(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 6, 2014) - - - Nominations for Columbia State Community College's Outstanding Alumni Award are now being accepted. The award honors an outstanding alumnus and acknowledges their career advancement, contributions to their community, and their continued participation with the college.

"So many Columbia State graduates have made significant achievements in their lifetime," said Molly Cochran, director of alumni relations and community events. "The Outstanding Alumni Award gives us an opportunity to celebrate them and recognize their contributions."

Candidates must hold an associate degree or certificate from Columbia State. They should have demonstrated a record of community participation and have been recognized for contributions to their professional field.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone on behalf of the nominee. The nominee will be notified that they have been nominated by Columbia State's Office of Advancement. Nominations are due no later than March 28, and the winner will be recognized at the Columbia State Foundation awards luncheon in June.

The nomination form is available online at http://www.columbiastate.edu/alumni. For details and other information, please contact the Office of Advancement at (931) 540-2554.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.