Dec 15, 2014

Columbia State Hosts Slab Signing for Williamson Campus


Photo Caption: Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State Community College president, was the first to signee to leave her mark on the door frame of the new science and technology building.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 15, 2014) - - - On Thursday, Dec. 11, Columbia State Community College celebrated another milestone at the new Williamson Campus construction site. City mayors and officials joined foundation board members and college leadership to leave their mark on the new campus during a slab signing event.

"It is the way we mark this building as being Columbia State and as belonging to each and every one of us and each and everyone in this community," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the outstanding work of the Columbia State faculty and staff and the support of the Williamson community. The reputation of Columbia State is one of excellence, and we can only continue to grow as a community college."

Everyone in attendance signed their name and left their mark on the steel beams and the concrete floors of the new science and technology building.

After the groundbreaking in July, site preparation and construction began immediately, and Hoar Construction has completed much of the exterior work for the utilities going into the buildings, and the crew plans to start with the plumbing and electrical work in the coming weeks.

"We've moved a lot of dirt in all this time," said Jerry Young, Hoar Construction senior superintendent. "As you can see, we've got a lot of concrete in places. Over the next few months what you are going to start seeing out here is the exterior of buildings going up."

Young also noted that they are currently in the process of drilling 500 feet into the ground for the geothermal heating and cooling system. He said workers will begin putting stone on the buildings in January, and windows will be installed in the coming months.

"I cannot say enough good things about Hoar Construction. They are truly a partner and I don't use that word loosely," Smith said. "We are working together to build something great in this community and they are as invested in it as you and I are. Thank you all for what you do every day."

Attendees included Dr. Ken Moore, Franklin mayor; Rick Graham, Spring Hill mayor; Corey Napier, Thompsons Station mayor; and Patti Carroll, Fairview mayor. Other guests in attendance were Matt Largen, Williamson County Chamber president and CEO; Bev Burger, Ann Peterson and Brandy Blanton, Franklin aldermen; Victor Lay, Spring Hill city administrator; Gary Askew, Bauer Askew Architecture; and Hoar Construction representatives.

The 36-acre property for the new campus, located at 1228 Liberty Pike in Franklin, was purchased in 2011. Phase I of the new campus will accommodate approximately 2,200 students and will consist of an arts and humanities building; a science and technology building; and an administration and student services building.

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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