Columbia State Community College
| Type | State-funded two-year |
|---|---|
| Established | 1966 |
| Endowment | $707,627 |
| President | Janet F. Smith |
|
Academic staff
|
292 (99 full-time) |
| Students | 5,297 |
| Address |
1665 Hampshire Pike Columbia, TN 38401, Columbia, Tennessee, USA  35.616527, -87.099709 |
| Campus | Columbia Campus |
| Colors | Green and White |
| Mascot | Chargers |
| Affiliations | National Junior College Athletic Association |
| Website | columbiastate.edu |
35°36′59″N 87°05′59″W / 35.616527°N 87.099709°W
Columbia State Community College is a two-year college located in Columbia, Tennessee. Founded in 1966, it serves nine counties in southern Middle Tennessee through five campuses. Columbia State was established as Tennessee's first community college.
The main campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia, Tennessee.
Columbia State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Teaching, Associate of Fine Arts in Music, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, and technical certificates.
In 1957, a public higher education study, commonly referred to as the Pierce-Albright Report, identified a significant need to expand higher education in Tennessee. The report identified three areas that were considered underserved by higher education, including the south central Middle Tennessee region. This report would later serve as a cornerstone in the history of Tennessee’s community colleges.
The report generated great interest and led to the development of a Maury County committee that sought to have a college established in Columbia. The committee comprised some 600 people and was led by John W. Finney, editor of the Columbia Daily Herald, and Hardin Hill, a local engineer and civic leader. In addition, the Maury County Quarterly Court pledged one million dollars toward development costs if the new college was located within 12 miles of the courthouse.
On Aug. 9, 1963, the State Board of Education adopted a resolution to appoint five board members to make preliminary plans for a state college that would be located in the south central area of Tennessee. Although there was significant need in the other two areas of the state, the south central area had a long-standing desire and support to obtain a college dating back to the early 1900s. This college would serve as the prototype for those that followed.
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