University News

CSU GRADUATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD ATTEND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

More than 100 graduates and 400 guests from around the world traveled to Orange Beach, Alabama, this June to attend the 2007 CSU Commencement Ceremony.  Graduation was held at Christian Life Church from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Graduates represented countries as far as Egypt, Vietnam, and Germany and cities as close as Navarre and Pensacola.  The largest number of graduates, 19, came from Vietnam. 

Lavern Dowdy traveled from Joppa, Maryland with 20 of her closest friends and family members to receive her BS in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University.  She currently serves as a Physical Science Technician and First Responder with the U.S. Army.   

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

Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy for the United States Fire Administration, served as guest speaker for the ceremony.  Dr. Onieal has been a firefighter since 1971, rising through the ranks to become deputy fire chief in 1991 and acting chief of a uniformed force of 600.  His entire career has been spent “in the street” as a line fire officer. 

Other activities such as an open house, sunset cruise, alumni meeting and graduation reception were also held for CSU graduates and guests. 

CHECK OUT THE NEWEST CSU COURSE OFFERINGS

CSU has added four online courses to our general education curriculum you may want to include in your upcoming class schedule. 

Each of the courses offer an innovative approach to education by incorporating tools such as web lectures, live chats, discussion boards, interactive software, and audio and visual examples.  Spanning the disciplines of humanities, science, fine arts, and math, the latest course offerings include:

• Philosophies of World Religions
• Introduction to Political Science
• Introduction to Music Appreciation
• Finite Mathematics

Introduction to Music Appreciation is taught by a seven-year faculty member of The Juilliard School of Music.  A concert harpsichordist, Linda Kobler has recorded two CDs and has toured in Europe, Canada and the United States as a recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician.  Other accomplishments include her contributions to print and web journals and reference books such as The Garland Encyclopedia of the Keyboard. 

Although these courses may not be listed in your original evaluation, they are available for you to choose from for your general education requirements.  For more information or to speak with a student services representative, call (800) 977-8449. 

Accreditation News

THE RIGHT TIME IS NOW!

If you’re thinking about earning your doctoral degree with CSU, now is the perfect time.

• Tuition for the DBA program has recently been lowered to $295 per credit hour.
• Our DBA is now recognized as an accredited program by the U.S. Department of Education through the Distance Education and Training Council.

Covering a range of subjects such as business theories, practices, and issues, our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore and master business administration.  

The DBA program consists of 61 semester hours including:

• 45 hours of required DBA courses
• 12 hours of dissertation courses
• 3 hours of comprehensive exam and dissertation defense
• 1 hour student orientation course

If you would like more information about our DBA program, please feel free to contact our admissions department at 1-800-977-8449 or admissions@columbiasouthern.edu. 

Partnership News

CSU PARTNERS WITH ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP 50 HOSPITALS

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, repeatedly ranked as one of America’s 50 best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report,recently partnered with CSU to take advantage of our completely online degree programs.  As the second largest acute care public hospital in Florida, Sarasota Memorial currently employs more than 3,000 people who, along with their spouses and children, will receive a 10 percent tuition discount as a result of this partnership. 

“We are always looking for ways to enhance the educational opportunities for our staff,” said Sarasota Memorial President & CEO Gwen MacKenzie. “Online degree programs like those offered at Columbia Southern University make it easier for our employees to fulfill their personal and professional aspirations, and since we offer generous tuition reimbursement benefits, easier for us to support them in their efforts.”

As a CSU partner, Sarasota Memorial will also be promoted on our website, marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.  The CSU website alone attracts visitors from all over the world and receives approximately 20,000 hits per week, giving the hospital global publicity opportunities. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is an 806-bed regional medical center located just south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast.  Founded in 1925, it is a full-service facility with specialized expertise in heart, cancer and neuroscience services.  A Level Three Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, clinical research center, outpatient services, home health and long-term care are among its many programs. 

CSU also holds learning partnerships with 12 other corporations including Delta Air Lines, Boeing, Airtrek Air Ambulance and the Federal Protective Service. 

Sarasota Memorial employees who would like to learn more about this partnership should visit http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/alliances/Sarasota.asp.

CSU PARTNERS WITH LARGEST LABOR ORGANIZATION IN HONG KONG

With a growing number of international students, CSU is further expanding its overseas reach by partnering with foreign organizations.  One of our latest partnerships includes the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the largest labor organization in Hong Kong.  The alliance will provide the more than 300,000 members of this federation with a

• 10 percent tuition discount
• access to our associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate distance learning programs    

“We want to encourage our members to grasp educational opportunities that will advance their professional growth,” said Wong Chimei, Deputy General Secretary for the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.  “Our partnership with Columbia Southern University offers new and unique online education possibilities that will make completing a degree program more affordable and attainable for the working population.”  

