(Columbia, Tenn. - January 18, 2011) - - - Beth Duffield has joined Columbia State Community College as Development Officer - Alumni & Community Events. Duffield comes to Columbia State from Virginia Highlands Community College, where she served as Workforce Development Coordinator since 2004 and was awarded the Virginia Community Colleges Workforce Development Services 2010 Chancellor Award for Community Services. She earned a Master's of Art in Organizational Management from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Bachelor's of Art from Liberal Arts Ambassador University in Pasadena, California.

"I'm excited about joining the Columbia State team," said Duffield. "I have a real passion for the mission of community colleges and their ability to affect positive change in the lives of individuals, families and communities."

"I'm very pleased to welcome Beth to Columbia State," said President Janet F. Smith. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position, especially in the areas of fundraising and community event planning. We are excited about the ideas and practices she can share from her experiences in the community college system of Virginia."

Duffield recently relocated back to Middle Tennessee with her husband Dan who teaches IT, Business and coaches baseball and volleyball at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, and her sons, Wes and Drew. She called Spring Hill home from 1994-2003. Duffield was the regional marketing manager for the McDonald's Corporation in Brentwood until 2001 and coordinated Nashville's Ronald McDonald House Pro-Am Golf Tournament from 2002-2005.

She will focus on strengthening the relationships that exist within the community and with Columbia State alumni to increase support for the college's mission.