Larry Williams, Associate Dean for Academic Administration at Columbia Southern University (CSU), presented a paper at the International Conference on Greater Mekong Sub-Region Discovery in Thailand on August 27th. The paper, titled “E-Learning: A Key Strategy in Facilitating Knowledge and Sustaining Development in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region” provides a comprehensive examination of e-learning and identifies the key advantage of online education. Representatives from six countries including Thailand, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar participated in this conference.Williams holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, a MBA from Pennsylvania State University and Coppin State College, and a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. His professional experience includes positions as Management Consultant/Trainer for Dunville Training Group and TQM Consultants in Malaysia, International Relations Director at Yonok College in Thailand, and Dean of Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon and Catonsville Community College in Baltimore, Maryland. He is also the author of four books including 8 Windows 2 Creative Thinking; Champions of Change: Planned Change Made Easy; Keep It Simple and Succeed: 10 Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself and Others; and Keep ‘Em Motivated.
April 1, 2008
Online University To Hold 2008 Graduation At World’s Second Largest Air and Space Museum
Columbia Southern University Graduates Will Visit National Museum of Naval AviationOctober 10th, 2008 graduates will march across the stage of the second largest air and space museum in the world. The annual Columbia Southern University (CSU) commencement ceremony is set for the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. This 300,000 square foot structure of steel and glass attracts approximately one million visitors a year and features more than 150 aircraft.
The ceremony will be 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. Vice Admiral Jerry Hoewing is serving as keynote speaker for the event. A graduate of National War College, his professional background includes positions with the Navy Department and Department of Defense. During his sterling 36 year military career, Vice Admiral Hoewing has done everything from commanding the U.S.S. Seattle and U.S.S. John F. Kennedy to assigning more than 370,000 naval personnel.
Graduates are also invited to participate in other activities including an alumni social and graduation reception. CSU will begin accepting graduation registrations in June 2008. Students must have submitted their petition to graduate prior to registering. More details will soon be available at www.columbiasouthern.edu.
April 1, 2008
Online University Dean Presents Paper At Major Historical Conference
Tamrala Swafford, Dean of the College of General Studies at Columbia Southern University (CSU), presented a paper at the American Society for Ethnohistory Annual Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 8th. This is a peer-reviewed panel and one of the major historical conferences in the United States.The theme for this conference is “Tribes and Nations: Persistence and Adaptation of Indigenous Identities” and is co-sponsored by the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tulsa and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Her paper is entitled, “Gadugi and the Government Agent: Land Use Decisions in Depression-Era Cherokee, North Carolina.”
Swafford holds a M.A. in English from Jacksonville State University, a M.A. in History/Cherokee Studies from Western Carolina University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Arizona State University in the Department of History. This research is a portion of her dissertation in progress entitled, “Gadugi and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Environmental and Economic History, 1934-1984.”
She is also an active member of the American Society for Ethno historians, the Southern Historical Association, American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians and honor societies, Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Gamma Mu.
April 1, 2008
CSU Gives HR Students a Competitive Edge
Columbia Southern University Partners with HR for Techs, Inc.Competition for human resource management positions is heating up, driving employers to recruit college graduates for even entry-level positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for human resource managers is expected to rise through 2014 with opportunities in local government, state government, and corporations. However, a surge of qualified candidates makes this field nearly impossible to break into without at least a bachelor’s degree level education. Corporations such as HR for Techs, a human resource consulting firm, are using online education to help employees advance their careers.
A new partnership between HR for Techs and Columbia Southern University (CSU) will provide the firm’s employees with the education necessary to contend with other professionals in this field. One of the nation’s first completely online universities, CSU offers bachelor and certificate programs in human resource management. An online MBA is also available with a concentration in this specialization.
“We are always looking for ways to help our members take the next step in their careers,” said Dan Saletta, HR for Techs President. “Our partnership with CSU gives HR for Techs employees a way to achieve personal, educational, and career-minded goals.”
