(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - April 24, 2015) - - - Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that alumna, Dana Salters will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the spring 2015 commencement ceremony that will take place May 9 at 10 a.m.

"Dana Salters exemplifies what Columbia State graduates are capable of providing and achieving," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "She demonstrates an unending passion in caring for others and a strong commitment to continued growth in her profession. She is committed to her community, and through her work changes lives."

Salters began her career in the mammography department at Maury Regional Medical Center where she completed her clinical rotations while attending Columbia State. During her career at MRMC, Salters has worked through the ranks to become lead mammographer, quality control technologist, Women's Center coordinator and is currently the director of infusion and women's imaging.

Entrusted with multi-million dollar budgets/projects, mission critical accreditation applications, and program development implementation, Salters has an outstanding commitment to continuous advancement. She has become a certified breast health navigator, developed an American Society of Radiologic Technologist approved education program and implemented digital mammography and an MRI breast biopsy program at the medical center.

In addition to her professional and clinical accomplishments, Salters also commits a tremendous amount of time to helping others. She coordinates free mammograms and a wig bank for patients with limited financial means and has implemented a free camisole program for breast cancer surgery patients.

Salters' outreach activities also include facilitating a monthly breast cancer support group, recently launching a support group for those coping with cancer, and participation on local Susan G. Komen committees and events, as well as active participation in American Cancer Society Relay for Life events in the Middle Tennessee region.

The Columbia resident is a 1988 graduate of Columbia State who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology. Twenty years after graduating from Columbia State, Salters enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University where she earned a bachelor's degree in management and human relations and a master's degree in business administration.

Salters is married to Thomas Salters and is a member of the West Seventh Street Church of Christ.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Family and friends are encouraged to arrive early as seats are filled on a first-come basis.

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, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.