On October 10th, 2008 more than 700 graduates and guests from around the globe traveled to Pensacola, Florida to march across the stage of the second largest air and space museum in the world. The annual Columbia Southern University (CSU) commencement ceremony was held Friday at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
Graduates represented countries as far as Kenya, Egypt, and Canada and cities as close as Pensacola, Navarre and Orange Beach. The largest number of graduates, 34, came from Vietnam.
“Our graduates - entrepreneurs, firefighters, law enforcement, Military Servicemembers and business professionals - have traveled from across the globe to participate in this milestone event, said Robert Mayes, CSU President. “Twenty seven U.S. states and four countries are represented.”
The ceremony was held in the 10,000 square foot museum atrium with a quartet of McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk jets suspended above in their famous diamond formation. This 300,000 square foot museum of steel and glass attracts approximately one million visitors a year and features more than 150 aircraft.
Vice Admiral Gerald L. Hoewing served as keynote speaker for the event. A graduate of Iowa State University, his professional background includes positions with the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Office of Secretary of Defense. During his sterling military career, Vice Admiral Hoewing has done everything from flying the A-7E Corsair II light attack aircraft on multiple deployments to the Western Pacific on USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) to his final active duty assignment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations/Chief of Naval Personnel.
CSU, one of the nation’s first completely online universities, was developed to provide working adults with an alternative to the traditional university experience. With a record enrollment of over 15,000 students, this local university based in Orange Beach, Alabama is among the most rapidly growing universities in the U.S. By the end of 2008, a new 67,000 square foot facility will be constructed to accommodate the additional staff needed to continue providing prospective and current students with the quality service this university maintains as its hallmark.
In 2007, CSU was recognized as one of the top 30 schools for military education by Military Advanced Education. Over 100 institutions applied for the award and CSU ranked in the top 30. Schools selected are considered the best of the best in military education based on the number of military students enrolled, number of military contracts, and amount of accessible financial aid and scholarships for members of the military.
Online associate, bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate programs are available in a variety of fields including fire science, criminal justice, business administration, information technology, human resource management, occupational safety and health and more.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Firefighters of Alabama's Largest City Receive Educational Incentive
The largest fire and rescue department in Alabama, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service protects the more than 230,000 citizens of Birmingham, the most populated city in the state. A recent partnership with Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first completely online universities, now offers Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service employees discounted tuition rates and other special educational benefits.
Seven hundred Birmingham firefighters and rescue personnel, along with their spouses and children, will receive a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver as a result of this partnership. CSU offers completely online associate, bachelor, master, doctoral, and certificate programs in a variety of fields including fire science, business administration, information technology, and health care administration.
“Firefighters and emergency services personnel in a large city like Birmingham don’t have much time to think about earning a degree,” said Ivor Brooks, Assistant Chief of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. “The online programs offered at CSU allow our firefighters to study and complete courses according to their schedules.”
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service has been serving the city of Birmingham since 1872. It is devoted to providing speedy and dependable emergency services to all Birmingham citizens, protecting lives and property. In 2002, the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service kicked off “Get Alarmed Birmingham,” a campaign to educate the people of Birmingham on the importance of working smoke detectors. The department has distributed more than 17,000 smoke detectors and credits this program for the drastic drop in the number of fire-related causalities.
“At CSU, our way of giving back to the individuals who keep our country safe is through offering educational benefits,” said Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development. “Fire departments, police departments, and emergency services departments are just a few of the types of organizations that benefit most from the partnerships we build.”
CSU also holds learning partnerships with more than 400 organizations across the U.S. including Delta Air Lines, National Sheriffs’ Association, Commtest, and Quantum Drilling. Over half are with fire departments and include the New York City Fire Department, Tulsa Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, and Tampa Fire and Rescue.
Seven hundred Birmingham firefighters and rescue personnel, along with their spouses and children, will receive a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver as a result of this partnership. CSU offers completely online associate, bachelor, master, doctoral, and certificate programs in a variety of fields including fire science, business administration, information technology, and health care administration.
“Firefighters and emergency services personnel in a large city like Birmingham don’t have much time to think about earning a degree,” said Ivor Brooks, Assistant Chief of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. “The online programs offered at CSU allow our firefighters to study and complete courses according to their schedules.”
