Columbia State Community College recently hosted a college fair for Maury County high school students.

The Maury County College Fair was a unique chance for local students to explore their post-high school options.

The event, hosted by Columbia State Community College in partnership with Maury County public and private schools, connected over 500 juniors and seniors with representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities, both in and outside of Tennessee. With many schools in attendance, the overarching goal was to help students dream big and plan for the future while not having to travel outside of Maury County.

“We want students to explore their options, ask questions and take the next step toward their future after high school,” said Yolanda Ogilvie, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “The Maury County College Fair is a fun, hands-on way for juniors and seniors to ask questions, get advice and start planning their path after high school.”

Several schools from around the state attended, including Austin Peay State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (Hohenwald and Pulaski), Tennessee Technological University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Vanderbilt University and more. Out-of-state schools were also present, including Crowley’s Ridge College (Paragould, Arkansas), Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Western Kentucky University and others. 

Jackson McCalmon, a junior from Agathos Classical School in Columbia, said that even with his main career interest in aerospace engineering, having access to meet recruiters and get information from many colleges was a highlight of the event.

“I've looked at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, specifically for their aerospace engineering program. I've also looked at a couple of schools for ministry, specifically Mid-America College for Apologetics. I plan to look at a few more schools for engineering and just exploring to see what else is out there. Thank you to Columbia State for welcoming us and letting us come and visit.”

Not only was the fair about allowing students to learn more and explore their options on which institutions they could attend, but it was also to learn about the admissions and financial aid process and gaining the confidence to take the next step toward their future.

“I enjoy meeting the students and learning what they are thinking about doing next,” said Emily Frisch, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “Some of the students at this event may have already decided that they will attend Columbia State Community College, where they can take advantage of Tennessee Promise. Tennessee Promise is the financial aid program for students just out of high school that covers the cost of tuition as students work on completing an associate degree. This event allows those students to talk to both Columbia State and the four-year colleges that they may transfer to after they graduate from Columbia State.” 

Columbia State thanks our partners, including Maury County public and private schools, as well as the colleges and universities that attended for their commitment to helping local students make informed decisions about future steps on their educational path. 

“Each year, our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and access they need to pursue their future goals,” said Crystal Creekmore, Columbia State assistant director of admissions and recruitment. “The enthusiasm of our students and the support from so many colleges remind us of the power of collaboration and community.”