(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Jan. 22, 2020) - - -Columbia State Community College students recently attended the 49th General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.  

TISL draws college students from institutions across the state to participate in a mock legislature where they have the opportunity to participate on an executive council, act as representatives, senators, lobbyists or be on the media team. Students can also participate in the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge where they can argue appellate cases or serve in leadership positions as justices.

This year, delegates Jenna St. Pierre (representative and head delegate), Elise Bakken (representative), Tessa Cote (lobbyist), Derek Dismukes (senator), Kaitlyn Galloway (lobbyist), Kristyn Kephart (deputy clerk of the house), Patrićyonna Rodgers (editor/reporter), and Amiee Sadler, (assistant secretary of state) represented Columbia State at TISL.  

“Being a part of TISL is the experience of a lifetime,” St. Pierre said. “You’re able to converse with so many students from around the state, hear their opinions and build friendships. You learn so much about the legislative process, and the debates can get pretty intense. Altogether, it’s a great experience and I encourage anyone who wants to try it.” 

“TISL is an amazing opportunity for students across the state to come together and experience the civic process in real life,” said Tia Lammert Miller, Columbia State student development coordinator. “The Columbia State delegation did a fantastic job representing us and brought many bills to the TISL General Assembly this year that they were very passionate about. Through the experience, they gained valuable leadership skills, learned to find their voice in new environments and broadened their views on the issues effecting their peers and communities.”

Columbia State’s TISL delegation was chosen in Oct. through an application process that was open to all students. Applications for next year’s delegation will be available in late spring 2020 with a second round opening in fall 2020. Interested students may contact Tia Lammert Miller, Columbia State student development coordinator, with questions at 931.540.2836. For more information about TISL, please visit TISLonline.org.