Founded in 1948, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions began with 22 affiliated unions and 20,000 members.  Today, the federation is comprised of 175 affiliated unions and 46 associated unions representing industries such as marine transport, public utilities, construction, and manufacturing.   

Other international CSU partnerships include Commtest, a New Zealand based high tech manufacturer and one of the world’s most respected producers of condition monitoring equipment. 

If you are a Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions member and are interested in applying to CSU, please visit us online or call 1-800-977-8449. 

KAPLAN JOINS LIST OF CSU ACADEMIC PARTNERS

Alliance Offers CSU Graduates a Larger Selection of Degree Programs

Kaplan University and CSU recently partnered to maximize transfer credit awarded for CSU alumni.  According to this agreement, CSU graduates will be eligible to transfer up to 90 undergraduate quarter credits (or equivalent) into a Kaplan bachelor’s degree program.  Kaplan is also extending a 10 percent tuition discount to all CSU alumni, faculty and staff. 

Alumni must be in good standing with CSU and complete all Kaplan admission requirements to take advantage of this partnership.  Kaplan will complete a course-by-course review of all transfer credits submitted on official transcripts from CSU. 

This is one of nine academic partnerships CSU has established to offer our students and alumni a larger selection of degree programs to choose from.  CSU also holds partnerships with Capella University, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, University of West Florida, Alabama Fire College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Northcentral University, South Central College and Trinidad State Junior College. 

Alumni News

A WORD FROM OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Distinguished Alumni,

As we reflect on the past year, we can take pride in knowing that our alumni association is stronger than it has ever been.  On that note, I would like to share with you some of our most notable highlights for 2007.

• On June 28th, we held our annual Alumni Association Meeting at Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Alabama, with the largest turnout in the history of our organization.  The meeting included officer nominations, discussion of new alumni association benefits, the new alumni association website, alumni involvement topics, and much more. 
• CSU has now implemented the CSU Click, a new social networking platform exclusively for CSU alumni.  Many other universities such as Stanford and Santa Clara are also offering this benefit to their alumni.  Through CSU Click, our alumni will now be able to network with each other, view career listings, post their personal profile and participate in group discussions.  This dynamic online community will give us all the resources we need to connect with the over 9,000 other CSU graduates. 
• Our alumni association recently partnered with Liberty Mutual Insurance to provide all alumni association members with discounted homeowners and auto insurance rates.
• Alumni association members now have full access to the online library.
• And finally, the best announcement of all – as a CSU graduate, you will now gain automatic FREE access to our alumni association to stay connected with your alma mater.

I hope that all of you are as excited as I am about all these great new benefits and will take full advantage of your alumni association membership.  Your active involvement and participation is the key to our success in developing a truly compelling online alumni association.  If you have any suggestions regarding additional benefits we may be able to offer our alumni, please feel free to contact me at jamie.gauthier@columbiasouthern.edu.   

Best Regards,

Jamie Gauthier, MBA
President, CSU Alumni Association

CSU OFFERS ALUMNI A WAY TO CONNECT – THE CSU CLICK

We are now offering an exclusive new service for CSU alumni – the CSU Click.

Click is an online social networking community that allows you to connect with more than 9,000 other CSU alumni from all over the world. With Click you can find a great job, share photos, network professionally, and more. Plus, it's totally free!

So, sign on today, create your profile, upload a photo, and start inviting others to join you online. It only takes a few minutes.  If you have completed multiple degrees with us, please use the student ID number you were assigned for your first degree program completed to sign on. 

We are excited about Click and are equally as excited to have you on board.

See you online soon!

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP IS ESTABLISHED IN MEMORY OF CSU FOUNDER, DR. ROBERT G. MAYES

The Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship has been established in loving memory of Dr. Robert Mayes, CSU founder and president from 1945 to 2005.  This $5,000 alumni scholarship is awarded annually to a CSU alumnus nominated by the faculty.  To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have graduated from CSU with a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher.  A phone interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee may also be required.  The committee will be composed of CSU Provost Dr. Joe Manjone, three faculty members, and Vice President of University Advancement Dr. Joe Wilkins with final approval from President Robert Mayes.  The name of the scholarship recipient will be posted on the CSU website and in the CSU Communicator student/alumni newsletter.  No formal application is required.  For more information, please contact Dr. Joe Wilkins at joe.wilkins@columbiasouthern.edu.

People News

Awards & Recognitions

CSU PROVOST SELECTED TO ESTABLISH RULES FOR U.S. HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

Dr. Joe Manjone to Serve as First Southern Chair of National Federation of State High School Association Soccer Rules Committee

In the 87 year history of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), no individual from a southern state has ever chaired the Soccer Rules Committee – until now.  Dr. Joe Manjone, CSU Provost, was recently selected as chairperson to lead this nine member committee consisting of soccer officials, coaches and state high school administrators from all over the nation in establishing rules for U.S. high school soccer.   

