William Payne
...he chose CSU for its reputation, credibility and affordability.
After seven years with the Navy, William Payne decided to put his skills in communications technology to use to launch a career in 1995. He decided to go into information technology and started a company. After many years of business, Payne decided to seek an online bachelor’s degree in his profession in 2009 with Columbia Southern University.
“Education in the technology arena is extremely important. We are competing at an international level. And there are people walking around you that have high credentials,” he explained. As a CEO of a company, Payne thought it was also important to strengthen his education and appeal in today’s marketplace considering the current dynamics of the economy.
He said he chose CSU for its reputation, credibility and affordability. “CSU rates are extremely cost effective. The rates reduced my expected spending to about half,” Payne said.
During his educational journey, Payne faced a few obstacles. “The greatest challenge for me was looking at all of the classes that I had to take when I initially enrolled,” he said. “It was somewhat overwhelming and I had a sense of not being able to complete the program because of situations or circumstances that may arise.”
However, Payne said CSU faculty and staff provided a strong network of support to help him reach his goals. In addition, “I changed my views of what was ahead and looked more to what was accomplished, in terms of class completion. My accomplishments gave me the confidence and energy to tackle the next term of courses until I successfully completed the program,” Payne explained.
After proudly graduating from CSU summa cum laude, Payne felt “receiving a degree from CSU validated my years of technology experience.”
And for those thinking about pursuing an online education with CSU, he offers these words of advice: “Make it happen. Take the first step. You will not be alone. CSU has advisors that will be there for you that will lay out a roadmap with you. There is a support person for you at every stage, all the way through graduation.”
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