The agreements create a more seamless transition for Columbia State students pursuing bachelor鈥檚 degrees while reinforcing a shared commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional collaboration across Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

Through the co-admission partnership, eligible students will receive coordinated advising and degree planning support from both institutions, helping them navigate a clearly defined pathway from associate degree completion to enrollment at 果冻影院. Students participating in the program are guaranteed admission to 果冻影院 upon completion of their degree at Columbia State, provided they meet program requirements

鈥淐o-admission sends a clear message to students: your educational journey does not stop after earning an associate degree,鈥� said Dr. Prentice Chandler, 果冻影院 Provost. 鈥淭his partnership creates a pathway intentionally designed to support student success and help students continue building toward their academic and professional goals. We are proud to strengthen that pathway alongside Columbia State.鈥�

As part of the transfer agreement, students will benefit from coordinated advising between both institutions and priority registration opportunities at 果冻影院 during the semester they graduate from Columbia State.

In addition to the student-focused agreements, the institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand professional development opportunities for employees of both institutions. The partnership includes two educational support opportunities for Columbia State employees pursuing a degree at 果冻影院: the First Flight Scholarship, which provides three free credit hours during the first semester of enrollment, and the University Partnership Scholarship, which provides a 25% tuition discount.

鈥淲e want Columbia State faculty and staff to know that if beginning or completing a degree is part of their personal or professional goals, 果冻影院 is here to support them,鈥� said Melinda S. Arnold, PhD, 果冻影院 Chancellor. 鈥淭his partnership reflects our shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening our region, and creating opportunities that positively impact students, employees, and communities alike.鈥�

The agreements further expand collaboration opportunities between faculty and staff at both institutions while supporting broader workforce and educational needs throughout the region.

鈥淭his partnership represents the continued evolution of a long-standing relationship between our institutions,鈥� Arnold said. 鈥淭ogether, we are building stronger pathways for students, expanding opportunities for continued learning, and reinforcing the important role higher education plays in changing lives and strengthening communities.鈥�

The agreements were developed collaboratively by leaders from both institutions following months of planning and coordination focused on improving student access, transfer experience, and educational opportunity throughout the region.

Columbia State and 果冻影院 leaders pictured (left to right): Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for Academic Affairs; Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Dr. Melinda Arnold, 果冻影院 chancellor; and Dr. Prentice Chandler, 果冻影院 provost.

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Established in 1966, the UTAA awards program honors outstanding faculty across the University of Tennessee System. 果冻影院 began participating in the program in 2023.

Faculty are nominated by students, with final selection determined by campus leadership. In nominations, students consistently highlighted Young鈥檚 dedication, accessibility and impact on their academic and professional development.

Students described Young as 鈥渒ind, patient, respectful, resourceful鈥� and credited her with providing consistent support throughout their academic careers. Several noted her guidance during Praxis exam preparation and clinical experiences, emphasizing her role in helping them build confidence as future educators.

Young reflected on the recognition and the impact of her work with students.

鈥淚 am deeply humbled and honored to receive the 果冻影院 Teacher of the Year award,鈥� Young said. 鈥淚 am grateful to be part of such an incredible community of educators. Most importantly, I am thankful for my students as they are my 鈥榳hy.鈥� They inspire and challenge me every day to grow and do this work with purpose.鈥�

鈥淲hat truly sets her apart is her accessibility and compassion,鈥� one student wrote. 鈥淪he is consistently willing to go above and beyond to support her students, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unsupported.鈥�

Young is a dedicated educator, having spent 29 years in K-12 education before joining 果冻影院 full-time in March 2023 as the Grow Your Own Coordinator. During her tenure in K-12, Young taught kindergarten, served in leadership roles in Giles and Fayetteville City Schools and led partnerships with local industry. Young has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Grissom School of Education since 2017.

Young will be recognized at the UTAA Board of Governors meeting in June in Knoxville. As part of the award, she will receive a $1,000 stipend, along with travel and event accommodations. The recognition reflects 果冻影院鈥檚 continued emphasis on high-quality instruction and student-centered learning.

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鈥淚t is inspiring to work with this group of students, who bring renewed energy to our chapter and demonstrated strong leadership at the conference,鈥� Fowler said. 鈥淭hey represented 果冻影院 well and are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to the profession.鈥�

Students gained practical tools and insights to support their transition from teacher candidates to classroom professionals, including strategies for navigating their first year in the classroom, building effective management practices and maintaining balance in a demanding career. The experience also provided opportunities to connect with peers and mentors from across Tennessee. STEA chapters from the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were also in attendance.

鈥淭he weekend was full of crucial lessons and informative pieces about education that will be so helpful in our careers,鈥� said 果冻影院 STEA chapter president Abby Vincent. 鈥淲e are so grateful to STEA for hosting us.鈥�

The is a preprofessional organization for aspiring educators and is affiliated with the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association. The organization serves more than 45,000 members nationally across more than 1,100 campuses, including more than 2,200 members at 42 campuses across Tennessee.

Photo:
Pictured left to right: Tori Beth Fox, Dr. Lisa Fowler, Chloe Moore, Abby Vincent, Danica Bridgers, Maggie White, and Lillie Newton.

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