Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce alum James Washington will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the spring 2022 commencement ceremonies that will take place May 7. The 9 a.m. ceremony is for Associate of Applied Science degree and technical certificate graduates. The 11:30 a.m. ceremony is for associate degree graduates.

Washington, originally from Texas, grew up in a variety of places. He eventually found himself in Columbia, Tennessee, during his teenage years, where he attended Columbia Central High School. He received his high school diploma early in December 2016.

Washington began his college career by enrolling at Columbia State Community College in 2018, where he continued to excel academically. He became one of the first students to participate in an internship with the Tractor Supply Company via a special capstone class. Under the guidance of many professors in the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division, especially Deepa Janakiraman, Columbia State director of CITC partnerships and associate professor of computer information systems, he studied emerging technologies and their applications, where he again surpassed all expectations. 

In December 2018, Washington graduated from Columbia State and transferred to the University of Alabama in Huntsville in January 2019 to advance his academic career. While at UAH, he continued to excel both in his studies and in his involvement in various community events throughout the city of Huntsville. He joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., in the fall of 2019, dedicating his life to community improvement and making the world a better place, one project at a time. Washington graduated in December 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and information assurance. 

He has since begun his professional career as an associate computer systems analyst at Northrop Grumman Corporation. His future plans include furthering his education through different technology certifications in his field of study, and to continue his dream of entrepreneurship through his IT business, Jwash Computer Fixins'.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus. Masks are encouraged while on campus.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation. 

For the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses and containers. The following items will not be allowed inside or outside during the commencement ceremonies: weapons, alcohol, laser pointers, lawn chairs, drones, glass containers or any other items deemed unacceptable by Columbia State security or staff. 

For a full list of prohibited items, parking, special seating information or further details regarding commencement, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

Guests should plan to arrive early as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Ledbetter Auditorium in the Frank G. Clement building. The Webster Athletic Center and the Frank G. Clement Building are on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.