(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 6, 2016) - - - Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that David Gregory, interim chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents will deliver the address during the fall 2016 commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. in the Webster Athletic Center.

"I look forward to Chancellor Gregory's address and celebrating our fall 2016 graduates," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "Chancellor Gregory's leadership throughout the years has resulted in Tennessee Community Colleges being recognized for their excellence and responsiveness to our communities. He is a great supporter of Columbia State and I am honored to have the privilege of introducing him to our graduates."

A veteran public administrator, Gregory was appointed interim chancellor effective Feb. 1, 2016. Gregory served as the vice chancellor of administration and facilities development for the TBR from May 1998 until his appointment in February.

In his previous position, he was responsible for overseeing capital outlay and maintenance projects for the 46 TBR institutions - six universities, 13 community colleges and 27 Colleges of Applied Technology - located across the state, as well as serving as the system's legislative liaison on Capitol Hill. Gregory was formerly the director of government affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield. He has also held leadership positions in state government and served as chief of staff for both former Gov. Ned McWherter and former Lt. Gov. John Wilder.

Graduates include residents of Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Wayne and Williamson Counties, as well as Bedford, Davidson, Dickson, Humphreys, Lincoln and Rutherford Counties and other areas of Tennessee.

The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating availability.

Photo Caption: David Gregory, TBR interim chancellor.

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.

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