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Columbia State Celebrates Graduates at Fall 2022 Commencement
Columbia State Community College celebrated 145 degree and certificate candidates as they crossed the stage during the commencement ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center Saturday, December 10.
Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, opened the ceremony by welcoming degree and certificate candidates, faculty, staff and guests.
“Today is a special day for several reasons,” Smith said. “First and foremost, it is a day of celebration of accomplishments. It is a day of recognition that these soon to be graduates set a goal and accomplished it.”
Smith introduced alum Elizabeth Crutcher as the guest speaker for the fall commencement ceremony. She is the operational coordinator for the Solvay manufacturing site in Mount Pleasant where she supports the team in various capacities, such as assisting with human resources, safety, communications and employee engagement.
Smith highlighted Crutcher, who attended Columbia Central High School, graduating in 1975. She then graduated from Columbia State Community College in 1977 with an Associate of Science degree in secretarial science, receiving both the Business and English Awards. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bethel University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management and organizational development.
Crutcher began by thanking the college for the opportunity. She then reflected on a recent program in her position designed to help women learn how to embrace their ambitions.
“I marvel at how this opportunity presented itself at the same time I was participating in a program geared at learning to trust my instincts, reach out to other people, build a network and step out of my comfort zone,” Crutcher said. “Yes, even at this stage of my life, I needed help. Dr. Smith’s invitation arrived just a few days after I had completed a work-related challenge that I had chosen for myself as part of the program. Her invitation was another opportunity for me to come out of my comfort zone.”
Crutcher went on to encourage graduates with a piece of advice from her own mother: “If you can fix the problem, do it; if you can’t, don’t worry about it because worrying won’t help – own your mistakes and find someone who can help you with it.”
“You are here today because you have reached an exciting milestone - but it doesn't’t stop here,” Crutcher said. “I believe you will go on to accomplish great things and you will think of the professors, classmates and friends that helped you along the way.”
Crutcher closed her address with offering another piece of advice to the graduates: “Wisdom comes in all shapes and sizes, we must’t let it pass us by, we must keep our eyes open for people who have our best interests at heart. I congratulate you on your success in reaching this milestone and I encourage you to continue to learn from the past and embrace the future. I truly believe that life is a journey, not a race, and I encourage you to please try to enjoy the ride.”
Closing the ceremony, the alumni induction of new graduates was presented by Molly Rogers, Columbia State alum and instructor of business, and Alla Mohammed, fall 2022 graduate and member of the President’s Leadership Society.
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Alla Mohammed, President’s Leadership Society graduate, was also honored with a medallion at the commencement ceremony.
“The establishment of this society was based on the belief that leadership is inherent to our lives and that we all have leadership roles,” Smith said. “The President’s Leadership Society is open to all students at Columbia State and requires only their commitment to involvement for learning, participation, and helping others.”
Formed in spring 2011, PLS is a free leadership training program focused on developing a student’s unique leadership skills from their first semester through graduation. The program focuses on participation in college-sponsored programs that promote educational attainment, career choices, volunteerism and civic responsibility.
During the course of the program, students will attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through volunteerism.
Alla Mohammed received the President’s Leadership Society medallion for completing all requirements of the leadership training program prior to graduation. Throughout the program, students attend a leadership retreat, enjoy exposure to the arts, participate in workshops and campus life, develop civic understanding and give back to the community through service. (Pictured, left to right): Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president and Alla Mohammed.
Columbia State alum and Fall 2022 Commencement speaker Elizabeth Crutcher.
Santa Fe resident Courtney Potts graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Potts is a member of the Student Nurses Association, the National Student Nurses Association and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. During her time at Columbia State, she earned the Nursing Academic Discipline Award, as well as multiple nursing scholarships. Potts is a first-generation college graduate who plans to begin working at Maury Regional Medical Center while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing online. “Columbia State has nurtured me academically and assisted me in finding my true potential,” Potts said. “Before attending Columbia State, I was not aware of my own academic capabilities. It is amazing what can be accomplished when students are educated in an encouraging, positive environment. Having confidence instilled in me by professors and instructors changed my outlook on my own abilities. I have been so fortunate during my time here to have so many instructors and professors who truly want to see their students succeed.”
