Columbia State nursing student Valecia Puckett was recently awarded as the first recipient of the Leadership Maury Class of 2022 endowed scholarship through the Columbia State Community College Foundation.

“As a graduate of Leadership Maury, I was glad to participate with fellow alums in creating this scholarship,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “The Columbia State Foundation is excited to introduce the first student recipient to representatives of Leadership Maury.”

As part of their class project, members of Leadership Maury Class of 2022 were determined to establish a scholarship to support and encourage students residing in Maury County in continuing their education. Other alums of Leadership Maury and friends joined with them to accomplish this goal. The scholarship was created to assist Maury County residents who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program of study.

Puckett, a Spring Hill resident, is the first recipient of the endowed scholarship.

“I chose to go to Columbia State because the community seems so close and more interested in my success than at a big, traditional four-year college,” said Puckett. “I also know that the nursing program here is very flexible to my needs as a student!”

Upon graduating, Puckett plans on transferring to the University of Tennessee Southern to pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She hopes to eventually join the Air National Guard to be an OB-GYN or psychiatric nurse, or become a nurse practitioner.

“Each year, the Leadership Maury class selects a class project to benefit the community,” said Kara Williams, director of the Maury County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Maury coordinator. “I am very proud of the Class of 2022 for selecting an endowment scholarship at Columbia State, one of the greatest assets in Maury County. This will continue to touch students’ lives for years to come. Congratulations to the first recipient!”

“I would definitely recommend Columbia State because of how small it is and how many campuses there are,” said Puckett of her time at Columbia State. “They are very flexible when helping you with your specific needs. I had a rough time transitioning and adjusting to the college life and the professors and advisors here really helped me get to where I am today! I really enjoy this school and there’s something for everybody!”

If you wish to donate to this scholarship, please visit ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation/Give.

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.