The Faces of CSU

Our students represent locations all over the world – in all 50 states and more than 30 countries including Germany, China, Canada, Egypt, and Vietnam.  Firefighters, members of the military, single mothers, police officers, and others have trusted Columbia Southern University (CSU) for nearly two decades to give them the tools they need to become entrepreneurs, public servants, and business and healthcare professionals.  These are the faces of our university.  Here are their stories.      

What Our Students Are Saying . . .

“I could have marched across nearly any stage in America, some more prestigious than others, some more well known than others.  I choose this stage because it was only CSU that has made my dream my reality.”

E. Lavern Dowdy, Joppa, MD
BS, Environmental Management, 2007

“My CSU education has given me the tools I needed to take the next step in my career.  From training new officers to disciplining personnel, I apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained every day and in almost everything I do.” 

Greg Duck
BS, Criminal Justice Administration, 2002

“When I investigated the courses at CSU, I was really impressed with what they offered and the subjects I could take – all without stepping foot into a classroom. My “classroom” was whenever and wherever I was.”

Gary Moulder
MS, Occupational Safety & Health, 2006

“It’s never too late to learn.  One of my lifelong aspirations has been to complete my degree and thanks to CSU, I’m almost there.”   

Forney Howard
BS, Fire Science

See More Quotes

Student & Alumni Spotlights

Keith Kyte
Orange Beach, Alabama

… he could achieve his education without rearranging his life.

As a full-time firefighter and devoted family man, Keith Kyte couldn’t find the time for a traditional college education. He found that most universities required students to come on campus for classes and lectures at least a few days a week.  With the unpredictable nature of his profession and two young children going to class was not an option.

Shortly after hearing about a partnership developed between his employer, the Orange Beach Fire Department, and CSU, Kyte enrolled in the bachelor of fire science program. Several of his co-workers were also beginning to enroll in the completely online, self-paced programs.  The partnership offered a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver for all fire department staff. 

“Having a full-time job and family makes it impossible to spend all of my free time driving to a university to attend classes,” Kyte said. “CSU allows me to complete my course work at my own pace from the comfort of my home or office.”

CSU showed Kyte that earning a degree didn’t have to consist of attendance requirements and commutes to and from campus. While currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Kyte plans to graduate in 2009 and then begin working on a master’s degree.

After four years in the United States Air Force, Kyte began serving his community as a firefighter in 2000 with the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and later with the Orange Beach Fire Department. One of Kyte’s main goals is to advance within the field of fire science. During his first promotional exam he was one of two firefighters promoted to apparatus operator out of thirteen who applied. Kyte credits CSU for giving him the education he needed to be prepared for the test.

Kyte is involved in many organizations in his community. He serves as the secretary/treasurer for the Orange Beach Professional Firefighters Association Local 4309 and participates in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s annual Fill the Boot for Jerry’s Kids to help raise funds for children with muscular dystrophy.