Kentucky native Lindsey Brown graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in computer science. Brown is a member of Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. Next, she plans to join the workforce in the programming field. She said the best part of attending Columbia State was, “being able to stay close to home with my child.”
Nashville native Michael Shupe graduated with an Associate of Science degree in anthropology. A Tennessee Reconnect student, Shupe is a veteran that served post 9/11. His sister, April Shupe-Barnes, is also a Columbia State alum. Shupe previously earned his Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Columbia State in 2017 and decided to return to study anthropology. He plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and eventually earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. as well. He said that his professors at Columbia State, “were knowledgeable and passionate for their fields, and carried over that excitement for the subject matter to the students.”
Franklin resident Alexa Gordon graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in pre-dental hygiene. A Tennessee Promise and HOPE scholarship student, Gordon is a member of the Student Government Association, as well as Sigma Kappa Delta and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies. Gordon’s mother, Alexandria Adair, is also a Columbia State alum. She plans to take a semester off before transferring to a university to complete her bachelor’s degree to pursue her career in dental hygiene. “Columbia State helped prepare me for my future by showing me teamwork throughout the clubs that I participated in, how to communicate properly or in a professional manner, and how being involved in clubs helps you,” Gordon said. “I noticed throughout my time at Columbia State that no matter how shy you are, you can always find somewhere that you belong.”
Nolensville resident Alla Mohammed graduated with an Associate of Science degree in biology. A Tennessee Promise and President’s Leadership Society student, he is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a PTK scholarship recipient. His brother, Safaa Mohammed, is also a Columbia State alum. Next, he is attending Lipscomb University to complete his bachelor’s degree before attending medical school. “Columbia State has definitely put me out of my comfort zone which I liked,” Mohammed said. “They offered many clubs, and I joined some of them which allowed me to talk to other students. This helped me get out of my shell a bit.”
Spring Hill resident Victoria Duke graduated with an Associate of Science degree in pre-allied health sciences nursing. A Tennessee Reconnect student, Duke is the fiancé of Quentin Brock-Compton, another Columbia State alum. Duke plans on transferring to Middle Tennessee State University and eventually hopes to become a first-grade teacher. “Columbia State has been my home for two years and I really am sad to be leaving this school,” Duke said. “It will be my forever home, and even though I’m leaving I will always be able to come back and be welcomed with open arms.”
Although they graduated in different semesters, twins Thomas and Sarah Malpas were able to celebrate their achievements together at the same commencement ceremony. Thomas, a Tennessee Promise student and recipient of the Eric James Moeller Scholarship and Sally Lou Steenberg Scholarship, graduated from Columbia State in summer 2022, but returned to formally receive his university parallel (general transfer) Associate of Science degree. Thomas is currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin majoring in meteorology and hopes to eventually join the National Weather Service. “I chose Columbia State because their education was affordable,” Thomas said. “My time here has prepared me for my future by giving a broad perspective about the world around me.” Sarah, also a Tennessee Promise student and member of Revive, is celebrating her fall graduation with an Associate of Science degree in mass communication. She plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to complete her Bachelor of Science degree. “Columbia State helped prepare me for my next college experience,” Sarah said. “My favorite class was my digital media course.” Their sister, Katherine Malpas, is also a Columbia State alum.
Colorado native Katie Whiddon graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Whiddon is president of the Student Nurses Association, received the Student Nurse Association Leadership award and was the elected class representative four semesters in a row. In addition, she is the first Columbia State student to be accepted into the National Student Nursing Association Leadership University Honor Society. She plans to begin working at Maury Regional Medical Center as an emergency room nurse, with plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Columbia State has been my home away from home for many years now,” Whiddon said. “I have learned so much during my time here while making many close friendships, having fun and preparing for my future. I am excited to be moving on to the next chapter of my life with all the experiences I have made here.”
