Motlow’s ACE Ties Up with Nissan’s Decherd Plant for Employee Education

Five Nissan employees have become Motlow State students through a collaboration between Nissan’s Decherd plant and Motlow’s Adult College Express (ACE) program. Employees Calvin Short, Richard Jones, Jared Lancer, Anthony Howard, and Kristan Crosby began the program in the summer of 2024 and will continue alongside other Nissan employees in the fall.

Motlow’s ACE program is tailored for busy adult learners, offering classes that meet once or twice a week and focus on one subject at a time. In about seven semesters, students can graduate from Motlow and have the option to transfer to a four-year college.

Nissan’s Decherd plant invited Motlow to teach classes on-site, providing employees with convenient access to pursue a degree. The company also offers tuition assistance, enabling employees to advance academically and professionally without a significant financial burden.

Dr. Desiree Vannatta, the Introduction to College Success coordinator, helped these students prepare for the ACE program and is enthusiastic about their progress. “The cohort is very academically strong, with a keen desire for higher learning,” Vannatta said. “They are very receptive to tackling rigorous material at an accelerated pace.”

Anthony Howard, reflecting on his preparation for the program, said, “The confidence I have now to start this new journey is much higher than when I first began.”

This collaboration is made possible through the efforts of ACE Program Director Charle Coffey, Dr. Desiree Vannatta, and Interim Dean of Career and Technical Programs Gina Burke.

Industries interested in offering similar opportunities to their employees must ensure sufficient, sustained enrollment. For more information, email ace@mscc.edu or call 931-393-1816. Motlow State brings the ACE program to qualifying industry sites within the 11-county service area to support local industries and boost enrollment.