This May, Chattanooga State Community College celebrated a noteworthy achievement in its 60-year history. 

The Spring 2026 graduating class was made up of nearly 1,000 history-making students, who gathered alongside friends, family, and peers to honor the occasion. The addition of these graduates helped ChattState achieve two major milestones: 50,000 graduates and 60,000 credentials awarded since the college’s founding in 1965. 

This semester, ChattState’s oldest graduate was 72, and its youngest was 15. The College also recognized 27 veterans among the graduating class, as well as 253 students who are the first in their families to graduate with a college degree. 

“This is the day that you have all worked so hard for,” said ChattState President Dr. Rebecca Ashford. “After today, you all can say, 'I am a Chattanooga State graduate.’” 

Spring 2026 graduates leave Chattanooga State prepared to continue their education, launch careers, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, carrying forward stories of access, opportunity, and success. 

Congratulations to the ChattState Class of 2026! 

Click here for ChattState Graduations Spring 2026 (Audio Described)