Columbia State’s Transfer Matters Advising Summit Strengthens Transfer Student Success Across Tennes
Held under the theme “Strategic Higher Education: Advising Community College Transfer Students,” TMAS 2.0 brought together academic advisors, transfer coordinators, faculty, deans, recruiters, counselors, and more from public, private, online and out-of-state institutions. The event served as a dynamic platform for strengthening transfer partnerships, exchanging innovative practices and fostering collaboration that supports community college students pursuing bachelor's degrees and beyond.
Building on the success of the inaugural summit, which welcomed more than 150 participants last year, there was significant growth in attendance and engagement with nearly 200 attendees this year. The strong turnout at TMAS 2.0 reflects a shared commitment among institutions to creating seamless transfer pathways and improving student outcomes throughout Tennessee and across the region.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders in higher education.
The opening keynote speaker, Dr. Tracy Comer, senior director of Transfer and Veteran Initiatives for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Academic Affairs and Workforce Alignment, provided valuable insights into statewide transfer initiatives and emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing student success.
During the luncheon keynote, Dr. Aaron Beshears, Columbia State artificial intelligence program director, explored the emerging role of AI in higher education and highlighted opportunities for AI-driven solutions to enhance advising practices and student support services.
The summit ended with a presentation by Deborah K. Allen, Tennessee Technological University Student Success Center director. Allen showcased Tennessee Tech's Transfer Student Association Program, an initiative inspired by participation in the inaugural TMAS summit. Her presentation offered practical strategies for strengthening student engagement, fostering belonging and creating meaningful support systems for transfer students.
“One goal of the Transfer Matters Advising Summit is to foster a transfer-ready culture among institutions while empowering students through intentional advising, mentoring, and support throughout the transfer process,” said Freda Leslie Pillow, Columbia State Career, Transfer and Veteran Center coordinator and Transfer Matters Advising Summit event coordinator. “The growth of this summit demonstrates the dedication of higher education professionals to creating seamless pathways and opportunities for transfer students.”
Attendees participated in concurrent breakout sessions focused on key academic divisions and student success initiatives, including Science and Mathematics; Humanities and Social Sciences; Health Sciences; Written, Oral and Digital Communications; and Business and Technology.
Throughout the day, participants engaged with colleges, universities and community partners through exhibit hall resource tables designed to encourage networking, information sharing and strategic collaboration.
Sixty representatives provided educational sessions, institutional updates and resource materials that highlighted academic programs, transfer pathways, admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, enrollment timelines and student support services. Participants left with valuable tools and resources to better assist students navigating the transfer process.
Twenty institutional partners represented at TMAS 2.0 included:
- Austin Peay State University
- Belmont University
- Chamberlain University
- East Tennessee State University
- Fisk University
- Grand Canyon University
- Lane College
- Lipscomb University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murray State University
- Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Technological University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- University of North Alabama
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- University of Tennessee at Martin
- University of Tennessee Southern
- University of Memphis
- Western Kentucky University
Community college and grant partners included:
- The Ayers Foundation
- tnAchieves
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Motlow State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Volunteer State Community College
- Kentucky Western Community College
Members of the Ayers Foundation, tnAchieves and community colleges around the state serve as mentors, advisors and grant partners connected with university leaders. This connection and understanding of higher education options in Tennessee help students learn and better access information about transfer pathways, academic programs and other vital details. Their support and involvement in the summit and beyond help boost students' opportunities to achieve their goals in higher education.
Beyond the educational offerings, TMAS 2.0 created opportunities for connection and engagement through interactive experiences such as a photo booth and the Premier Green Carpet Film Experience, where participants shared why transfer students should consider attending their institutions.
A special milestone during the event was the unveiling of a new Transfer Matters Advising Summit logo, developed by Columbia State's Office of Communications to commemorate the summit's second anniversary. The refreshed branding symbolizes the continued momentum, growth and collaborative spirit that have become hallmarks of the event.
TMAS continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration among institutions committed to removing barriers and expanding educational opportunities for transfer students.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, students who transfer after completing an associate degree graduate at a higher rate, with 71% earning a bachelor’s degree within four years. This reinforces the importance of collaborative initiatives such as TMAS that strengthen transfer pathways and promote student achievement.
For more information about the Transfer Matters Advising Summit, contact the Career, Veteran and Transfer Center by email at fpillow@ColumbiaState.edu.
Advisors, recruiters, transfer coordinators, faculty and others attend the keynote session at the Transfer Matters Advising Summit.
Tracy Comer, senior director of Transfer and Veteran Initiatives for Tennessee Higher Education Commission Academic Affairs and Workforce Alignment, was the keynote speaker who spoke on statewide transfer initiatives and the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing student success.
Dr. Aaron Beshears, Columbia State artificial intelligence program director, spoke about the rising role of AI in higher education and how it can be used to help with advising and student support services processes.
Deborah K. Allen, Tennessee Technological University Student Success Center director, spoke about their Transfer Student Association Program and how it has strengthened student engagement and created support for transferring students.
Freda Leslie Pillow, Columbia State Career, Transfer and Veteran Center coordinator, and Transfer Matters Advising Summit event coordinator, welcomes everyone to the summit.
Summit participants attended the breakout sessions on advising and helping students transfer colleges.
Summit participants from different institutions come to the photo booth following the breakout sessions
A summit attendee stops by the Premier Green Carpet Film Experience to highlight transfer opportunities at her institution.
The new Transfer Matters Advising Summit logo.
