The competition for jobs in fire departments across the U.S. is heating up. Although a degree has not traditionally been essential for firefighters, the demand for more educated applicants is increasing. Firefighters are now competing for positions with candidates who hold associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first online universities based in Orange Beach, Alabama recently partnered with the Pensacola Fire Department to help local firefighters gain an edge over the competition. This partnership provides these firefighters, their spouses, and children with special benefits including tuition discounts and an application fee waiver. The fire department will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
Pensacola Fire Department employees can choose from 20 completely online degree programs offered by CSU. Associate, bachelor, and certificate programs in fire science are available. Other degree programs include business administration, information technology, public administration, and more.
“This partnership with CSU will allow us to be more involved in helping our firefighters achieve an education,” said Brock Jester, Fire Captain and Training Officer for the Pensacola Fire Department. “With competition heating up, it is becoming more important for firefighters to have degrees backing their experience.”
The Pensacola Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire code enforcement, and public education programs to the 60,000 citizens of Pensacola, Florida. Over 130 Pensacola Fire Department employees operate in six fire stations through six engine companies, two ladder companies, three rescue companies and two aircraft rescue firefighting units. The department is also one of the regionally certified training centers in Northwest Florida.
“The number of fire science students enrolled in CSU has nearly doubled since 2007,” said Robert Mayes, President of CSU. “With education comes greater career opportunities – this is also true within the fire service industry.”
CSU holds more than 20 Florida fire department partnerships and roughly 215 around the world. Tampa Fire and Rescue, Destin Fire Control District, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, and Tallahassee Fire Department are just a few of the Florida fire departments on the growing list of CSU partners.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Columbia Southern University to Celebrate New Home
On January 16th Columbia Southern University (CSU) employees, public officials, and local business leaders will celebrate the grand opening of the school’s new 67,000 square foot Orange Beach home. The event begins at 9 a.m. with remarks from CSU President Robert Mayes, City of Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce President Mark Berson, and South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce President Donna Watts. Tours and refreshments will also be offered.
Construction began in December 2007 on a 20 acre plot of land purchased in Orange Beach, Alabama. The additional acreage provides future expansion opportunities without forcing CSU to relocate. CSU will occupy the first two floors by January 2009 and once the third floor is completed, 360 work stations and 65 offices will be available. The facility features a training room, conference rooms, break rooms, fitness center, balconies, shipping and mailing area with a loading dock, and more.
“This new facility demonstrates our commitment to quality student service,” said CSU President Robert Mayes. “As we continue to grow, additional staff and faculty support are essential for ensuring student success.”
With a record enrollment of more than 16,000 students and at least 25,000 expected by 2010, CSU quickly outgrew its previous 17,000 square foot building. This year, CSU surpassed more than 200 employees forcing in-house faculty and staff to occupy additional facilities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The new building will be large enough to house all CSU departments with further room for growth.
White-Spunner Construction President Mike Fitzgerald, Congressman Jo Bonner’s District Representative Bryan Parker, Liberty Church Pastor Buford Lipscomb and representatives from both the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce are scheduled to attend.
Constructed by White-Spunner Construction, Inc., the new building is located two miles south of County Road 12, just off the Foley Beach Express and north of The Columns at Orange Beach Apartments. The grand opening celebration is open to the public. For more information or to view the new construction photo gallery, please call 1-800-977-8449 or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/events/new_building/.
Construction began in December 2007 on a 20 acre plot of land purchased in Orange Beach, Alabama. The additional acreage provides future expansion opportunities without forcing CSU to relocate. CSU will occupy the first two floors by January 2009 and once the third floor is completed, 360 work stations and 65 offices will be available. The facility features a training room, conference rooms, break rooms, fitness center, balconies, shipping and mailing area with a loading dock, and more.
“This new facility demonstrates our commitment to quality student service,” said CSU President Robert Mayes. “As we continue to grow, additional staff and faculty support are essential for ensuring student success.”
With a record enrollment of more than 16,000 students and at least 25,000 expected by 2010, CSU quickly outgrew its previous 17,000 square foot building. This year, CSU surpassed more than 200 employees forcing in-house faculty and staff to occupy additional facilities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The new building will be large enough to house all CSU departments with further room for growth.
White-Spunner Construction President Mike Fitzgerald, Congressman Jo Bonner’s District Representative Bryan Parker, Liberty Church Pastor Buford Lipscomb and representatives from both the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce are scheduled to attend.
Constructed by White-Spunner Construction, Inc., the new building is located two miles south of County Road 12, just off the Foley Beach Express and north of The Columns at Orange Beach Apartments. The grand opening celebration is open to the public. For more information or to view the new construction photo gallery, please call 1-800-977-8449 or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/events/new_building/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)