(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Feb. 15, 2019) - - - Columbia State Community College and Williamson County Schools recently announced a new partnership that will benefit Nolensville High School students wanting to earn a technical certificate in hospitality and tourism management.


Photo Caption: Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, and Dr. Mike Looney, superintendent of Williamson County Schools, sign the partnership agreement.

“We are seeing a growing need in the hospitality industry,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “By us coming together with Williamson County Schools, I think we will fulfill that need.”

The partnership allows Nolensville High School students to earn dual credit toward a technical certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Columbia State. In addition, Nolensville High School is opening up the use of their state-of-the-art culinary kitchen after regular hours to Columbia State students enrolled in the college’s program.

“We want the students to have an advantage when they go on to post-secondary education and to careers,” said Dr. Mike Looney, superintendent of Williamson County Schools. “This is just another example of Williamson County stepping forward with a great partner.”

Looney continued and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. Several Nolensville students attended the signing and shared information about their culinary training and the skills that they are learning.

Ken Daniel, Columbia State program director and instructor for hospitality and tourism, said that the program was developed as a response to a growing workforce need in the Middle Tennessee area.

“There are 20 hotels under construction in Williamson County alone,” Daniel said. “Not to mention the growth in Davidson and Maury Counties. In addition to lodging, it seems like there is a new restaurant opening daily. I expect to see an increase in enrollment in the hospitality and tourism management program that will meet the needs of the community.”

To learn more about Columbia State’s hospitality and tourism management program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu                                                                                          

Photo Caption: Nolensville High School students and culinary teacher.