(Columbia, TN --- May 7, 2020) Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that Tractor Supply Company has been awarded the Tennessee Board of Regents’ 2020 Chancellor’s Award of Excellence in Philanthropy.

The Tennessee Board of Regents’ Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy awards individuals, companies and organizations who go “above and beyond” to donate their resources, finances and personal time to TBR colleges.  College presidents submit nominations for the award, and winners are chosen by a panel of college representatives, Regents and Trustees.

Columbia State president, Dr. Janet F. Smith, nominated Tractor Supply, saying, “Tractor Supply Company’s generosity and participation is opening doors of opportunity for Columbia State students.  They set a benchmark for partnerships and continue to grow our relationship.  They are providing guidance for students which is giving back to our community by better preparing our future workforce and citizens.”  Smith continued, “Tractor Supply has become a valued community partner, elevating opportunities for students and creating new pathways for student success through scholarship, internship and program development.”

During the construction of Columbia State's Williamson Campus, Tractor Supply toured the new facilities and began speaking with administrators about opportunities for partnerships. Soon after, Tractor Supply established a new scholarship for Columbia State students. The scholarship aims to increase opportunities for students studying computer information technology or a related field.

In conjunction with Columbia State’s computer information technology program, Tractor Supply created a capstone course in emerging technologies. Dedicated to supporting workforce development in Williamson County, Tractor Supply recognized the importance of providing students with hands-on technology experience. This program allows students to research emerging technologies in the retail industry, exploring areas of study such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data and analytics and other progressive topics in the technology industry.

Photo Caption: Tractor Supply Company and Columbia State representatives at a 2019 student capstone presentation. (Pictured, left to right): Glenn Allison, Tractor Supply Company vice president of IT enterprise architecture and IT solutions; LK Browning,Columbia State director of economic and workforce development; Deepa Janakiraman, Columbia State program director and assistant professor of computer information systems; Iyobed Zekarias, Tractor Supply Company capstone student;Adam Gaines, Tractor Supply Company IT enterprise architect; Matt Cannata, Tractor Supply Company IT enterprise architect; Matthew Muterspaugh, Columbia State dean of the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division; and Chris Mead, Tractor Supply Company IT enterprise architect.

Tractor Supply is also an active partner in a number of Columbia State programs, creating an apprenticeship project, guest lecturing several times a semester on campus, participating in the spring and fall Career Exploration Summit for IT and hosting on-site visits for students so that they can tour the Tractor Supply headquarters in Brentwood, discuss career topics and understand corporate culture. They have presented at the National Lead Conference with Columbia State faculty and staff and serve as important advisors and members of the college’s Computer Information Technology Advisory Committee.

“Workforce development is a key value for Tractor Supply, and our partnership with Columbia State has allowed us to extend that commitment and assist students in preparing for their future careers with hands-on learning opportunities in retail and technology,” said Rob Mills, Tractor Supply’s executive vice president, chief technology, digital commerce and strategy officer. “We are honored to be receiving this award as it recognizes the positive impact our partnership is having on talent development in the Middle Tennessee and technology communities.”

Tractor Supply employees, known as team members, are also making an investment in Columbia State students. Many team members will take time to work from the Williamson Campus, allowing one-on-one meetings with students to answer questions and discuss career paths and options.

“Partners, like Tractor Supply Company, are critically important to the success of our students and institutions in preparing for the future of work,” said Smith. “They have afforded an opportunity for students to experience the workforce and have a better understanding of what students need to be prepared for their future.”

Tractor Supply will be celebrated with an award presentation from TBR during an upcoming Columbia State event to be held in the fall.

About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle.  With more than 33,000 team members, the Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve.  At March 28, 2020, the Company operated 1,863 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com. 

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services.  At March 28, 2020, the Company operated 180 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.Petsense.com.

Photo Caption: Jarod Teague works with equipment during Tractor Supply capstone project.

Photo Caption: James Washington gets hands-on experience during Tractor Supply capstone project.

Photo Caption: Shane Sevier delivers his presentation for the Tractor Supply Company capstone project.