Courtney Potts
Santa Fe resident Courtney Potts graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Potts is a member of the Student Nurses Association, the National Student Nurses Association and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. During her time at Columbia State, she earned the Nursing Academic Discipline Award, as well as multiple nursing scholarships.
Potts is a first-generation college graduate who plans to begin working at Maury Regional Medical Center while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing online.
“Columbia State has nurtured me academically and assisted me in finding my true potential,” Potts said. “Before attending Columbia State, I was not aware of my own academic capabilities. It is amazing what can be accomplished when students are educated in an encouraging, positive environment. Having confidence instilled in me by professors and instructors changed my outlook on my own abilities. I have been so fortunate during my time here to have so many instructors and professors who truly want to see their students succeed.”
Lindsey Brown
Kentucky native Lindsey Brown graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in computer science. Brown is a member of Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. Next, she plans to join the workforce in the programming field. She said the best part of attending Columbia State was, “being able to stay close to home with my child.”
Michael Shupe
Nashville native Michael Shupe graduated with an Associate of Science degree in anthropology. A Tennessee Reconnect student, Shupe is a veteran that served post 9/11. His sister, April Shupe-Barnes, is also a Columbia State alum.
Shupe previously earned his Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Columbia State in 2017 and decided to return to study anthropology. He plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and eventually earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. as well.
He said that his professors at Columbia State, “were knowledgeable and passionate for their fields, and carried over that excitement for the subject matter to the students."
Alexa Gordon
Franklin resident Alexa Gordon graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in pre-dental hygiene. A Tennessee Promise and HOPE scholarship student, Gordon is a member of the Student Government Association, as well as Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. Gordon’s mother, Alexandria Adair, is also a Columbia State alum. She plans to take a semester off before transferring to a university to complete her bachelor’s degree to pursue her career in dental hygiene.
“Columbia State helped prepare me for my future by showing me teamwork throughout the clubs that I participated in, how to communicate properly or in a professional manner, and how being involved in clubs helps you,” Gordon said. “I noticed throughout my time at Columbia State that no matter how shy you are, you can always find somewhere that you belong.”
Alla Mohammed
Nolensville resident Alla Mohammed graduated with an Associate of Science degree in biology. A Tennessee Promise and President’s Leadership Society student, he is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a PTK scholarship recipient. His brother, Safaa Mohammed, is also a Columbia State alum.
Next, he is attending Lipscomb University to complete his bachelor’s degree before attending medical school.
“Columbia State has definitely put me out of my comfort zone which I liked,” Mohammed said. “They offered many clubs, and I joined some of them which allowed me to talk to other students. This helped me get out of my shell a bit."
Victoria Duke
Spring Hill resident Victoria Duke graduated with an Associate of Science degree in pre-allied health sciences nursing. A Tennessee Reconnect student, Duke is the fianceé of Quentin Brock-Compton, another Columbia State alum. Duke plans on transferring to Middle Tennessee State University and eventually hopes to become a first-grade teacher.
“Columbia State has been my home for two years and I really am sad to be leaving this school,” Duke said. “It will be my forever home, and even though I’m leaving I will always be able to come back and be welcomed with open arms.”
Thomas and Sarah Malpas
Although they graduated in different semesters, twins Thomas and Sarah Malpas were able to celebrate their achievements together at the same commencement ceremony. Thomas, a Tennessee Promise student and recipient of the Eric James Moeller Scholarship and Sally Lou Steenberg Scholarship, graduated from Columbia State in summer 2022, but returned to formally receive his university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. Thomas is currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin majoring in meteorology and hopes to eventually join the National Weather Service.
“I chose Columbia State because their education was affordable,” Thomas said. “My time here has prepared me for my future by giving a broad perspective about the world around me.”
Sarah, also a Tennessee Promise student and member of Revive, is celebrating her fall graduation with an Associate of Science degree in mass communication. She plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to complete her Bachelor of Science degree.
“Columbia State helped prepare me for my next college experience,” Sarah said. “My favorite class was my digital media course.” Their sister, Katherine Malpas, is also a Columbia State alum.
Katie Whiddon
Colorado native Katie Whiddon graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Whiddon is president of the Student Nurses Association, received the Student Nurse Association Leadership award and was the elected class representative four semesters in a row. In addition, she is the first Columbia State student to be accepted into the National Student Nursing Association Leadership University Honor Society.
She plans to begin working at Maury Regional Medical Center as an emergency room nurse, with plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“Columbia State has been my home away from home for many years now,” Whiddon said. “I have learned so much during my time here while making many close friendships, having fun and preparing for my future. I am excited to be moving on to the next chapter of my life with all the experiences I have made here.”