Foundation

"… Columbia State is a place where anyone—whether a high school graduate or an adult learner—can take the next step toward bettering their life in the workforce. The college offers so many opportunities for students of all backgrounds, providing access to education that can lead to meaningful careers. What makes Columbia State essential to our community is its ability to bring higher education close to home, especially in our rural counties. By offering local students the chance to pursue college without having to leave their communities, Columbia State helps strengthen the local workforce and ensures that educated individuals can stay, work, and give back to the areas where they grew up. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see Columbia State continue building on its strong foundation and expanding partnerships that align with workforce needs. The college understands what industries require and is dedicated to preparing students for those opportunities. I look forward to seeing even more growth in these partnerships and the lasting impact they will have on students and the community alike."

"I support Columbia State because it removes barriers for students who might not otherwise see college as part of their future. Through my service on the Foundation Board and the Tennessee Economic Council on Women alongside President Smith, I've witnessed firsthand how expertly this institution is managed and how strategically it aligns its programs with the evolving needs of our region. What inspires me most is Columbia State's forward-thinking approach to education. The college doesn't just prepare students for today's workforce, it equips them for the opportunities of tomorrow, training them for emerging fields while building the essential skills that form the foundation of any successful career.Education at Columbia State means more than acquiring knowledge, it's about expanding economic opportunities and empowering people to build meaningful, sustainable careers right here in the communities they call home. I'm proud to support an institution so deeply committed to transforming lives and strengthening our region's economic future."

"…the opportunity and access the College provides rural students to advance their education. With Columbia State's campus in Clifton, students in Wayne County high schools can take AP, dual credit, and dual enrollment courses that give them a head start on their careers-opportunities only students in larger schools often have. We also have non-traditional students in our area that are able to attend college to advance their careers, when circumstances would not allow earlier in life, at a convenient, local campus."

Byron Davis, Branch Manager at the People's Bank Clifton office, has seen firsthand the positive impact Columbia State has had in the region during his career at the bank, where the two organizations hold a long-standing working partnership. Byron's role on the Foundation Board gives him a sense of giving back to the College for what he has seen it do for Wayne County.

"I support Columbia State because I believe deeply in giving back to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue higher education. My own educational path wasn't traditional, and that experience taught me how important it is to help students find their path and pursue it, whatever stage of life they're in. Education should be both meaningful and enjoyable. It's about learning, working, and discovering what brings you fulfillment. Columbia State is essential to our community because it expands opportunities right where people live. Building on the incredible legacy of leaders like Charles Sargent, who meant so much to education in Tennessee, the college serves as a steward of our community's potential, creating those vital business-to-business connections that help everyone thrive. Columbia State is positioned to create even more pathways for students to succeed in our region."