A student gives a poetry reading. Another practices their research presentation. An academic coach provides a soft skills workshop for students on academic probation. That's how Julius Dodds, the dean of academic success, imagines students and staff will use the stage – complete with spotlights – built into the corner of one of the rooms in what will soon be Chattanooga State Community College's new reading and writing center. The center – which is expected to open early next year – will serve as a space for students to get support for any course that requires writing. It's one part of the college's effort to improve student access and success. Roughly a year after receiving a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fast-track those efforts, Chattanooga State has used the funding to create three new positions, begun renovating the second floor of its instructional materials center into an academic success center and worked to change the culture around tutoring across campus.