Photo Caption:John Woodason is set to lead the new AiiT program at Columbia State this fall as he begins preparing the new equipment and software for the upcoming classes.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - July 5, 2012) - - - John Woodason has joined the faculty of Columbia State Community College to lead the new Advanced Integrated Industrial Technology (AiiT) program, which begins at the college this fall.

Woodason comes to Columbia State from Ohio where he taught in the engineering program at Kenton Ridge High School and at the area career center.

In announcing the appointment, Dearl Lampley, dean of the science, technology and math division noted that Woodason spent 10 years working as an industrial engineer for Whirlpool in Evansville, Indiana and with International Truck in Springfield, Ohio.

"In selecting the director of this program we wanted someone who could bring both academic and industry experience to our students," Lampley said. "We are excited to begin with someone who has been teaching this type of program for some time."

For his part, Woodason is excited to be in the Middle Tennessee area and has begun the process of setting up the Columbia State program to begin with students in October.

"We are purchasing state-of-the-art equipment from Amatrol," Woodason said. "I've been in Kentucky working with the equipment that will be installed in the Northfield Campus on the General Motors plant grounds."

"The reality of today's manufacturing work is that it involves automated, computerized complex machinery. People working in these plants need to know how to problem solve with this equipment, how to trouble shoot it when it malfunctions or even to re-program parts of the equipment," he continued.

"Students will have a chance to work in the lab on equipment that will give a hands-on approach to all these skills," Woodason said.

Woodason has a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology education from Indiana State University and a Master of Science in educational leadership from Wright State.

Columbia State has begun enrolling students into the 2-year AiiT program. Some spaces are still available at this time. Applicants must be admitted to the college. For enrollment information, go to www.ColumbiaState.edu/AiiT.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.