Janet Smith, President, Columbia State Community College

In an interview with Invest:, Janet Smith, president of Columbia State Community College, showcased the college’s support for its students and community. “We are always looking at the changes going on, and asking what we need to provide to meet some of the changing needs, especially with programs.”

What were Columbia State Community College’s key achievements over the past year?

We are actively implementing new competencies into our general education curriculum, with a strong focus on critical thinking and workplace skills that we recognize as essential for student success. We’re developing a process to embed these competencies more deeply across our programs.

In addition, we are undergoing a strategic reorganization, which includes the creation of a new Vice President role dedicated to workforce preparation and outreach initiatives. And our Southern Regional Technology Center is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in Fall 2026, a development we’re very excited about.

Earlier this year, in February, we opened the Arts and Technology Building on our Williamson Campus. This state-of-the-art facility features an Innovation Center and houses our cyber and information technology programs. It also includes a flexible 200-seat instructional space and auditorium, which can be used for college events or made available to the community — reflecting our commitment to making our facilities accessible and beneficial to the public.

Enrollment continues to grow as we steadily return to pre-COVID levels. Our course offerings remain a blend of online and in-person formats, and we are now exploring the expansion of seven-week courses within our traditional 16-week semester. We believe this format will be especially effective for our students.

We’re also developing several new certificate programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and agriculture, along with a variety of short-term training options. These are designed to equip students with practical skills that prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce.

Enrollment continues to grow as we steadily return to pre-COVID levels. Our course offerings remain a blend of online and in-person formats, and we are now exploring the expansion of seven-week courses within our traditional 16-week semester. We believe this format will be especially effective for our students.

We’re also developing several new certificate programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber defense, and agriculture, along with a variety of short-term training options. These are designed to equip students with practical skills that prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce

Our apprenticeship programs are thriving, with partnerships that include major industry leaders like General Motors. We offer a multi-week leadership program through our Continuing Education and Workforce Development department, tailored to meet the specific needs of agencies and organizations. This program has been well-received, with many groups contracting it for their teams.

Additionally, our pre-apprentice lineworker program continues to grow in popularity, and we are actively working to develop a new heavy equipment training program to further expand our workforce offerings.

How will the Southern Regional Technology Center enhance the college’s academic offerings?

The Southern Regional Technology Center will offer associate, diploma, and certificate-level programs focused on two key sectors, including healthcare. A dedicated three-story wing of the building will house our existing health science programs including nursing, radiologic technology, respiratory care, veterinary care, and medical laboratory technology. This wing will also include the Licensed Practical Nursing program from TCAT Pulaski.

The other section of the facility will feature our existing Engineering Systems Technology program, which emphasizes mechatronics and advanced manufacturing technologies. A new robotics lab will be added to enhance hands-on learning in that area.

In addition, TCAT Pulaski will offer HVAC and welding programs in the facility, while TCAT Hohenwald will provide an automotive program.

We’re excited about the wide range of opportunities this center will provide by modernizing facilities for current programs and introducing new ones to meet evolving workforce needs.

How does the college’s business administration program equip students for careers like sales, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship?

The Business Administration program is one of our longest-standing offerings, designed with multiple pathways, including management and finance, that are fully transferable to bachelor’s degree programs. As part of the curriculum, all students are required to complete an internship, which connects them with local businesses and provides valuable real-world experience. These internships are aligned with the criteria and objectives established by our faculty, ensuring both academic rigor and professional relevance.

How do you collaborate with local businesses and industries to ensure that your curriculum remains aligned with market trends? 

All of our technical programs are supported by advisory committees composed of industry leaders from across the region. For example, the Engineering Systems Technology program includes representatives from General Motors, Ultium Cells, and JC Ford who reflect the diverse industries connected to the program. These committees meet at least once per semester to review the curriculum and discuss emerging trends and workforce needs.

Similar advisory committees are in place for each of our programs, including healthcare, business, criminal justice, and emergency medical services, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant and aligned with industry standards.

What factors contributed to the enrollment growth last semester, and what is the strategy to sustain this growth in the coming years?

Dual enrollment has played a significant role in our recent growth. The number of students participating in dual enrollment has increased considerably this year, continuing a steady upward trend over the past few years.

We’ve also seen encouraging growth among our degree-seeking students as we emerge from the challenges of COVID. More individuals who are college-ready are exploring their future paths, and it’s heartening to see students returning to college with a renewed sense of purpose.

What initiatives are in place to support students beyond the classroom?

We have a Career Center on campus that actively engages with professionals from a variety of industries, inviting them to host sessions that help students learn more about potential career paths. The center also produces a podcast series, giving students additional insight into occupations aligned with their interests. We’re continuing to invest time and energy into expanding this part of campus life, as we believe it plays a vital role in helping students identify career goals and align their coursework accordingly.

We’re also deeply aware of the importance of student engagement and recognize that our students genuinely want to be involved. Whether they are technical or transfer students, we’re seeing a growing appreciation for the full college experience. Over the past year, we’ve introduced more student activities, clubs, and sponsored events, which have been well received. These efforts not only enhance campus life but also support student recruitment and retention by helping students stay connected and focused on achieving their goals.

What is a key challenge in the education landscape of Middle Tennessee?

During the COVID pandemic, many people lost sight of the value of education, a challenge not unique to Tennessee, but felt nationwide. It raised important questions about funding and whether we are providing the necessary resources to help our communities adapt. As a community college, we are deeply embedded in the region and actively engaged with local partners. We serve on various economic development agencies, and we view this involvement as essential. We continually assess changes in our communities and ask: What do we need to offer to meet evolving needs, especially through our programs?

Looking ahead, what are your key goals and priorities for the college?

One of our key priorities is launching an enhanced onboarding process for new team members, expanding professional development opportunities for all staff, and streamlining processes to improve internal operations, as well as marketing and public relations strategies and activities related to student recruitment.

We’re also evaluating processes for realignment and strengthening of our dual enrollment efforts, including the addition of Middle College options. Another significant initiative is the implementation of seven-week courses within the semester, an effort that will require substantial coordination and planning throughout the year.

The completion and opening of the Southern Regional Technology Center (SRTC) is a top priority. This effort requires continued close collaboration with our TCAT and community partners, with a strong focus on key areas such as programming, partnerships, and innovation.

Additionally, strategic engagement with universities, industries and businesses will help uncover new opportunities to expand workforce development and strengthen existing partnerships. All of these efforts are designed to position us for growth — enhancing the college’s impact and deepening our outreach to the community during this time of change.