(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - April 22, 2014) - - - Dr. B.I. Naddy recently endowed a scholarship for Columbia State Community College students through the Columbia State Foundation.

"Dr. Naddy is known for his commitment to the success of students, and that commitment did not end with his retirement," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "It is his love of students and the joy of seeing their successes that Dr. Naddy chose to establish this endowment."

A professor of chemistry, Naddy served Columbia State from Sept. 1, 1967 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2009, having taught more than 5,000 students during his tenure. He continues to serve as an adjunct professor, setting high expectations for his students.

"Dr. Naddy worked with the foundation to establish the "Dr. B.I. Naddy Scholarship" for students pursuing pre-professional studies in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields, including engineering, medicine and pharmacy" said Bethany Lay, executive for advancement and foundation director. "He wanted to award the scholarship to students working toward an Associate of Science degree who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree or higher."

The Columbia State Foundation supports and partners with Columbia State to positively impact communities and student success through the maintenance and enhancement of resources, which is achieved by excellence in relationship building, fundraising and investment management. The Columbia State Foundation was formed in 1971 as an institutionally related, yet independently chartered and separate 501(c)(3).

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.