The partnership provides HR for Techs employees, their spouses and children with educational benefits including a tuition discount, application fee waiver, and textbooks at no cost. The firm will also be promoted on the CSU website, marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
“At CSU, we prepare our students for the combative nature of human resource management,” said Chantell Cooley, CSU VP of Partnership Development. “Offering completely online, self-paced degree programs allows students to earn a quality education while still gaining valuable experience in their field.”
Boeing, Delta Air Lines, New York Fire Department, Commtest, and the National Sheriffs’ Association are just a few of the other organizations on the long list of CSU partners. In fact, partnerships with this online university extend to organizations in nearly half of the 50 U.S. states.
April 1, 2008
Online Criminal Justice Degrees In Demand
Columbia Southern University Adds American Jail Association to Growing List of Learning Partners Criminal justice professionals around the nation are jumping on the bandwagon with online education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college training can increase earning potential for law enforcement personnel by as much as 30 percent. One of the nation’s first completely online universities, Columbia Southern University (CSU) recently partnered with the American Jail Association (AJA) to offer educational benefits to the organization’s more than 4,000 members.
“While criminal justice career opportunities are abundant, the competition for higher wage positions can be intense,” said Gwyn Smith-Ingley, AJA Executive Director. “CSU offers associate, bachelor, master and certificate programs our members can use to enhance their future.”
This partnership allows AJA members and their immediate family to receive educational benefits including a tuition discount, application fee waiver, and textbooks at no cost. Partners are also promoted on the CSU website and in marketing materials.
“At CSU, we are committed to providing law enforcement with the education they need to advance their careers,” said Robert Mayes, CSU President. “Open enrollment, flexible courses, and affordable tuition make earning a quality education possible for those with demanding and unpredictable schedules.”
The AJA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those who work in and operate U.S. jails. It is the only national association that focuses on issues related to the operation of local jails and detention centers. Today, the AJA Annual Conference attracts more than 2,000 jail professionals and those providing ancillary support services.
CSU also holds partnerships with nonprofit organizations including the National Sheriffs’ Association and National Volunteer Fire Council. Organizations such as the International Union of Police Associations, Twin Cities Police Authority, and Federal Protective Services are among the other 20 criminal justice partners.
April 1, 2008
Delta Awards Employee Online University Scholarship
Delta Employee Will Complete Bachelor’s Degree with Columbia Southern University Employers large and small are recognizing the impact online education can have on their organization. Delta Air Lines recently awarded employee Tom Blatnik a $2,000 scholarship towards completing his bachelor’s degree with Columbia Southern University (CSU). One of the nation’s first online universities, CSU joined Delta as one of six academic partners in 2004.
Funded by Delta as part of its commitment to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Safety Administration Voluntary Protection Program, the scholarship is designed to recognize students who engage in occupational safety, health and environmental outreach within their schools, communities, and workplace. Blatnick, a current CSU student, will use the award to help finance his occupational safety and health degree.
“Earning a degree has always seemed just out of reach,” said Blatnick. “Our affiliation with CSU has offered me, and other Delta employees, special benefits that make achieving a quality education possible.”
More than 120 Delta employees have taken advantage of the academic partnership. Benefits include a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver. While Delta employees are free to attend any accredited institution of their choice, CSU is second only to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is number one on the list of universities employees select to earn their master’s degrees.
“CSU was established to create educational possibilities for those who need it most,” said Robert Mayes, CSU President. “Our programs offer customized solutions that can accommodate anyone seeking to expand their career options.”
Delta offers service to a large number of destinations – more than any other global airline. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, flights are available to 462 locations in 95 countries.
Other CSU partnerships include 16 corporations, 20 police departments, and 70 fire departments. Among these are Boeing, HR for Techs, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and the New York City Fire Department.
Please visit http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/learningpartners or call 1-800-344-5021 for more details.
