Columbia State Community College receives grant via Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

Columbia State Community College has received a grant from the Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education totalling $2.02 million. The grant will support the implementation of the college’s new artificial intelligence initiative called COMPASS: Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success.

According to an article on Columbia State Community College’s website, Patrick McElhiney, who serves as the college’s director of grants, was quoted as saying of the funding, “This grant will allow Columbia State to do important, long-term work around artificial intelligence that directly supports our students, faculty and staff. It gives us the opportunity to strengthen the college itself while supporting innovation in teaching, student support, and workforce preparation. We’re grateful for the partners who helped make this possible, including Maury Alliance, Williamson Inc., the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Maury County Public Schools, Williamson County Schools, GM Spring Hill and Tractor Supply Company. Their support reflects a shared commitment to preparing our communities for what’s next, and we’re excited to put this funding to work in a way that benefits students, educators and employers alike.”

COMPASS will create a new AI division within the college that will build up the college’s capacity to utilize artificial intelligence as well as teach students to utilize it for their careers, effectively preparing them for the future and the types of jobs they will have available to them. The funding, which will be utilized over the next four years, will go toward the COMPASS initiative’s faculty training, AI tool integration across academic departments and student services, and the development of new AI literacy course modules.

Dr. Janet F. Smith, the college’s president, said, “Columbia State continually reviews its programs and services to provide an educational institution and environment that provides our students with the skills and knowledge needed for their careers or professions, both today and tomorrow. AI understanding and use are required for all fields or careers. This grant establishes us as an AI cutting-edge institution, integrating artificial intelligence throughout our curriculums and services. We are excited and honored to be selected.”

Dr. Mehran Mostajir, the dean of the Business and Technology Division and an assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology, spoke to the benefit of the new AI division in terms of serving as a blueprint for other institutions, saying, “This grant positions Columbia State to lead in AI education and workforce preparation. What we build here can serve as a model for community colleges nationwide.”

For more information about Columbia State Community College, visit the school’s website.