“I am truly honored to be selected for this position,” said Dr. Manjone.  “It will be my pleasure to serve as chair of the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee for the next four years.”

Approaching the golden anniversary of his soccer officiating career, Dr. Manjone has officiated nearly 2,000 soccer matches in seven U.S. states and at U.S. Army bases throughout Europe.  His past experience also includes sports administrator positions with the U.S. Army, Penn State, Frostburg State University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  Other high school and collegiate sports he has officiated include basketball, baseball, softball, football, volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wrestling. 

Although the 65 year old provost underwent hip replacement surgery in November 2005, he continues to demonstrate his love for the game and in Spring 2007 officiated approximately 40 high school and middle school games. 

Dr. Manjone also serves as the rules interpreter and soccer championship coordinator for the Alabama High School Athletic Association, assignor of soccer referees for the North Alabama Soccer Officials Association, and is a founding member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA).  He currently writes the annual NISOA High School Refresher Exam used by high school referees nationwide to prepare for the upcoming soccer season.  

Dr. Manjone holds a bachelor’s degree in math and master’s in sports administration from Penn State, and a doctorate in sports administration from the University of Georgia.  An officiating researcher and author, his works include the Co-recreational Sports Handbook and a number of articles such as Officiating the High School Way.  

Who’s New at CSU

Tamrala Swafford

Tamrala Swafford joined the CSU team in June 2007 as Chair of General Education.  Originally from Ragland, Alabama, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Jacksonville State University and another master’s degree in American History/Cherokee Studies from Western Carolina University.  Swafford is currently a doctoral candidate in the History Department at Arizona State University specializing in 20th century economic development and environmental history among the Eastern Cherokees in North Carolina.  An active member of the American Society for Ethnohistorians, she is also a member of the Southern Historical Association, American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians and Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Gamma Mu honor societies. 

Anne Simmons

Recently named Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, Dr. Anne Simmons holds a PhD in Aging and Deviance, Master of Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama.  She has extensive higher education teaching experience in small and large private and public colleges and universities in traditional and distance education courses.  Dr. Simmons is also a mitigation specialist investigating for indigent defendants in Alabama capital cases.

Other Newcomers

• Christina Henderson, April 9
• Elizabeth Simmons, May7
• Kristyn Simmons, May 9
• Pamela Bundy, May 23
• Katie West, May 23
• Valorey Stone, May 30
• Laurie Westlake, June 6
• Amanda Angel, June 13
• Brittany Berry, June 13
• Robert Clemmons, June 18
• Tara M. Crowley, July 11
• Jonathan Hoffman, July 25
• Cheryl Lockhart, July 25
• Ashley Herzing, July 30
• Stephanie Abey, August 1

Student Spotlight

Forney Howard        
Orange Beach, Alabama

. . . he never lost sight of his dreams of higher education.

Forney Howard understands that life’s challenges often get in the way of achieving your goals.  With an absent father and mother who died when Howard was barely 18 years-old, he was forced to drop out of college and find a source of income. 

In his search for a steady job, Howard stumbled on the Birmingham, Alabama, Fire Department where he began his 37 year career in fire service as a rookie plug man.  Although his career path was borne out of necessity, he soon realized that the fast-pasted lifestyle of a fireman was meant for him.  The fire station presented him with a sense of family and his work satisfied his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Through the years, Howard never lost sight of his dreams of higher education.  He enrolled in the fire science bachelor’s degree program with CSU in 2005 and now has only nine courses left. 

Today, Howard is 60 years old and serves as Chief of the Orange Beach Fire Department.

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

Alumni Spotlight

Greg Duck
Orange Beach, Alabama

. . . he needed another alternative – an education that would fit around his life. 

(Place quote next to pic of student:  “My CSU education has given me the tools I need to take the next step in my career.”)

Greg Duck grew up knowing what he wanted to do.  Spending his childhood watching his father advocate for public safety as a Bay Minette, Alabama city councilman, Duck experienced firsthand the difference that law enforcement can make in a community. 

Unlike his siblings, Duck passed up the opportunity to go off to college to begin his distinguished 23 year career in law enforcement as a dispatcher in Bay Minette.  An ambitious, young officer, he took every opportunity he could to advance through the ranks.  There was just one thing holding him back from his dream – an education. 

After years of trying to fit his unpredictable and demanding work schedule around traditional university degree programs, he realized there was no way he could finish his education in an environment with strict course structures and class attendance policies.  He needed another alternative – an education that would fit around his life. 

In 1999, Duck joined the list of CSU students and began working towards his bachelor of science in criminal justice.  The completely online programs and flexible course structures made it possible for him to finish his degree in less than three years.

Since then, Duck has been named Assistant Police Chief of the Orange Beach Police Department and has recently enrolled in the Master of Business in Public Administration program at CSU. 

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