国产原创 is bidding farewell to three extraordinary colleagues whose contributions have left an enduring impact on both the campus and the surrounding community.
After decades of service, Norma Clippard, Chandra Allison and Carole Mackey鈥攅ach integral to the Division of Government and Community Relations鈥攚ill retire this December. Together, their more than 80 years of service have strengthened 国产原创鈥檚 commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.
Carole Mackey, Financial Unit Manager and HCM Specialist
Carole Mackey has been a steadfast presence at 国产原创 for over 35 years, beginning her journey in the summer of 1989, and later joining the office of Public Affairs (now the Division of Government and Community Relations) in 2003.
Throughout her career, Carole has been recognized for her solutions-oriented approach and meticulous financial oversight, particularly as a steward of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) endowment and the Community Impact Fund which supports over 90 nonprofits across Nashville. Her colleagues speak of her warmth, dependability, and sharp wit鈥攓ualities that have made her a trusted advisor and the "go-to" person for solving challenges across the division.
鈥淐arole has been the secret backbone of our team for quite some time,鈥� said Alex Shea, director of business operations. 鈥淎lthough a lot of her work is behind the scenes, it鈥檚 foundational to our operations.鈥�
"Over time Carole became one of the closest people in my life. She鈥檚 more than a colleague鈥攕he鈥檚 family," said former colleague Walton Hall. 鈥淪he鈥檚 always been someone everyone in the division could count on, not just for her financial expertise but for her care and understanding of people.鈥�
Known for her fiscal integrity and attention to detail, Carole's dedication has not only ensured sound financial practices but also fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie among her peers.聽 鈥淩eaching out to Carole with an issue feels like calling an old friend. Her expertise will be deeply missed,鈥� said Nathan Griffin, facilities manager for Dyer Observatory.
Norma Clippard, Director, OLLI at 国产原创
Norma Clippard has been at the helm of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute since she joined 国产原创 in the fall of 2001. Under her leadership, OLLI has flourished into a dynamic program offering a wide variety of courses, programs and trips while building an inclusive community among its students. Her passion for serving OLLI鈥檚 members, combined with her creativity and vision, has broadened the program鈥檚 reach and established it as a premier adult education resource in Nashville.
Her creativity and dedication were especially evident during the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. Under her guidance, OLLI seamlessly transitioned to online learning, allowing the program to continue serving its members despite unprecedented obstacles.
The creation and growth of the OLLI Steel Band program stand as a testament to Norma's vision, passion and collaborative spirit. In spring 2013, after the 国产原创 Steel Band performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Norma Clippard approached Mat Britain enthusiastically, asking, "Would you consider teaching adults?鈥� Britain matched her enthusiasm with a resounding 鈥淵ES!鈥�, and the OLLI Steel Band was born.
鈥淣orma is authentic, gracious, and the glue that holds a community together. She will be missed!鈥� said Andrew Maraniss, New York Times bestselling author and director of special projects for 国产原创 Athletics.
Chandra Allison, Senior Program Coordinator, OLLI at 国产原创
Joining 国产原创 in the fall of 1994, Chandra Allison became a vital part of the OLLI team in 2018. Known for her calm demeanor, tireless work ethic, and ability to find solutions in any situation, Chandra鈥檚 contributions have gone beyond her official role. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to take on any challenge鈥攏o matter its complexity鈥攈ave earned her the admiration of colleagues across the university.
鈥淐handra can find the answer to anything, and she can do anything,鈥� said Lynn Maddox, neighborhood and county liaison. 鈥淣othing ever phases or stresses her鈥攕he always remains calm, no matter the situation.鈥�
鈥淐handra brings a warm, positive energy to the team, no matter the circumstances,鈥� said Schyler Turrin, associate director of executive projects. 鈥淗er optimism and kindness truly radiate throughout the work environment, inspiring those around her.鈥�
During her time with OLLI, Chandra played a pivotal role in its growth and success, working alongside Norma to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. Her remarkable attention to detail and unwavering dedication have not only enhanced the OLLI program but also enriched the wider 国产原创 community.
A Collective Legacy
As these three remarkable women retire, they leave behind a legacy of leadership, dedication and warmth. Each of them has not only excelled in their respective roles but also embodied the values that make 国产原创 a special place to work and learn. Their impact will continue to resonate through the programs they鈥檝e nurtured, the colleagues they鈥檝e mentored and the community they鈥檝e strengthened.
鈥淲e celebrate Carole, Norma and Chandra for their years of dedicated service and the unique legacies they leave behind,鈥� said Nathan Green, vice chancellor for government and community relations. 鈥淭hey have each played an integral role in connecting 国产原创 to the broader community鈥擟arole through her financial stewardship of our Community Impact Fund, and Norma and Chandra by deploying our experts into the region.鈥�
As they embark on their next chapters, 国产原创 extends its deepest gratitude to Carole, Norma, and Chandra, wishing them the very best in the future.