Faculty & Staff
A detailed look at who teaches at Columbia State Community College — from staff size and tenure to diversity and student support.
🎓 Leadership
Janet F. Smith
President
Chief Administrator
📊 How does our instructional staff compare?
The faculty at Columbia State Community College comprises 118 instructors, supporting a 19.0:1 student-to-faculty ratio that's well above average. Students can expect meaningful engagement with their teachers.
🎯 What does a 19.0:1 student-faculty ratio mean for you?
With a 19.0:1 ratio, students at Columbia State Community College benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty attention. Here's what to expect.
What This Means For Your Education:
Regular interaction with instructors
Good balance of attention and independence
Manageable class sizes for discussion
Faculty available for guidance and support
Opportunities for meaningful relationships
How This Compares
Typical for:
Quality private colleges, well-funded state schools
Industry Context:
Faculty Composition & Diversity
Tenure Status Distribution
Faculty with permanent positions
Faculty on path to tenure
Academic Rank Distribution
Teaching-focused faculty
Graduate students assisting with teaching
Early-career tenure-track faculty
Mid-career faculty with tenure
Faculty Composition Summary
Faculty Size:113 faculty members out of 118 total instructional staff
Job Security:34% have tenure, 1% are tenure-track
Diversity:12% faculty of color, 11% underrepresented minorities
Academic Structure:instructors & lecturers represent the largest faculty group (31%)
📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis
The official student-to-faculty ratio for this institution:
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
GoodWhat it measures:Official IPEDS ratio using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty
Why it matters:The standard metric used by College Navigator and official comparisons
🎯 Understanding This Ratio
This is the official ratio reported to the U.S. Department of Education, calculated using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty. FTE adjusts for part-time enrollment and staffing, giving a more accurate picture of actual class sizes than raw headcounts. This is the same ratio shown on College Navigator and used in official comparisons.
🌟 Why does faculty diversity matter for trade college students?
At Columbia State Community College, 12% of the instructional staff are faculty of color. While diversity levels vary, understanding why it matters can help you evaluate schools.
Real-World Industry Representation
Industry Connections
Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.
Cultural Competency
Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.
Role Models & Mentorship
Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.
Academic & Job Security Benefits
Teaching Continuity
Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.
Investment in Excellence
Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.
Program Consistency
Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.
Faculty Performance Benchmarks
Faculty-to-Student Ratios
Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio (IPEDS)
Official FTE-based ratio
Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.
Performance Summary
Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 19.0:1 (good)
🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?
Industry-Certified Professionals
Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.
Hands-On Experience
Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.
Small Class Focus
Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.
Continuous Professional Development
Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.
🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?
Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.
Academic Advisors
Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.
Career Services Team
Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.
Financial Aid Counselors
Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.
Student Success Coaches
Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.
🔗 Helpful Resources for Evaluating Trade College Faculty
Research Faculty Quality
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Research career outlook and required qualifications for your field to evaluate instructor credentials.
ACCET Accreditation
Learn about accreditation standards that ensure faculty meet professional teaching qualifications.
Contact & Information
Official College Website
Visit the official website for detailed faculty directories and instructor biographies.
Contact Administration
Call for questions about faculty credentials and teaching approach
9315402730Explore More About Columbia State Community College
💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at Columbia State Community College
The college employs 118 instructional staff members, providing a 19.0:1 student-faculty ratio.
With 34% of faculty having tenure, the institution demonstrates commitment to stable, long-term instruction.
Bottom Line: The instructional staff at Columbia State Community College combines practical expertise with teaching ability. A well-rounded faculty, regardless of tenure status, can provide the hands-on training trade students need.