CSU Communicator - Newsletter Issue #11 - Columbia Southern University

Congratulations to all the graduates who traveled from around the globe last month to participate in the 2008 CSU Commencement Ceremony! Those who couldn’t attend watched the ceremony over the Internet through live streaming video from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.

States represented included Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Graduates from Egypt, Canada, Kenya, and Vietnam were also present.

With more than 170 graduates and 600 guests, this was the largest graduation ceremony ever held by our university. More than half of those who participated serve or have served in the U.S. military. This issue of the CSU Communicator is filled with more details about this special event along with pictures we hope you’ll enjoy. And remember, if you weren’t able to attend this year’s celebration, we look forward to seeing you in October 2009!

On a more somber note, CSU recently lost one of its most revered professors, Dr. Jim Vicory. Known for his passion for sports management, psychology and criminal justice, we will always remember him as a dedicated educator committed to the success of his students. He passed away on October 13th at the age of 69. He will be greatly missed by his CSU family, colleagues, and students. Please take the time to read our special tribute to him in our “Faculty News” section.

Graduates From Around the Globe Attend 2008 Commencement Ceremony

On October 10th, 2008 more than 700 graduates and guests from around the globe traveled to Pensacola, Florida to attend the 2008 CSU Graduation Ceremony at the second largest air and space museum in the world, 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.

This year CSU was recognized as one of the top 20 schools for military education by Military Advanced Education. Over 100 institutions applied for the award and CSU ranked in the top 20. 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.

Other activities such as an alumni meeting and graduation reception were also offered for CSU graduates and guests. A graduation video and photo gallery will be available on the CSU graduation webpage.

CSU Recognized as Top Military University

Kerrigan Media and Military Advanced Education recently selected CSU as one of Military Advanced Education’s Top Military Friendly Colleges and Universities for the second year in a row. CSU was also singled out as one of the Top 20 Schools for distinction.

CSU currently serves more than 6,000 military students and awards them transfer credit based on military training, professional experience, and prior coursework. Military discounts and flexible course structures are just a few of the features we offer to help the men and women who preserve our nation’s freedom earn the quality education they deserve. Approved to offer DANTES, TA and VA benefits, CSU is also a member of GoArmyEd, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, and the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate (AU-ABC) program.

An article containing more information about this recognition will be published in both the print and online November/December 2008 editions of Military Advanced Education. A link to this article will soon be available on the news section of the CSU website.

CSU Holiday Schedule

The holidays are quickly approaching. The CSU Holiday schedule provides important student information about dates that CSU offices will be closed, deadlines and more.

CSU Photo Contest Update

Thank you to all who submitted photos for the 2nd Annual CSU Photo Contest! We received more than 250 photos of students and alumni on the job, relaxing with family and friends, and studying online. Last years winning photos were showcased in the “2008 Faces of CSU Calendar,” advertisements, and on the CSU website. This year’s winners will be announced in December 2008.

Department of the Month

The CSU Marketing Department is responsible for promoting and protecting the university brand through advertising, graphic design, public relations, website design, and other marketing functions. Organization of the alumni association and special event planning are also performed by the seven members that comprise this dynamic team. More than 100 ads per month are featured in advertising mediums around the world including popular career services websites such as Careerbuilder.com, military base papers, industry publications, and more. The CSU website receives 140,000 monthly total visits on average. Press coverage extends from local and regional press to national and even international media markets. All collateral materials ranging from the CSU Catalogue to banners, brochures and flyers are conceptualized and distributed by the CSU marketing team.

Did you know?

According to Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning, a study conducted by The Sloan Consortium, nearly 3.5 million students were enrolled in at least one online course during the fall 2006 term – an increase of almost 10 percent from 2005

Partnership News

CSU Partners with Alabama’s Largest Fire and Rescue Department

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 CSU 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, 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.

For more information or to learn how your fire organization can join the list of CSU partners, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/learningpartners or call 1-800-344-5021.

Is Your Organization a Learning Partner?

Consider the advantages a more educated, qualified workforce can generate for your organization and ask your employer to join the list of CSU learning partners. As a CSU learning partner, your organization will receive the following benefits:

10 % Tuition Discount

Application Fee Waiver

Spouses and children of employees are also eligible for these benefits. If your employer is interested in becoming a CSU learning partner, please call 1-800-344-5021 or email learningpartners@columbiasouthern.edu.

Refer a Partner!

CSU is always looking to form new partnerships with organizations around the world. If you know of any organizations that could benefit from partnering with CSU please email the CSU partnership department at learningpartners@columbiasouthern.edu with the name of the organization.

Currently, CSU holds more than 500 partnerships ranging from fire and police departments to major corporations and government organizations. All partners get the benefit of an application fee waiver plus a 10 percent tuition discount.

CSU Welcomes the Following Organizations as New Learning Partners.

Alan Randall Associates, Inc. – McLean, VA

Alexandria Police Department – Alexandria, VA

Blessey Marine Services – New Orleans, LA

Bristol Tennessee Fire Department – Bristol, TN

Brundidge Police Department – Brundidge, AL

Chesapeake Fire Department – Chesapeake, VA

Churchill Environmental, Inc. – Syracuse, NY

Destin Fire Control District – Destin, FL

Huntington Reproductive Center – Pasadena, CA

International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainer’s Association - Twin Lakes, WI

Montrose Fire Protection – Montrose, CO

NewTec, LLC – Huachuca, AZ

PMRF Barking Sand Fire Department – Kekaha, HI

Snohomish County Fire District 7 – Snohomish, WA

Alumni News

From the Alumni Association President

I am delighted to be selected as the 2008/2009 CSU Alumni Association president and am looking forward to reaching out to advise, counsel and motivate students and alumni alike to be the very best they can be. It was definitely a joy to see so many of you at this year’s graduation ceremony and the alumni meeting. This is truly an indication of what the future holds for this university and the alumni association.