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service has been serving the city of Birmingham since 1872. It is devoted to providing speedy and dependable emergency services to all Birmingham citizens, protecting lives and property. In 2002, the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service kicked off “Get Alarmed Birmingham,” a campaign to educate the people of Birmingham on the importance of working smoke detectors. The department has distributed more than 17,000 smoke detectors and credits this program for the drastic drop in the number of fire-related causalities.
“At CSU, our way of giving back to the individuals who keep our country safe is through offering educational benefits,” said Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development. “Fire departments, police departments, and emergency services departments are just a few of the types of organizations that benefit most from the partnerships we build.”
CSU also holds learning partnerships with more than 400 organizations across the U.S. including Delta Air Lines, National Sheriffs’ Association, Commtest, and Quantum Drilling. Over half are with fire departments and include the New York City Fire Department, Tulsa Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, and Tampa Fire and Rescue.
Vietnam Education Award Presented to CSU President and Vice President
The Central Committee of the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education (VAPE) recently awarded CSU President, Robert Mayes, and CSU Executive Vice President, Dr. Joe Manjone, with the Medal for Achievement in Promoting Education. They received this prestigious award based on their contributions to developing an international education program in Vietnam.
“This award symbolizes our commitment to providing quality educational programs in Vietnam,” said Robert Mayes. “We are honored to serve the more than 600 Vietnamese students currently enrolled in CSU degree programs through our affiliate, the Center for International Training Cooperation.”
The chairman of VAPE, Nguyen Manh Cam, presented Dr. Joe Manjone with this award in Ho Chi Minh City on September 29th. Most CSU Vietnam graduates have gone on to hold corporate leadership roles or now work for the Vietnamese government. Several of them have obtained positions in the U.S.
Please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu to learn more about this university’s commitment to international education.
“This award symbolizes our commitment to providing quality educational programs in Vietnam,” said Robert Mayes. “We are honored to serve the more than 600 Vietnamese students currently enrolled in CSU degree programs through our affiliate, the Center for International Training Cooperation.”
The chairman of VAPE, Nguyen Manh Cam, presented Dr. Joe Manjone with this award in Ho Chi Minh City on September 29th. Most CSU Vietnam graduates have gone on to hold corporate leadership roles or now work for the Vietnamese government. Several of them have obtained positions in the U.S.
Please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu to learn more about this university’s commitment to international education.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
World Wide Web Becomes Growing Educational Resource for Firefighters
ORANGE BEACH, AL – The popularity of online education is reaching more than just business professionals – firefighters, police officers, and construction workers are all earning their degree through the World Wide Web. Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first completely online universities, currently holds more than 120 fire organization partnerships across the U.S. The Nevada Fire Chiefs Association (NFCA) is the most recent addition to this list giving members a tuition discount and application fee waiver.
“Our partnership with CSU will offer our members a very special benefit – easier access to an education,” said Al Gillespie, NFCA President. “Their spouses and children will even be able to earn their degree at a cost much more competitive than what is offered at a majority of other universities.”
The mission of the NFCA is to promote and support the fire service of Nevada. The association provides training in fire prevention, fire extinguishing, leadership, and emergency medical services.
“Out of the 200 organizations CSU is partnered with, 120 of them are fire related,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “CSU currently has more than 1,600 active fire science students and with the popularity of the fire partnerships that number is expected to continue its growth pattern.”
The New York Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, Bermuda Fire Service, and Sierra Fire Protection District have also joined CSU as partners.
For more information or to learn how your fire organization can become a CSU partner, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or call 1-800-344-5021.
“Our partnership with CSU will offer our members a very special benefit – easier access to an education,” said Al Gillespie, NFCA President. “Their spouses and children will even be able to earn their degree at a cost much more competitive than what is offered at a majority of other universities.”
The mission of the NFCA is to promote and support the fire service of Nevada. The association provides training in fire prevention, fire extinguishing, leadership, and emergency medical services.
“Out of the 200 organizations CSU is partnered with, 120 of them are fire related,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “CSU currently has more than 1,600 active fire science students and with the popularity of the fire partnerships that number is expected to continue its growth pattern.”
The New York Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, Bermuda Fire Service, and Sierra Fire Protection District have also joined CSU as partners.
For more information or to learn how your fire organization can become a CSU partner, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or call 1-800-344-5021.
