Photo Caption: The committee received several letters of support in honor of Dana Salters, all of which describe her as determined, loyal, trustworthy, reliable, approachable, loving, kind, competent, compassionate, intelligent, competitive, and inspirational. Pictured, left to right: Dr. Janet Smith, Columbia State president; Dana Salters; and Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - June 11, 2014) - - - Dana Henry Salters was honored at the Columbia State Community College Foundation's annual award luncheon today, receiving the 2014 Alumnus of the Year award.

The Lynnville resident is a 1988 graduate of Columbia State who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology. Twenty years after she graduated from Columbia State, Salters decided to further her education by enrolling at Trevecca Nazarene University where she earned a bachelor's degree in management and human relations and a master's degree business administration.

Salters holds multiple credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and is a certified breast health navigator. In 2008, she was selected by the Tennessee Society of Radiologic Technologists to receive the Dr. LaVerne Gurley Award, which allowed her to present the keynote lecture during the group's annual educational conference.

In her career at Maury Regional Medical Center, Salters has worked through the ranks to become lead mammographer, quality control technologist, Women's Center coordinator, and presently, director of infusion/women's imaging. She is entrusted with multi-million dollar budgets/projects, mission critical accreditation applications, and program development implementation.

"Dana Salters exemplifies what Columbia State graduates are capable of accomplishing and contributing," said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of the health sciences division and professor of radiologic technology. "She took advantage of an educational opportunity at Columbia State and subsequently made it her mission to positively impact the lives of colleagues and patients."

Salters came to Columbia State as a recruited student athlete for the Lady Chargers basketball team. As one of the youngest students in her class, she excelled in the classroom, the clinic and on the hardwood. Faculty recognized her skill in deftly juggling academics and athletics. She was on the dean's list multiple times and graduated magna cum laude.

As an alumna, Salters regularly promotes the community college as the perfect start to a fulfilling educational journey. She engages with currently enrolled students in the classroom, the clinical setting, and as an unofficial career guide for those entering the field of breast imaging/women's health.

Salters continues to serve Columbia State through Alumni Advisory Council membership and radiography guest lectures. Though her plate is full, Salters is often seen at Performance Series shows, athletic events and pinning ceremonies.

Leading by example, Salters consistently emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and the role Columbia State can play as a springboard to the future for students and communities, especially patients served by health science graduates.

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.

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