Ralph Walker provides a closer look at the new physics lab inside the new Sciences Building.

(FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Jan. 21, 2016) - - - On Thursday, Jan. 21, high school principals and representatives from Williamson County Schools got a sneak peek of the new Williamson Campus.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, presented an overview of the programs, services and enrollment trends at the existing Williamson Campus. Smith also shared an overview of new programs and services being made available because of the new campus.

"More students from Williamson County are choosing Columbia State," Smith said. "We have seen continuous growth in students from Williamson County. Recently, Tennessee Promise made an impact, and next fall, we expect that this facility and the quality of programs that we offer will continue to drive large enrollments."

Dr. Shanna Jackson, dean of extended services and Williamson Campus, spoke about the expansion of science programs like chemistry and physics available at the new campus and the other specialized spaces in each of the buildings for programs such as information technology, nursing, film crew technology, and commercial entertainment.

Jackson also spoke about the limited space and capacity at the current campus. She commented that there are a number of Williamson County students driving to Maury County to take classes at the Columbia Campus.

"This campus really gives us the opportunity to expand capacity in Williamson County," Jackson said. "Our goal is not to divert enrollment from Columbia but to grow both. This is a great opportunity for our students and the community."

Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State's dean of science, technology and mathematics, discussed the different educational opportunities for Williamson County high school students, including dual enrollment and dual credit programs, as well as the Williamson Information Technology Center at Centennial High School.

"It's been a great pleasure working to develop programs with Williamson County Schools," Lampley said. "This is an innovative group that's willing to step outside the box."

After the presentation, WCS principals and representatives were given a guided tour of the new campus.

Before closing the tour, Smith noted that Columbia State is known for caring about its students. She also noted that at the heart of Columbia State is the faculty and staff.

Principals and representatives from across Williamson County were represented at the meeting.

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.