The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently hosted a luncheon in the Pryor Art Gallery, where board members, alumni and award recipients were recognized for their service to the college and community.

To begin, Stacy Shedd, Foundation Board chair, recognized five Foundation Board trustees whose terms ended. Those members included Byron Davis, Rena Purdy, Donna Roberts, Pam Stephens and Susan Whitaker.

The first award given was the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, presented to Rogers Group Incorporated.

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was established in March 2001 as a way of recognizing outstanding community partners who donate their resources and efforts to Tennessee Board of Regents colleges. Honorees are selected through a Donor Recognition Committee comprised of representatives from Tennessee community and technical colleges, donors, Trustees, Regents and employees.

Since 1999, Rogers Group Inc. has supported Columbia State’s annual Lewisburg-based J.R. Moon Golf Classic by entering teams and being active participants.

The group’s investment grew as they became the title sponsor for the J.R. Moon Golf Classic in 2010. Their commitment has carried through today, as their continued support of the event has provided a reliable groundwork for the event’s sustained success. To date, the Rogers Group's sponsorship, along with funds raised, totals $260,000 for student support.

“Rogers Group plays a vital role in the local economy,” said Cris Perkins, College System of Tennessee assistant vice chancellor for strategic advancement. “By creating jobs and supporting local families, the Rogers Group strengthens the communities from which Columbia State students come. Their dedication to community reflects their broader mission and values across the 13 states they serve. Rogers Group is consistently recognized for its community-focused leadership, earning numerous awards that highlight their commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and local investments.”

“Your steadfast support of the college, and of the J.R. Moon Golf Classic, is an honor in and of itself,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “It is an honor for your community that you are dedicated to, and to the students in that area, because you've helped to make the golf tournament what it is today.”

For the next award presentation, Nell Evers received the President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Service.

The President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Service is the highest honor bestowed upon community members by the Office of the President in conjunction with the Office of Advancement. It is presented to those for their meritorious service in furthering the interests of Columbia State or for bringing honor to the college through their professional or community endeavors.

Evers has been engaged in supporting Columbia State for over 28 years. Her generosity extends to areas across the college, supporting scholarships, development funds, the annual Legislators and Community Leaders’ Breakfast and the First Farmers Performance Series.

The Nell Evers Nursing Scholarship was established in 1998, and in 2006, the endowed Nell Evers Nursing Fund was created with the purpose of providing state-of-the-art equipment and other support for the Columbia State nursing program.

“Nell is a friend to Columbia State and the community,” Lay said. “She reflects the community part of the college's name and has made a lasting impact through lives touched. Consistency does it, and Nell has been a consistent friend of Columbia State. We are very honored and thankful for our relationship. We are very thankful for your support and all the things that you have made possible.”

She served on the Foundation board from 2007 to 2013 and was chair of the Community Relations Committee from 2009 to 2010. The personal and business relationships she and her family have established have benefited the college and the community.

“I don't think you can find a lady who’s more lovely,” Smith said. “From heart, to work, to concern, to care: that's Nell Evers. I met her when I first came to Columbia State. She was on the Foundation Board at that time and was just so welcoming. She was kind and the type of person you like being around. She was the one who gives you a smile, always uplifting and always caring. The service that you do that you've given to the college, to this community, and to our students, we say thank you for all that you do for all of us.”

The final award given went to Jennifer Grisham, who received the President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Alumni.

The President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Alumni is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of Columbia State and is given by the Office of the President in conjunction with the Office of Advancement. It is presented to those alumni for their meritorious service in furthering the interests of Columbia State or for bringing honor to the college through their professional or community endeavors.

Grisham was part of Columbia State’s inaugural class in 1966, where she majored in English and math. Following her graduation from Columbia State, she went on to receive a degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University. She also attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

To pursue her passion for art, Grisham retired early. Her works now span multiple mediums and subjects, including portraits, sculptures, jewelry and more. Her works are in private and public collections, including the bronze bust of Lady Bird Johnson in Columbia State’s Harold S. Pryor Administration Building, the life-size bronze statues of President James K. Polk and First Lady Sarah Childress Polk at Preservation Park in downtown Columbia, as well as other works such as the Minnie Pearl bronze statue in Centerville, and various county courthouses.

“Grisham is recognized not only for artistic excellence, but for using art to strengthen civic pride, preserve local history and enhance quality of life throughout Middle Tennessee,” Lay said. “She reflects the mission of Columbia State through creativity, service and determination, while making a lasting impact on the community and region.”

“You can't get much more distinguished than Jennifer Grisham,” Smith said. “Her art, her business, her development in our community is where she carries the name of Columbia State. She is an example of who we are and what we do as a college. And to be part of the first graduating class, she is carrying forward the philosophy of Columbia State, the dedication of it to this community and showing what opportunities can come just from a rural college sitting in a field that grew up in 1966. We thank you for all that you do. We thank you for the support that you give our community and community college. We're very proud that you wear the title Columbia State alum.”

To conclude the luncheon, the Foundation recognized Columbia State student Ava Duke, a political science major.

Duke has accepted an internship position in Governor Bill Lee’s Office in Boards and Commissions. She is the first TBR community college student to be accepted into the governor’s office internship program.

While taking classes primarily on the Williamson Campus, she is very involved in college organizations and activities. Duke is a member of the President’s Leadership Society and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. For the 2026-2027 academic year, she will serve as Student Government Association president and as vice president of the Middle Tennessee Region for the PTK.

“Her engagement and her desire to learn as much as she can is what being an active student is all about at Columbia State,” Smith said. “Engaging and taking advantage of what’s here.”

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.