(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - May 2, 2013) - - - As commencement season rolls around college students across the country are preparing to move forward to the next phase in their lives. Whether it's starting a new career or continuing their education, these graduates are on the road to success.

On Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m., Columbia State Community College will hold its 48^th commencement exercises. With 385 graduates earning their degrees this semester, nearly 250 students will don cap and gown to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

"Commencement is one of my favorite times of the year," said Janet F. Smith, Ph.D., president of Columbia State Community College. "On this day, our students will mark a significant milestone in their life of completing a degree or certificate. It is a day to celebrate their accomplishments and it is a proud moment for our faculty and staff."

Columbia State alumna, Karen F. Davis, M.D., will deliver this year's commencement address, offering graduates sage advice for their futures.

Davis, an obstetrician and gynecologist, began her studies at Columbia State, completing two years before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She went on to earn her M.D. from the University of Tennessee's Center for Health Sciences in Memphis. She completed an internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and practiced privately until 1994 when the Middle Tennessee Women's Health Group opened in Columbia.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the W.J. "Billy" Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Family and friends are encouraged to arrive early as seating is on a first-come basis.

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, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit http://www.columbiastate.edu.