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(PULASKI, Tenn. – May 11, 2026) – The ������� and recently signed co-admission and transfer agreements designed to strengthen educational pathways and expand opportunities for students seeking to continue their academic journey at �������.

The agreements create a more seamless transition for Columbia State students pursuing bachelor’s degrees while reinforcing a shared commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional collaboration across Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.

Through the co-admission partnership, eligible students will receive coordinated advising and degree planning support from both institutions, helping them navigate a clearly defined pathway from associate degree completion to enrollment at �������. Students participating in the program are guaranteed admission to ������� upon completion of their degree at Columbia State, provided they meet program requirements

“Co-admission sends a clear message to students: your educational journey does not stop after earning an associate degree,” said Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� Provost. “This partnership creates a pathway intentionally designed to support student success and help students continue building toward their academic and professional goals. We are proud to strengthen that pathway alongside Columbia State.”

As part of the transfer agreement, students will benefit from coordinated advising between both institutions and priority registration opportunities at ������� during the semester they graduate from Columbia State.

In addition to the student-focused agreements, the institutions also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand professional development opportunities for employees of both institutions. The partnership includes two educational support opportunities for Columbia State employees pursuing a degree at �������: the First Flight Scholarship, which provides three free credit hours during the first semester of enrollment, and the University Partnership Scholarship, which provides a 25% tuition discount.

“We want Columbia State faculty and staff to know that if beginning or completing a degree is part of their personal or professional goals, ������� is here to support them,” said Melinda S. Arnold, PhD, ������� Chancellor. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to investing in people, strengthening our region, and creating opportunities that positively impact students, employees, and communities alike.”

The agreements further expand collaboration opportunities between faculty and staff at both institutions while supporting broader workforce and educational needs throughout the region.

“This partnership represents the continued evolution of a long-standing relationship between our institutions,” Arnold said. “Together, we are building stronger pathways for students, expanding opportunities for continued learning, and reinforcing the important role higher education plays in changing lives and strengthening communities.”

The agreements were developed collaboratively by leaders from both institutions following months of planning and coordination focused on improving student access, transfer experience, and educational opportunity throughout the region.

Columbia State and ������� leaders pictured (left to right): Dr. Denise Carr, Columbia State vice president for Academic Affairs; Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president; Dr. Melinda Arnold, ������� chancellor; and Dr. Prentice Chandler, ������� provost.