COLUMBIA, TN – Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce alum Ryan Egly will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the fall 2024 commencement ceremony, which will take place December 14 at 9 a.m.
Egly, a native of Lawrenceburg, earned a general transfer Associate of Science degree from Columbia State in 2012. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University.
He began his economic development career as the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s project manager in August 2015 and became the president and CEO in July 2019. Since 2015, Egly has worked with community leaders and stakeholders to attract $272 million in private sector investment, creating 1,327 new jobs, and worked to secure $17.5 million in state and federal grants supporting site development, tourism enhancement, marketing, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, higher education, entrepreneurial development and infrastructure projects. In 2022, Governor Lee appointed Egly to serve on the Board of Directors for Launch Tennessee and he was elected by his peers to represent the Middle Tennessee region on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Economic Development Council.
Egly has been recognized as a leader in rural economic development, serving on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Economic Development Rural Cabinet, The Sycamore Institute’s inaugural Community Council, and sharing his experiences with his regional counterparts and other community leaders across the state by speaking at conferences and training seminars. He is also engaged in local organizations, serving as chairman of the board for Southern Tennessee Regional Health System—Lawrenceburg and maintaining active status in the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, playing piano and guitar, reading, serving at his local church and fishing.
The commencement ceremony will take place in the W. J. “Billy” Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia 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 located in the Frank G. Clement Building. The Webster Athletic Center and Clement Building are on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.