Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce alum Leigh Williams will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the fall 2023 commencement ceremony, which will take place December 9 at 9 a.m.

Williams is the executive director of the Williamson Health Foundation in Franklin, and is a certified fundraising executive. There, she oversees the hospital’s current $30 million “More for You, Close to Home” capital campaign, which supports the foundation’s historic transformational expansion and renovation project. Williams has been involved with the foundation since 2013, serving in a number of different roles such as development coordinator, development associate and director of development.

Williams graduated from Columbia State in 1993, earning an associate degree in mass communications. She then went on to graduate from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Capella University with a master’s degree in public administration. In her free time, Williams dedicates her time to multiple non-profits to impact her community, including being a member of the 100+ Women Who Care in Williamson County, serving as a Brentwood Rotary Foundation Trustee, and volunteering with One Generation Away. She also serves as vice chair for the Williamson Inc. Women in Business Steering Committee, where she will become chair in 2024.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation. 

For the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses and containers. The following items will not be allowed inside or outside during the commencement ceremonies: weapons, alcohol, laser pointers, lawn chairs, drones, glass containers or any other items deemed unacceptable by Columbia State security or staff. 

For a full list of prohibited items, parking, special seating information or further details regarding commencement, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Guests should plan to arrive early as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the classrooms of the Webster Athletic Center. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.