Dana Salters to Deliver Columbia State Commencement Address

Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that alumna, Dana Salters will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the spring 2015 commencement ceremony that will take place May 9 at 10 a.m.

Dana Henry Salters, a native of Columbia, enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program at Columbia State Community College in 1986. At the age of 18, she was the youngest member accepted to the program. As the all-time leading basketball scorer at Columbia Academy—a record that still stands today—she was recruited to play for the Lady Chargers. In 2014, she was named Columbia State’s Alumnus of the Year and was inducted into the Columbia Academy Hall of Fame.
Dana Henry Salters, a native of Columbia, enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program at Columbia State Community College in 1986. At the age of 18, she was the youngest member accepted to the program. As the all-time leading basketball scorer at Columbia Academy—a record that still stands today—she was recruited to play for the Lady Chargers. In 2014, she was named Columbia State’s Alumnus of the Year and was inducted into the Columbia Academy Hall of Fame.

“Dana Salters exemplifies what Columbia State graduates are capable of providing and achieving,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “She demonstrates an unending passion in caring for others and a strong commitment to continued growth in her profession. She is committed to her community, and through her work changes lives.”

Salters began her career in the mammography department at Maury Regional Medical Center where she completed her clinical rotations while attending Columbia State. During her career at MRMC, Salters has worked through the ranks to become lead mammographer, quality control technologist, Women’s Center coordinator and is currently the director of infusion and women’s imaging.

Entrusted with multi-million dollar budgets/projects, mission critical accreditation applications, and program development implementation, Salters has an outstanding commitment to continuous advancement. She has become a certified breast health navigator, developed an American Society of Radiologic Technologist approved education program and implemented digital mammography and an MRI breast biopsy program at the medical center.

In addition to her professional and clinical accomplishments, Salters also commits a tremendous amount of time to helping others. She coordinates free mammograms and a wig bank for patients with limited financial means and has implemented a free camisole program for breast cancer surgery patients.

Salters’ outreach activities also include facilitating a monthly breast cancer support group, recently launching a support group for those coping with cancer, and participation on local Susan G. Komen committees and events, as well as active participation in American Cancer Society Relay for Life events in the Middle Tennessee region.

The Lynnville resident is a 1988 graduate of Columbia State who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology. Twenty years after graduating from Columbia State, Salters enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in management and human relations and a master’s degree in business administration.

Salters is married to Thomas Salters and is a member of the West Seventh Street Church of Christ.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Family and friends are encouraged to arrive early as seats are filled on a first-come basis.

More Columbia State Stories