Columbia State Community College was recently awarded a federal grant that will help establish and support a new AI division.

Columbia State was the only community college in Tennessee to receive the four-year funding from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The funds total $2.02 million for AI in higher education. 

The funding will help develop an initiative called COMPASS: Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success. COMPASS will serve in the creation of the new AI division and is designed to build institutional capacity for artificial intelligence while ensuring students gain practical AI literacy skills.

“Columbia State continually reviews its programs and services to provide an educational institution and environment that provides our students with the skills and knowledge needed for their careers or professions, both today and tomorrow,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “AI understanding and use are required for all fields or careers. This grant establishes us as an AI cutting-edge institution, integrating artificial intelligence throughout our curriculums and services. We are excited and honored to be selected.”

The initiative includes faculty training, the integration of AI tools across academic programs and student services, and required AI literacy modules that will reach more than 1,200 first-year students each year. 

“This grant positions Columbia State to lead in AI education and workforce preparation,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology. “What we build here can serve as a model for community colleges nationwide.”

COMPASS focuses on developing human capital, essential for economic competitiveness, while creating open-access resources and implementation guides so community colleges nationwide can replicate the model and responsibly adopt AI in ways that support student success and workforce readiness. 

“This grant will allow Columbia State to do important, long-term work around artificial intelligence that directly supports our students, faculty and staff,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “It gives us the opportunity to strengthen the college itself while supporting innovation in teaching, student support, and workforce preparation. We’re grateful for the partners who helped make this possible, including Maury Alliance, Williamson Inc., the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Maury County Public Schools, Williamson County Schools, GM Spring Hill and Tractor Supply Company. Their support reflects a shared commitment to preparing our communities for what’s next, and we’re excited to put this funding to work in a way that benefits students, educators and employers alike.”

“This investment in AI programming is a win for students, employers and our regional economy,” said Nathan Zipper, Williamson, Inc. chief economic development officer. “We were proud to support the college securing this grant, which will expand access to AI education and ensure students are prepared for the skills employers need now and in the years ahead.”