The Sound Bearier

Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work

What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success? On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region. From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State. #NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

60 Years of Growth: A Conversation With Northeast State's First Instructor

In 1966, Northeast State Community College looked very different. The College was known as Tri-Cities Area Vocational-Technical School, classes were just beginning and the foundation for the institution we know today was only starting to take shape. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Tom Jarrell — Northeast State’s very first instructor. Jarrell reflects on the College’s earliest days, the evolution of its programs and students and what it has been like watching Northeast State grow over the past 60 years. As the College celebrates its 60th anniversary, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the people and moments that helped shape its history. #TheSoundBearier #NortheastState #WereJustGettingStarted #Since1966 #HereToGetYouThere

60 Years, One Vision at Northeast State

In this special episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State President Dr. Jeff McCord to reflect on the College’s 60th anniversary. From its earliest days to the momentum building across campus today, Dr. McCord shares insight into how Northeast State has grown, adapted and stayed true to its mission of connecting people to prosperity. The conversation explores where the College is now—and where it’s headed next—as it continues serving students, strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of our region. Sixty years in, and we’re just getting started.

Northeast State's First Radiologic Tech Class

Northeast State Community College's Radiologic Technology program is celebrating a major milestone: its first graduating class. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with program director Ivan Kennedy and student Leslie Smith, who is preparing to graduate this May as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. Leslie shares her journey through the two-year program, what drew her to the field and how hands-on learning has prepared her for what’s next. Ivan offers insight into building the program from the ground up and what this first class represents for the future of Health Professions education at Northeast State.

A Breath of Fresh Direction with Caleb Owens

Recent Northeast State graduate Caleb Owens sits down with The Sound Bearier co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent to share what's next in his respiratory therapy journey. Owens reflects on how he found his path, what shaped his decision and how his experience at Northeast State helped set the foundation for what’s next.