Jul 11, 2016

Columbia State Foundation Launches Alumni Spotlight Project

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - July 7, 2016) - - - Columbia State Community College and retired professor of chemistry, Dr. B.I. Naddy, has initiated a spotlight program to highlight the success that alumni have had in their respective chosen professions.

The exhibit, dedicated in honor of Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, is on display in the Waymon L. Hickman Building outside of the Cherry Theater area so that current students and visitors may take notice of the accomplishments and become more aware of the opportunities that a Columbia State degree affords.

Naddy, whom the Columbia State chemistry lab is named after, is the visionary behind the project. Joining the Columbia State family in 1967, Naddy has been a beloved part of the college for nearly 50 years. Throughout this time, he came in contact with and impacted the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers after concluding their time at Columbia State.

"I feel so blessed to have been a part of many lives through my life's work at Columbia State" Naddy said. "I am proud of our alumni and of what they are now doing in the community. This [spotlight initiative] is to recognize them and to encourage current students by seeing what others have accomplished. It is my privilege to give this in honor of Dr. Janet F. Smith for what she has done for students."

The alumni display will feature photos and bios that will be change periodically throughout the semester.

"Dr Naddy is known as a teacher who cares about his students and their achievements. This wall that recognizes our alumni and demonstrates the value of an education is a continuation of his commitment to Columbia State, its mission, and the student said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "I am honored that he wished to dedicate the exhibit in my honor."

For more information on the alumni spotlight initiative, or to nominate an alum for potential placement in the project, contact the Columbia State Foundation at 931.540.2512 or online at http://ColumbiaState.edu/foundation

Dr. B.I Naddy and President Smith at the Alumni Spotlight
Photo Caption:
Pictured, left to right: Dr. B.I. Naddy, retired professor of chemistry and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.

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.

# # #