Demand for Online Business Degrees Continues to Increase
ORANGE BEACH, AL – Professionals around the globe are learning that a higher education is a critical determinant of success in the business world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or business administration is required for any type of financial management position. However, many employers are seeking out graduates with master’s degrees, preferably in business administration or finance. Goldleaf Financial Solutions, Inc. recently partnered with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to offer their 500 plus employees the degree program options they need to advance within the company.
This partnership allows Goldleaf Financial Solutions, Inc. employees and their immediate family to receive educational benefits including a tuition discount and application fee waiver. Partners are also promoted on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
Features employees of Goldleaf Financial Solutions can take advantage of include the flexible degree programs, affordable tuition and maximum transfer credit for professional training and college credit. Associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs are available in business administration, along with business concentrations in finance on the bachelor’s and master’s level.
“The partnership discount makes it all the more possible for Goldleaf Financial Solutions employees to further their education,” said Heather Anderson. “CSU offers completely online associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral and certificate programs in business.”
The main focus of Goldleaf Financial Solutions is to show small, community banks that they can compete with larger banks by offering excellent customer service and letting Goldleaf Financial Solutions staff handle the operations of the financial systems. Goldleaf Financial Solutions offers advanced technology-based solutions designed for community financial institutions and neighborhood banks. The solutions allow institutions to improve operating productivity without using expenses and resources to develop and maintain systems themselves.
“One of the greatest benefits a corporation can offer their employees is access to a quality education,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “Both national and global companies understand that more skillful and knowledgeable employees help their business grow.”
New York Fire Department, National Sheriffs’ Association, Delta Air Lines, and Commtest, Inc. are a few of more than 200 organizations worldwide partnered with CSU.
More information about CSU and its partners is available by visiting, www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or calling 1-800-344-5021.
This partnership allows Goldleaf Financial Solutions, Inc. employees and their immediate family to receive educational benefits including a tuition discount and application fee waiver. Partners are also promoted on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
Features employees of Goldleaf Financial Solutions can take advantage of include the flexible degree programs, affordable tuition and maximum transfer credit for professional training and college credit. Associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs are available in business administration, along with business concentrations in finance on the bachelor’s and master’s level.
“The partnership discount makes it all the more possible for Goldleaf Financial Solutions employees to further their education,” said Heather Anderson. “CSU offers completely online associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral and certificate programs in business.”
The main focus of Goldleaf Financial Solutions is to show small, community banks that they can compete with larger banks by offering excellent customer service and letting Goldleaf Financial Solutions staff handle the operations of the financial systems. Goldleaf Financial Solutions offers advanced technology-based solutions designed for community financial institutions and neighborhood banks. The solutions allow institutions to improve operating productivity without using expenses and resources to develop and maintain systems themselves.
“One of the greatest benefits a corporation can offer their employees is access to a quality education,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “Both national and global companies understand that more skillful and knowledgeable employees help their business grow.”
New York Fire Department, National Sheriffs’ Association, Delta Air Lines, and Commtest, Inc. are a few of more than 200 organizations worldwide partnered with CSU.
More information about CSU and its partners is available by visiting, www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or calling 1-800-344-5021.
Online University Helps Firefighters Extinguish the Competition
ORANGE BEACH, AL – Earning a degree has never been more essential for firefighters looking to climb the “career ladder” – until now. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many fire departments are now requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in fire science, to be promoted any higher than battalion chief. Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first online universities, is teaming up with the Saraland Fire Rescue Department to help firefighters advance through the ranks.
This partnership provides Saraland firefighters, their spouses, and children with special benefits including tuition discounts and application fee waiver. The fire department will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
“Educating our firefighters is a core part of our mission at the Saraland Fire Rescue Department,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dewey Stringfellow. “A degree in fire science is essential for firefighters seeking advancement opportunities within their department.”
Saraland Fire Rescue Department started as a volunteer department in 1959 and has since grown into a paid professional department that protects more than 12,300 Saraland, Alabama residents. The department consists of 32 personnel including 22 firefighter/emergency medical technicians and 10 fire medics.
This partnership provides Saraland firefighters, their spouses, and children with special benefits including tuition discounts and application fee waiver. The fire department will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
“Educating our firefighters is a core part of our mission at the Saraland Fire Rescue Department,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dewey Stringfellow. “A degree in fire science is essential for firefighters seeking advancement opportunities within their department.”
