Caption: Columbia State president Dr. Janet F. Smith hands diplomas to graduates during Columbia State's 43rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. More than 500 students from the College's nine-county service area graduated, and nearly 400 walked across the stage in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus to receive their diploma.

Dr. Pitts Hinson Serves as Commencement Speaker

Columbia State Community College held its 43rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. More than 500 students from the College's nine-county service area graduated, and nearly 400 walked across the stage in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus to receive their diploma.

Caption below: Associate Vice President of Faculty and Programs Joni Lenig (front left) and Dean of Extended Services Shanna Jackson (front right) leads 2010 soon-to-be graduates into the Billy Webster Athletic Center prior to Columbia State's 43rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. More than 500 students from the College's nine-county service area graduated, and nearly 400 walked across the stage in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus to receive their diploma.

Associate of Applied Science Degrees in the career entry programs of Business Information Technology, Business Management, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Education, General Technology, Horticulture Technology, Nursing, Professional Studies, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care and Veterinary Technology and certificates in the career entry programs of Early Childhood Education, Business Management, Emergency Medical Technology, Commercial Performance and Commercial Music were awarded. General Transfer Associate of Art or Associate of Science Degrees was awarded, and Associate of Science - Teaching Degrees were awarded.

Serving as the commencement speaker was Dr. Pitts Hinson, who received his Associate of Science degree from Columbia State Community College in 1969. He was later named Alumnus of Year in 1988, served on the Columbia State Foundation Board from 1988-2006, and was the Chairman of the Development Committee from 1998-2000. Dr. Hinson holds a Bachelor's of Science from the University of Tennessee, Martin (1969-1971), a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Tennessee - Center for the Health Sciences College of Dentistry (1972-1975), a Master's of Science/Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Tennessee - Center for the Health Sciences (1977-1979). He also attended the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (AAPD Foundation Institute) in 2004 and 2005.

"Any money spent on achieving the honor that this day offers, is the best investment you'll ever make," Hinson told the soon-to-be graduates during his address. Hinson challenged the class of 2010 to give back and be "bridge-builders" rather than takers.

Dr. Hinson practiced dentistry in Mt. Pleasant from 1975-1977, Columbia from 1979-2001, and Lawrenceburg from September 2001-2006, and recently retired from active practice. During his career, he served as a trustee of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, was chosen as an officer of the AAPD representing the entire specialty nationwide in 1988, and served as president of the national organization in 2006. Dr. Hinson has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry and Journal of Tennessee Dental Association.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hinson was recognized with the following honors and awards:
Dean's Honorary Odontological Society (University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, 1974); Appreciation Award for Academic Achievement (Columbia Academy Friends of Academia, 1989); Board Certification (American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 1990); Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 1990); Paul Harris Fellow (Columbia Rotary Club, 1991); Fellowship Award
(Tennessee Dental Association, 1992).

Dr. Hinson and his wife, Kathy (Columbia State Class of 1973), now live in Franklin, where he has served on the Board of Trustees for Battle Ground Academy since 1993. He and Kathy have two daughters, both of whom are registered nurses and attended Columbia State.

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, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.