Columbia State Student Caitlyn McNabb Named As Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Semifinalist

2017 Apr 12

Columbia State Community College student, Caitlyn McNabb, was announced as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which provides up to $40,000 per year for each scholarship awarded.

Nearly 3,000 community college students applied for the scholarship, and McNabb is one of 597 semifinalists selected. The JKC Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is the largest in the country that is aimed at community college students seeking to transfer to four-year institutions. Finalists will be selected based on their grades, leadership skills, awards, service to others and other achievements during their college careers.

McNabb, a Maury County native, is a sophomore, pre-health professions (pharmacy) major at Columbia State. McNabb is involved in many on-campus organizations such as Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, President's Leadership Society and Sigma Kappa Delta. In addition, McNabb has won many service awards, study abroad scholarships and has logged over 500 volunteer hours at Riverside Elementary.

"It has been an honor serving as Caitlyn's adviser," said Mandy Carter-Lowe, Columbia State associate professor of biology and PTK adviser. "Few students are able to balance campus life, community service and high academic achievement as well as Caitlyn. It is exciting to see that the JKC Foundation has recognized her great accomplishments among community college students from across the country."

The Cooke foundation's scholarships fund college expenses not covered by other financial aid. After earning a bachelor's degree, Cooke Scholars will be eligible to apply for a graduate school scholarship worth up to $50,000 a year, renewable for up to four years.

The Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the foundation has provided over $152 million in scholarships to nearly 2,200 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive counseling and other support services. The foundation has also awarded over $90 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

To learn more about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and scholarships, visit www.jkcf.org.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.