April 1, 2008
Cancer Benefit For Local Family
Columbia Southern University Hosts Fish Fry and Silent Auction Heather Davison, a Columbia Southern University (CSU) employee, is struggling to help her husband battle stage four melanoma cancer. With three school-aged children and rising medical expenses, this young family has exhausted their financial resources. To lend a hand, CSU is hosting the Chuckie Davison Family Benefit on Saturday, October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park.
Featuring a fish fry and silent auction, plates are $10 each. Grits, coleslaw, baked beans, rolls, and various desserts will be available. The goal is to sell at least 1,000 plates.
This family and their girls need your help. Please join CSU this Saturday for your chance to make a big difference in the lives of a very special family.
April 1, 2008
Social Networking Edges Its Way Into Online Education
Columbia Southern University Offers Alumni a New Way to ConnectThe absence of social networking has always been one of the major arguments for online education opponents – until now. Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of the nation’s first completely online universities, recently launched the CSU Click, an exclusive new service for CSU alumni. Click is an online social networking community that allows alumni to network with more than 9,000 other CSU graduates from all over the world.
“As a graduate of Columbia Southern University, I’ve spent the last several years trying to create an active alumni association,” said Jamie Gauthier, CSU Alumni Association President. “Now the CSU Click has sparked worldwide attention from our alumni and we are beginning to see the strongest, most enthusiastic alumni association I’ve ever seen from any online university.”
With Click, CSU alumni can find other graduates with similar interests, share photos, explore job opportunities, and more. Other special features of the CSU Click include the ability to:
- Network with alumni about career and business opportunities
- Share photos and blogs in a secure environment
- Share information or seek advice by messaging networks
- Hear about events going on in different locations hosted by CSU alumni
- Start groups to find other alumni with similar interests
After alumni register with the CSU Click, it only takes them a few minutes to create a profile, upload a photo and start inviting other alumni to join their network. Since CSU launched this social networking tool in August, hundreds of graduates are already beginning to take advantage of this opportunity.
The CSU Click is offered at no charge to CSU alumni and can be accessed by visiting http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/alumni/index.asp. For more information, please contact Jamie Gauthier, CSU Alumni Association President, at jamie.gauthier@columbiasouthern.edu.
April 1, 2008
Online Education a Hot Topic on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Columbia Southern University Partners with Local Chamber
Online education is a hot topic on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The City of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and now the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce are all adding online educational resources to their list of employee benefits. Each of these organizations has partnered with Columbia Southern University, a completely online university nestled in the heart of Orange Beach on Canal Road.
The Orange Beach Police Department and Orange Beach Fire and Rescue are also partners of this rapidly growing university. Over the past few years, more than 65 Alabama Gulf Coast residents have taken advantage of the accredited degree and certificate programs offered.
“The members of our community deserve every opportunity to receive an affordable, quality education,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President. “Our online programs and open enrollment are designed to fit the lifestyle of the working adult and make achieving educational goals realistic.”
Employees of the 27-year-old Chamber are eligible to begin receiving several incentives from the university including tuition discounts and an application fee waiver. The Chamber will also be promoted on the university website, marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.
With more than 1,000 members, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is funded totally by membership dues and revenue generated from special events such as the Annual National Shrimp Festival. Last year, some 300,000 people attended the two day festival featuring over 300 fine art, arts and crafts, retail marketplace and shrimp vendors.
“Our employees work hard to improve the communities we serve,” said Mark Berson, President of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. “In return, we want to make sure they have access to the educational resources they need to advance their careers.”
Other Columbia Southern University partnerships include 16 corporations, 16 police departments, and 50 fire departments. Among these are Delta Air Lines, Boeing, and the New York Fire Department.
To learn more about Columbia Southern University partnerships, please visit http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/alliances/learningpartners.asp or contact Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development at learningpartners@columbiasouthern.edu.
April 1, 2008
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 CommitteeIn 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, Provost of Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama, 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.
