Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that student-graduates Kayla DuBois and Alaya Walton will deliver the commencement addresses to the graduating class during the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies that will take place on May 9 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

For the first ceremony, Kayla DuBois will deliver the commencement address. 

An Arrington resident, DuBois is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary technology and an Associate of Science degree in agricultural business.

DuBois is a recipient of the Rob and Christel Veterinary Technology Scholarship and the Zoetis Foundation/AVMF Veterinary Technician Student Scholarship.

She is also serving as president for the Veterinary Technology Class of 2026.

DuBois is an active member of the Columbia State President’s Leadership Society, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Tennessee Veterinary Technician Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.

Following graduation, she plans to use her knowledge in veterinary technology and agricultural business to support and expand a family-operated green bean harvesting company, while advancing the development of both equine health and agricultural practice. She is also preparing to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination and will practice in equine medicine once licensed.

For the second ceremony, Alaya Walton will deliver the commencement address.

A Mt. Juliet resident, Walton is graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in mass communication. While at Columbia State, she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, Beta Kappa Theta, for the 2025-2026 academic year. She also served as a House of Representative at-large member of the Student Government Association for the 2025-2026 academic year, where she helped with campus outreach and volunteered for SGA-sponsored events.

Walton is a member of the English honor society, Sigma Kappa Delta, as well as the President’s Leadership Society. Nationally, she has been selected to be a 2026 Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway scholar and has also been selected to be a member of the 2026 All-USA Academic Team, earning scholarships for both recognitions. As part of her selection for the All-USA Academic Team, she was also selected to be a member of the 2026 All-Tennessee Academic Team.

Next, Walton plans to continue her undergraduate studies in journalism, with an end goal to work in media research, media psychology and investigative journalism, covering stories on marginalized voices.

The commencement ceremonies will take place in the Webster Athletic Center gymnasium on the Columbia Campus. 

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for family and friends who are unable to attend.

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, strollers, 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, livestream link 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 in the Frank G. Clement Building across from the gymnasium. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.