(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - August 10, 2016) - - - Columbia State is pleased to announce L.K. Browning as the director of economic and workforce development.

"Browning is a great addition to the Columbia State family," said Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president." "Her leadership experience and dedication to results will play a big role in promoting economic, community and professional and personal development opportunities for citizens and businesses throughout the college's service area."

Browning will be responsible for providing leadership for the Economic and Workforce Development office including the development, management and administration of noncredit training and continuing education programs.

"I look forward to partnering with sister agencies to meet the needs of the nine counties that we proudly serve," Browning said. "I'll start with a significant amount of listening to discover the learning and talent development needs of business, industry and the community at large."

Most recently, Browning served as the innovation program manager for energy efficiency for business and industry at the Tennessee Valley Authority. She has an extensive background in leadership and organizational development that will drive results in the economic and workforce development office.

Browning received her bachelor's in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, along with her master's in human, organization and community development from Vanderbilt University.

Browning currently resides in Franklin, TN with her husband and two sons, Travis and Caleb.


Photo Credit: L.K. Browning, Columbia State director of economic and workforce development.

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, one of the largest higher education systems 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.