complete his master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in military affairs, also from Southern Adventist University.
Of all Mr. Simpson’s memories of CSCC, he considers the times spent with Veterans Coordinator Ray Goad (now retired) his fondest. “These times were my favorite memories because I was able to help other veterans and act as a mentor to them.”
CSCC has been voted a military friendly campus by G.I. Jobs Magazine. Mr. Simpson said he agrees with this ranking because of the caring faculty and staff. “I would recommend CSCC to anyone, not just for veterans or older students,” stated Mr. Simpson. “As a non-traditional student, it can be hard to transition back to school. CSCC’s faculty and staff are very nice, understanding and patient. They are always willing to help a student in need.”
Mr. Simpson said it is hard for him to pick a favorite instructor from his days at Cleveland State because he had so many—Dr. Wooten, Mrs. Hilliard, Dr. Mosley, and Jana Pankey to name a few. “Jana Pankey was more involved in my major, so she was probably my favorite. She served as my mentor. She treats her students like family.”
Mr. Simpson attended Cleveland State as a non-traditional student. “I chose to attend CSCC because I had a family, and I was just starting to attend school again and did not want to be far from my children. CSCC was convenient and fit my needs.”
Beginning in the fall of 2018, students like Mr. Simpson can attend college tuition-free with the Tennessee Reconnect program. Tennessee Reconnect covers tuition and fees after grant or scholarship programs have been applied. For more information on Tennessee Reconnect, contact Natalia Williams, counselor/coordinator of Adult Student Services, at 423-472-7141, ext. 318, or email her at nwilliams@clevelandstatecc.edu.