Jun 12, 2020 | Health Sciences , Featured

Columbia State Nursing Student Receives Full Scholarship to Lipscomb University

Garrett Miller photo
Photo Caption: Garrett Miller

(COLUMBIA, Tenn.  June 12, 2020) - - -Recent Columbia State Community College nursing graduate, Garrett Miller, received a full scholarship to Lipscomb University.

“When I found out I was the recipient of the scholarship I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Miller said. “My wife and I just hugged each other and got a little misty eyed. It is a huge game changer for us and will allow us to continue to stay out of student debt. I get to attend a university I wouldn’t have dreamed of before this opportunity opened up.”

Miller is a Tennessee Reconnect student and was the recipient of the 2019-2020 Nursing Discipline Award. During his time at Columbia State, Miller said that he has learned how to be a flexible and adaptable healthcare professional.

“Mr. Miller is intelligent and compassionate with an impressive work ethic and sense of integrity,” said Amy Huff, Columbia State associate professor of nursing. “He works well within a team but also displays strong leadership characteristics and is the type of student whose insight challenges even the instructor to excel. I fully expect him to be an asset to any university and to the nursing profession.”

Prior to pursuing his degree in nursing from Columbia State, Miller worked as a pipe welder. The Wilson County resident plans to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lipscomb, and ultimately plans to apply for medical school.

“I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who helped me over the past two years,” Miller said. “I couldn’t have done it without my fellow classmates, my instructors, and most of all, my wife, Sarah.”

Miller’s scholarship is a part of the 2+2 Nursing Articulation and Transfer Agreement that allows students who complete an Associate of Science degree at Columbia State to seamlessly transfer to Lipscomb to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through its School of Nursing housed in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The agreement defines an outlined program of study that encourages academic and administrative coordination between both institutions.

“The partnership between Columbia State and Lipscomb allows students opportunities to move seamlessly from the community college to the university and continue learning, advancing and achieving,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division.