Values
Student Learning, Success, and Support
We are committed to an engaging learning environment where students receive the support they need to achieve academic and personal success.
Accessibility
We strive to remove barriers and provide access to education, resources, and opportunities for all individuals.
Collaboration and Partnership
We embrace our role as the community’s college and commit ourselves to create meaningful connections that enhance learning, innovation, economic development, and community impact.
Data-Driven Environment
We foster a culture of informed decision-making by leveraging data and analytics to improve processes, optimize resources, and drive continuous improvement.
Teamwork
We believe in the power of teamwork, where collective efforts lead to creative solutions and shared success for our students, partners, and the community.
Economic Development
By advancing education, workforce training, and innovation, we positively impact the economic growth and sustainability of our communities.
Goals
Student Learning, Success, and Support
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Create a learner-centered environment
- Ensure students achieve the following general education competencies:
- Proficiency in communication
- Proficiency in problem- solving skills
- Proficiency in quantitative reasoning
- Deliver innovative educational programs using varied delivery systems based on best practices of adult learning
- Provide the educational and supportive services for students to improve retention, success, and completion
- Create more opportunities for student engagement, inside and outside the classroom
Accessibility
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Strategically promote learning opportunities for all people
- Minimize financial, environmental, social, linguistic, and cultural barriers to learning.
- Provide clear, flexible pathways through dual enrollment, non-credit programs, adult education, workforce training, and academic transfer programs to support student goals.
Collaboration and Partnership
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Foster, nurture, and expand partnerships with business, industry, education, and other community organizations to:
- Create internship opportunities, apprenticeships, and job placement programs that benefit students and employers.
- Create pathways for our students to meet the workforce needs of local business and industry.
- Streamline transfer processes and improve academic pathways for students.
- Create mentorship programs, networking events, and opportunities for alumni to contribute to the college community.
- Collaborate with foundations, government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations to secure grants and funding for scholarships, special projects, and campus improvements.
Data-Driven Environment
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Foster a data-driven culture of quality improvement.
- Use data to improve educational programs, student learning, customer service, budgeting, and decision-making.
Teamwork
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Collaborate effectively to accomplish our shared mission, values, and goals
- Facilitate a cohesive, supportive, and encouraging work environment
- Promote networking and improved communication throughout, within, and between campuses.
- Foster an environment that promotes progress
Economic Development
Northwest Shoals Community College will:
- Expand and leverage resources that enhance the College’s impact in the community through economic and workforce development.
- Collaborate with local and regional economic development entities to help recruit business and industry to the community.
- Provide work-based learning and non-credit training to meet the needs of business and industry partners