(Columbia, Tenn. - May 4, 2015) Columbia State's Phi Theta Kappa chapter hosted the 2015 Tennessee Regional Convention on February 27-28. More than 130 people from the 13 community colleges, transfer representatives from 11 colleges and representatives from Alabama and Kentucky attended the convention.

Students from Columbia State who were also able to attend the convention include Becca Parsons, Angie Anselmo, Triskal deHaven, Victoria Franklin, Levi Koger, Jessica Silva, Nathan Rood, Hillary Allen, Summer Smith, Angelia Reynolds, Jennifer Stewart, Jennifer Crow, Emily Snyder, Ashlynn Eckert.

"As President of the Beta Kappa Theta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa here at Columbia State," Becca Parsons said. "I have absolutely loved getting to know all of the other PTK members from across the state through both the regional and international conventions. Phi Theta Kappa has given me the courage to succeed not only with my goals in my educational career, but also in my personal life."

"The event was a huge success and our chapter was recognized with many awards for their work over the last year," Mandy Carter-Lowe, PTK sponsor, said.

Some of those honors include Five Star Chapter Award, Chapter of Light, Fourth Place Distinguished Chapter Award, Fifth Place Honors Project, Third Place College Project and Horizon Award.

An additional honor was given to Hillary Allen when she was elected to serve as PTK Regional President for next year, a first for Columbia State.

"It's an exciting time to hold such a position," Allen said. "With the TN Promise going into effect, I'm seeing a year of possibilities. With help from my team, I'm hoping to make a substantial influence on all the movement happening in the world of higher education."

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, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.