Photo Caption: Edward Moore, NHC administrator, presents a donation check to Barry White, Columbia State Community College Foundation board chair, and Barbara Blum, Columbia State director of nursing. Pictured (left to right): Bethany Lay, Columbia State executive for advancement and foundation director; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Barry White; Barbara Blum; Edward Moore; and Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 25, 2014) - - - The National HealthCare Corporation in Columbia, in partnership with the Foundation for Geriatric Education, recently presented a donation check to the Columbia State Community College nursing program.

"Columbia State values the relationship that exists with NHC and appreciates the leadership provided by Edward Moore," said Bethany Lay, Columbia State executive for advancement and foundation director. "Columbia State is proud of its health science programs and the quality students we train that enter the workforce and find employment at such places as NHC."

The generous donation was made possible from the proceeds of the 8^th Annual Summer Songwriter's Night, a benefit concert held last June for the Foundation for Geriatric Education. The funds will be used to help purchase equipment for student learning with the goal of maintaining high-quality graduates for the workplace.

NHC is recognized nationwide as an innovator in the delivery of quality long-term nursing and rehabilitative care. Their goal is to provide a full range of extended care services designed to maximize the well-being and independence of patients of all ages. They are dedicated to meeting patient needs through an interdisciplinary approach, combining compassionate care with cost-effective health care services.

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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