Columbia State to host Tennessee Reconnect information sessions in January and February

Mike Christen, The Daily Herald
·1 min read

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for adults to attend a community college. The initiative is designed to help adults enter college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential.

Columbia native Patrina Mitchell graduated Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. Mitchell was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a Tennessee Reconnect student. She plans to continue her education at Middle Tennessee State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
Columbia native Patrina Mitchell graduated Cum Laude with an Associate of Science degree in business administration. Mitchell was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a Tennessee Reconnect student. She plans to continue her education at Middle Tennessee State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in commerce.

“We are thankful to be able to provide the local community with easy access to information about Tennessee Reconnect by hosting virtual and in-person information sessions,” said Joni Allison, Columbia State coordinator of Adult Student Services. “Tennessee Reconnect provides a wonderful opportunity for eligible adults to retool their skills and attend Columbia State tuition-free.”

Waynesboro resident Destiny Parrish earned an Associate of Arts degree in public relations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude through Tennessee Reconnect and was a member of TRiO student success services, the Columbia State Cinema Society, Sigma Kappa Delta honor society and served as the public relations secretary for Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She plans to attend the University of North Alabama in the spring for her bachelor's degree. "Thanks to Columbia State, I have developed stronger communication skills and time management skills. I learned how to study better and to present myself in a more professional manner," she said.

To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, students must have not previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The sessions will be held:

  • January 20, 2 – 3 p.m, Virtual

  • January 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Spring Hill Library, 144 Kedron Parkway

  • January 24, 6 – 7 p.m., Virtual

  • January 27, 2 – 3 p.m., Virtual

  • January 31, 6 – 7 p.m., Virtual

  • February 1, 4 – 6 p.m. Wayne County Courthouse, Room 400,

  • 100 Court Circle, Waynesboro

  • February 3, 2 – 3 p.m., Virtual

  • February 7, 6 – 7 p.m., Virtual

  • February 10, 2 – 3 p.m., Virtual

  • February 12, 10 – 11 a.m., Virtual

They must have completed the Free Application For Federal Student Aid and be determined as an independent student to be admitted to Columbia State and enroll in a degree or certificate program.

Applicants must attend at least part-time, taking six credit hours per semester and have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year.

To view the full list of steps to apply, or to sign up for an information session, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Reconnect.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia State to hosts Tennessee Reconnect information sessions