(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - April 20, 2017) - - - For the first time in the college's 51-year history, Columbia State Community College will celebrate its spring 2017 commencement with two ceremonies on May 6 in the Webster Athletic Center. The first ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature student speaker, Caitlyn McNabb, and the second will begin at 2 p.m. and will feature student speaker, Destiny Seaton.

"The number of graduates has grown each year, and we always want to have seating to accommodate the families of our graduates," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "To accomplish this, we are pleased to announce that we are hosting two spring commencement ceremonies. It is an exciting time for our graduates and the college."

McNabb is a sophomore, pre-health professions (pharmacy) major and is earning her Associate of Science degree. McNabb was selected to receive the Biology Award, Academic Excellence Award, Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities and is a nominee for the 2016-2017 Columbia State Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award. She is involved in many on-campus organizations such as the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, President's Leadership Society and Sigma Kappa Delta. In addition, McNabb has been a Columbia State peer leader, tutored in the Columbia State Teaching and Learning Center, won many service awards and study abroad scholarships for her studies in both Italy and Spain and has logged more than 500 volunteer hours at Riverside Elementary.

McNabb is also a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

"It has been an honor serving as Caitlyn's adviser," said Mandy Carter-Lowe, Columbia State associate professor of biology and PTK adviser. "Few students are able to balance campus life, community service and high academic achievement as well as Caitlyn."

McNabb will be transferring to Middle Tennessee State University in the fall where she will double major in biology and Spanish. She ultimately plans to attend the University of Kentucky to earn her doctorate in pharmacy.

McNabb is a graduate of Columbia Central High School and currently resides in Primm Springs.

Seaton, also a Maury County native, is a third-generation Columbia State student and is earning her Associate of Science degree. She serves as a senator in the Columbia State SGA, is a member of PLS and PTK, serves on the Campus Tree Advisory Committee, works as an on-campus TLC tutor, is a student worker in the Pryor Art Gallery and volunteers in the community.

Seaton has studied abroad in Brazil, and will be studying abroad again this summer in South Africa.

"Destiny is a service-minded individual who has excelled in the classroom," said Mandy Carter-Lowe, Columbia State associate professor of biology and PTK adviser. "She puts her knowledge to work in the field by bringing awareness to environmental issues and helping others."

While at Columbia State, Seaton has been named a New Century Scholar and was named to the 2017 All-Tennessee Academic Team. She was selected to receive the Mass Communication Award, Academic Excellence Award, Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities and is a nominee for the 2016-2017 Columbia State Carolyn Allred/Lewis Moore Outstanding Student Award.

Seaton will be transferring to Middle Tennessee State University in the fall where she will be an honors college fellow, and will be majoring in mass communication with a double minor in environmental sciences and technology. She ultimately plans to earn a master's degree in mass communication and environmental sciences.

The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Guests should plan to arrive early as seating is limited.

Photo Caption: Caitlyn McNabb

Photo Caption: Destiny Seaton

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.

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