Data is growing in complexity and volume, leaving organizations overwhelmed and scrambling to find the sophisticated tools and techniques needed to harness its value. Demand for high-level experts who can not only manage data, but also leverage it to provide actionable insights, has surged to unprecedented levels. To help address the growing demand, Western Governors University (WGU), parent university of WGU Tennessee, has launched a new Master of Science Data Analytics (MSDA) degree. Designed in collaboration with industry experts, the MSDA program provides experienced professionals with the advanced training they need to grow their careers and tackle the most complex …

Macaron and artisanal bakeshop Woops! has opened at Opry Mills. Shoppers will find this new store in the Fashion wing near Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger, most easily accessed via Entry 2, next to Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet. Opry Mills is the 20th location for the New York City-based eatery and the first in Tennessee. With more than 20 flavors of macarons like raspberry, Nutella, mint chocolate and old fashion red velvet, along with gift boxes, coffee, and artisanal pastries to choose from, Woops! has brought a lot of delicious choices to Opry Mills shoppers. The store joins …

Locals and fall visitors wanting to be spooked this October have multiple opportunities to do so this month at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Throughout the month, the presidential home will host evening ghost tours, and on Oct. 22, The Hermitage will host its 16th annual Hauntings at The Hermitage. Ghost Tours Offered exclusively during the month of October, ghost tours at The Hermitage are the perfect option for those who aren’t afraid of a good ghost story. Led by an experienced guide, this 90-minute tour of the mansion and Jackson’s tomb provides guests with a uniquely spooky look at the home …

WGU Tennessee – a nonprofit, online university launched as one of the initiatives in Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 effort – has reached 3,000 enrolled students after its third full year in the state. To celebrate reaching the goal, the state-endorsed university has created the “Good Things Come in Threes” scholarship. Up to 10 scholarships of $3,000 will be offered to students across Tennessee who want to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU Tennessee. “Reaching 3,000 enrolled students in just three years is a major milestone for WGU Tennessee, and I’d like to thank every member of …

United Soccer League franchise Nashville SC announced Tuesday that it has created Nashville SC U23, a Premier Development League amateur team that will play in 2017. This team will lay the foundation and prepare players for Nashville SC’s first professional soccer game in March 2018. “Launching this amateur team in 2017 will allow us to build a pool of players to select for contracts for our 2018 professional season. Also, one of the questions we have heard most frequently from Nashville SC fans is whether they will have a team to support in 2017,” Nashville SC co-owner Chris Redhage said. …

Earlier today, MP&F Vice President Javier Solano led an online “diversity chat,” presented by the Nashville chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Solano, also the vice president of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce, was the guest expert during a Facebook Live discussion about diversity and inclusion initiatives in the communications industry. Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, and raised in metropolitan Washington, D.C., Solano graduated from Columbia University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in English. A former print journalist, he has been with MP&F since 2001. Photo: PRSA Nashville Diversity Chairwoman Ivy Johnson, a Tennessee …

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is set to once again feature an exciting mix of Tennessee flavors when its Fall Fest featuring handmade artisan gifts, music and food returns on Oct. 1 and 2. A variety of artists from across the South are planned to display an array of hand-crafted products throughout the festival, including photography, basketry, ceramics, jewelry, painting and woodwork. “This event is an opportunity for us to bring the community together to celebrate Tennessee’s rich history through art, music and food,” said Howard Kittell, president and CEO of The Hermitage. Fall Fest at The Hermitage is free admission and …

WGU Tennessee celebrated the academic achievements of 556 Tennesseans from 70 counties today, 43 percent of whom are the first in their family to earn a degree. A total of 145 graduates walked in the commencement ceremony held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. “Many of these graduates probably thought this day would never come,” said Dr. Kimberly K. Estep, chancellor of WGU Tennessee. “Each of them has worked extremely hard, balancing work and family commitments and still making time to earn their degree. As part of Drive to 55, our goal is to help Tennesseans …