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Tem Frierson

...his success was no accident.

Navy Chief Tem Frierson has served his country well over the past 24 years.

He has worked as an aviation anti-submarine warfare operator for 12 years, a counselor/liaison with the Combined Forces Command in Afghanistan for a year, recruiting supervisor for five years and most recently, as marketing/advertising director for the past five years. The South Carolina native has also been awarded Zone Supervisor of the Year for recruiting for the Navy and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and the Navy League.

To boost his military career, Frierson decided to enroll in CSU and seek a degree in business administration because “I like business and the unique opportunities of this career field.”

As he progressed through his studies, Frierson said he found it “rewarding as I progressed from the AAS to the BSBA.”

And yes, at times, the journey was a little rough for the 43-year-old. However, his military discipline and determination saw him through.

“I enjoyed setting my own schedules and timelines, although that cost me in a few extension fees,” he laughed. “But, I knew I was in control of my accomplishments!”

And he accomplished much with what he learned during his CSU education.

“I have had the opportunity to put into practice many of the business lessons that I have learned through my studies,” he explained. “As the marketing director, I built a plan around the foundations that I learned in ‘Strategic Management,’ ‘Business Ethics’ and ‘Business Policy and Strategy.’ The same year I completed my education, I was also selected as the Marketing Director of the Year (nationally). I feel this is no coincidence.”

Frierson has also used his recruiting talents to spread the word about CSU and has referred the online university to more than 500 people who later enrolled with CSU. And what advice does he have for a prospective CSU student?

“Your limitations are all within yourself. Use the staff to assist you in reducing your limitations and to partner with you on your individual journey,” Frierson suggests. “Talk to your advisors and build a working relationship with them. The better they know you, and the better you know Columbia Southern, your goals become limitless at CSU."