(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Sept. 26, 2018) - - - Freda Leslie Pillow recently received a National Career Pathways Leadership certification from the National Career Pathways Network, a division of the Center for Occupational Research and Development.

Pillow serves as Columbia State's career pathway specialist as part of the strategic planning, effectiveness and retention team of career and completion specialists in Columbia State's Charger Center. She works directly with students who have not yet declared a major and provides them with assistance in declaring a program of study towards graduation. Pillow has been a certified career coach since 2002 within state, local and federal contract entities and has achieved national and international professional training and credentialing as a Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Federal Job Search Trainer and Certified Federal Career Coach.

"Freda is an invaluable team member," said Tammy Borren, Columbia State associate vice president for planning, effectiveness and retention. "Her work with students to find their future career paths and navigate the academic requirements to achieve career dreams is challenging, but Freda is patient, kind, and welcoming assuring students feel comfortable and build confidence throughout the process."

Pillow has been with Columbia State since 2010. She started her journey with the college as a health sciences pre-admission allied health advisor/retention coordinator, and then later in 2012 she accepted the role of reconstructing the career services office as career counselor.

"Life-long success is important to us all as our students will serve alongside us in building our community and expanding the culture of success for generations to come," Pillow said.

Pillow, a northern Alabama native, was raised in Nashville and currently resides in Columbia with her husband, Rev. Travis D. Pillow who serves as a pastor and commercial real-estate businessman in the Giles County area. Pillow also serves in the Giles County ministry and comes from a family of educators, law enforcement/military, musicians, songwriters and successful business owners.

The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) is a membership organization dedicated to the advancement of Career Pathways, career technical education (CTE), and workforce development initiatives. NCPN's membership encompasses secondary and postsecondary education, adult education, workforce development, economic development, workforce investment boards, correctional education, community-based organizations, and employers.

Founded in 1991 (originally as the National Tech Prep Network), NCPN assists its members in planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving Career Pathways programs across the country. Through conferences, workshops, and publications, NCPN facilitates the exchange of promising practices and innovations.

A division of CORD, the Center for Occupational Research and Development, NCPN connects people and resources, provides leadership and professional development, and helps its members discover solutions through partnering at local, state and national levels.

Photo Caption: Freda Leslie Pillow.