Saraland Fire Rescue Department started as a volunteer department in 1959 and has since grown into a paid professional department that protects more than 12,300 Saraland, Alabama residents. The department consists of 32 personnel including 22 firefighter/emergency medical technicians and 10 fire medics.
“As a partner of fire organizations such as the Saraland Fire Rescue Department, our job is to help the department support its staff,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “At CSU, we feel that providing a flexible, quality education is the least we can do for the firefighters protecting our communities.”
New York Fire Department, Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association, Frankfurt Fire and EMS, and Tulsa Fire Department are a few of more than 85 fire organizations partnered with CSU. The university offers accredited online associate, bachelor, and certificate programs in fire science.
For more information or to learn how your organization can become a CSU partner, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or call 1-800-344-5021.
Volunteer Fire Organization Offers Online Education as Retention/Recruitment Tool
ORANGE BEACH, AL – More than 70 percent of fire departments are staffed entirely by volunteer firefighters. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the two biggest challenges for keeping these volunteer fire departments adequately staffed are retention and recruitment. Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first completely online universities, is partnering with organizations like the National Volunteer Fire Council (NFVC) to encourage those interested in serving as a volunteer firefighter by offering special educational discounts.
The partnership with CSU provides NVFC members, their spouses and children with special benefits including a tuition discount and application fee waiver. This nonprofit fire and emergency service organization will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
“We are very concerned about the challenges volunteer fire departments face with recruiting firefighters and keeping them on staff,” said Heather Schafer, Executive Director of the NVFC. “By offering resources to our members, such as the opportunity to earn a degree, we are increasing the number of volunteers that will join fire departments and potentially stay on board to serve their community.”
This nonprofit, national organization is the only one whose sole purpose is to represent volunteer fire, rescue and emergency medical services personnel (EMS). Membership includes almost 2,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in 49 states.
Since 1976, the Council has supported volunteer fire and EMS departments nationwide through education, advocacy, training, and resources. Many programs are offered to benefit volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel and the communities they protect.
The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program is the only national program dedicated to saving firefighters and EMS personnel from their leading cause of on-duty death - heart disease. This program works to increase awareness on the importance of heart health by providing resources, tools, and tips that firefighters and their families can use to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and heart attacks.
“As a partner of non-profit fire organizations such as the NVFC, our job is to help the associations support its members,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “At CSU, we feel that providing a flexible, quality education is the least we can do to help the firefighters protecting our communities.”
New York Fire Department, Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association, Frankfurt Fire and EMS, and Tulsa Fire Department are a few of more than 85 fire organizations partnered with CSU. CSU offers accredited online associate, bachelor and certificate programs in fire science. Other degree and certificate programs are also available.
For more information and a complete list of CSU partnerships, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or call 1-800-344-5021.
The partnership with CSU provides NVFC members, their spouses and children with special benefits including a tuition discount and application fee waiver. This nonprofit fire and emergency service organization will also be featured on the CSU website, in marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
“We are very concerned about the challenges volunteer fire departments face with recruiting firefighters and keeping them on staff,” said Heather Schafer, Executive Director of the NVFC. “By offering resources to our members, such as the opportunity to earn a degree, we are increasing the number of volunteers that will join fire departments and potentially stay on board to serve their community.”
This nonprofit, national organization is the only one whose sole purpose is to represent volunteer fire, rescue and emergency medical services personnel (EMS). Membership includes almost 2,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in 49 states.
Since 1976, the Council has supported volunteer fire and EMS departments nationwide through education, advocacy, training, and resources. Many programs are offered to benefit volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel and the communities they protect.
The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program is the only national program dedicated to saving firefighters and EMS personnel from their leading cause of on-duty death - heart disease. This program works to increase awareness on the importance of heart health by providing resources, tools, and tips that firefighters and their families can use to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and heart attacks.
“As a partner of non-profit fire organizations such as the NVFC, our job is to help the associations support its members,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU Vice President of Partnership Development. “At CSU, we feel that providing a flexible, quality education is the least we can do to help the firefighters protecting our communities.”
New York Fire Department, Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association, Frankfurt Fire and EMS, and Tulsa Fire Department are a few of more than 85 fire organizations partnered with CSU. CSU offers accredited online associate, bachelor and certificate programs in fire science. Other degree and certificate programs are also available.
For more information and a complete list of CSU partnerships, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/online/partners/ or call 1-800-344-5021.
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