My CSU story is not unique and it is not very compelling; however, it is like many that I have heard over the years. Attending college is a dream for many that will never come true. The many rigors of life and job schedules sometimes get in the way. CSU offers a solution for all of these issues. With flexible class schedules and easy-to-follow online courses, it creates a better balance between class work and a social life.

Don’t get me wrong the courses are not easy, but with the help of qualified professors, CSU staff, and the many CSU Ambassadors, the college experience is more manageable. I enjoy talking about the many programs and learning options CSU provides and challenge you all to get involved with the alumni association and continue to be a part of the great educational experience offered at CSU.

I look forward to making this year one of the best in CSU alumni history. This is our time to make the alumni association shine!

More Than 70 CSU Graduates Attend Annual Alumni Association Meeting

This year, more than 70 graduates attended the 2008 CSU Alumni Association Meeting at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. Topics discussed at the meeting included benefits available to CSU graduates such as the CSU Click, a social networking site developed exclusively for alumni, the Dr. Robert G. Mayes Alumni Scholarship, alumni discounts at popular companies such as Liberty Mutual and Alamo, learning partnerships, and the alumni portion of the CSU website.

Presenters included the new alumni association president, Brian Edwards, CSU President, Robert Mayes, Vice President of Partnership Development/Admissions, Chantell Cooley, Director of Marketing, Jessica Brown, and Alumni Liaison, Katie Coale. Jamie Gauthier, immediate past president of the alumni association, was honored with the 2008 Distinguished Service Award at this meeting for serving as president for the last three years. Several 2008/2009 alumni association officers were also selected including Jennifer McIntyre as Vice President of Communications, Robert Cheek as Vice President of Meetings, Charles Dye as Military Liaison and Ricardo Gallegos as Student Liaison. One position still need to be filled include, President-Elect.

Descriptions for each officer position are available by visiting the alumni section of the website. The deadline for nominations is November 21th, 2008. Your nomination should include a brief summary of why you would like to serve as an alumni association officer, your bio, and resume. If you are interested in being considered for one of these roles, please contact Katie Coale, CSU Alumni Liaison.

People News

A Fond Farewell

It is with great sadness that CSU announces the death of Dr. Jim Vicory, a longtime CSU professor. After a courageous battle with stomach cancer, Dr. Vicory passed away on October 13th at the age of 69. He was surrounded by his wife of 42 years, Joanne, and his family.

Dr. Vicory was born on June 7th 1939 in Joplin, Missouri. He was the class president and football captain at West High School in Aurora, Illinois where he was recently inducted into the West Aurora High Sports Hall of Fame based on his lifetime achievement and dedication in the field of sports.

After earning two masters degrees and a doctorate in exercise physiology, Dr. Vicory taught and coached sports psychology and sports management internationally. He also wrote several books on sports psychology.

Dr. Vicory combined an academic background of psychology and sports medicine for a successful career in several fields including corrections, sport psychology and sport management. He was best known as a much loved professor who always had an easy smile for everyone he came in contact with. He was held in highest regards by both faculty and staff and will be greatly missed by all members of the CSU family and his students.

CSU Professor Receives Professional Achievements

CSU Professor William Till was recently appointed chairman of the National Fire Protection Association’s Technical Committee on Fire Protection of Nuclear Facilities. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the world’s leading advocate of fire prevention. It was established in 1896 and is an international nonprofit organization with the goal of reducing the effects fire and other hazards have on everyday life.

Who's New at CSU

How has an online education with CSU changed your life? Submit your comments to Katie Coale, Communications Specialist, at Katie.Coale@columbiasouthern.edu.

Student Spotlight

Greg Jerralds always held on to his dream of completing a bachelor’s degree and instilled in his children the same goal. With four children who had their sights set on college, he was motivated to complete his bachelor’s degree before his oldest child.

Long hours and frequent travel made it difficult for Greg to earn a degree in the traditional university setting. Greg chose CSU based on the quality online programs, self-paced courses, and accommodating style that made it easy for him to earn a degree with his demanding schedule. Two CSU diplomas, an associate’s degree in business, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration currently hang on his wall.

“To make sure I stayed focused on earning my degrees, my wife purchased two CSU diploma frames in advance,” Greg said. “They sat empty on my desk for years. But now I am proud to say they are both filled.”

For over 24 years, Greg has held positions in the corporate world. He began as a mortgage banker, held the title of director with a global medical device company, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer with Profit InnerCircle, LLC. Greg credits CSU with some of his success in business and has received three senior level promotions since beginning courses at CSU in 2004.

After achieving his main goal of earning a bachelor’s degree, Greg set higher goals. He was recently accepted into the CSU MBA program. His wife already purchased a third diploma frame that will one day display a master’s degree on his wall.

Please submit article suggestions or event information for the next issue of the CSU Communicator to Jessica Brown, Marketing Director, at jessie.brown@columbiasouthern.edu.

University News

Message from the President