Learning Partner – City of Gulf Shores

Columbia Southern University (CSU), an accredited private online university, recently partnered with the City of Gulf Shores to provide educational opportunities to city staff.  Terms of this partnership include a 10 percent tuition discount for City of Gulf Shores employees, their spouses and children.“All CSU programs are offered online,” said Robert Mayes, CSU President.  “Along with our open enrollment and maximum transfer credit, our goal is to make accomplishing educational goals more attainable for the adult learner.”

The City of Gulf Shores has a population of more than 6,500 and is located on the Gulf of Mexico.  This small, family-oriented city features a Sportsplex, Nature Walks, Adult Activity Center and Recreational Center and is best known for their snow white beaches.

“As Mayor of the City of Gulf Shores, I want to ensure that city employees have opportunities to further their education,” said Billy Duke, City of Gulf Shores Mayor.  “From business administration to human resource management, CSU offers quality programs that can benefit all of our staff.”

CSU also holds 34 police, fire, and government learning partnerships including the New York Fire Department, Franklin Township Police, and City of Orange Beach, Alabama.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Columbia Southern University – Premier Online University

Learning Partner – Bethel Park Police Department

Columbia Southern University (CSU), an accredited private online institution, recently partnered with the Bethel Park Police Department to provide educational opportunities to law enforcement personnel.  Terms of this partnership include a 10 percent tuition discount for Bethel Park Police Department employees, their spouses and children.“We are very proud to be an education partner for the Bethel Park Police Department,” said Robert Mayes, CSU President.  “Our programs are designed for busy professionals like the officers of Bethel Park. We look forward to helping those officers achieve their educational goals.”

The Bethel Park Police Department is a full-service, community-oriented police department located in the South Hills area of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thirty-eight full-time police officers, four emergency dispatchers, a secretary and a records clerk staff the department.

For more information, visit the Bethel Park Police partnership page

CSU also holds 34 police, fire, and government learning partnerships including the New York Fire Department, Franklin Township Police, and City of Orange Beach, Alabama.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

Learning Partner – National Sheriffs’ Association

22,000 National Sheriffs’ Association Members to Receive Educational OpportunitiesColumbia Southern University (CSU), an accredited private online institution, recently partnered with the National Sheriffs’ Association to provide educational opportunities to the association’s 22,000 members. Terms of this partnership include a 10 percent tuition discount for National Sheriffs’ Association members, their spouses and children.

“At CSU, we are committed to providing our nation’s law enforcement with the tools they need to build a better life,” said Chantell Cooley, Columbia Southern University Vice President of Partnership. “Our flexible online degree programs and open enrollment allow National Sheriff’s Association members the opportunity to achieve their educational goals while maintaining a busy schedule.”

The National Sheriffs’ Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among sheriffs, their deputies, and others in the field of criminal justice and public safety. In support of that mission, this organization provides resources, technical assistance, opportunities for professional development, information, and congressional advocacy for its members.

“We are always looking for ways to help our members take the next step in their careers,” said Aaron Kennard, National Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director. “Our partnership with CSU gives the National Sheriffs’ Association a way to make achieving educational goals more realistic.”

For more information, visit the National Sheriffs’ Association partnership page

CSU also holds 34 police, fire, and government learning partnerships including the New York Fire Department, Franklin Township Police, and City of Orange Beach, Alabama.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education

CSU Makes Donation to Local School

Donation Will Be Used to Build a New Playground for Orange Beach Elementary SchoolColumbia Southern University (CSU), an accredited private online institution, made a $25,000 donation to Orange Beach Elementary School last Wednesday. The purpose of the donation is to expand the new playground for the school.

“We are very proud to be a part of the Orange Beach Community,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President. “Supporting the education of our local youth is just one of the ways we hope to make a difference in our city.”

Columbia Southern University has provided on-going support for Orange Beach Elementary School projects over the last several years. Other donations include a $25,000 donation in August 2004 toward the construction of Sea, Sands, and Stars, an education center, and yearly sponsorship for one of the quarterly out-of-uniform days.

“I have never known a business that is so dedicated to building a brighter future for our children,” said Steve Baker, Orange Beach Elementary School Principal. “Because of the Mayes family’s generous donation on behalf of Columbia Southern University, our students will have a new state-of-the-art playground within the year.”

Columbia Southern representatives Robert and Joanna Mayes, Mimi Mayes, and Chantell and Tommy Cooley visited the school last week to discuss plans for the playground and survey the site where construction will take place.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Columbia Southern Online University

2007 Commencement Date Announced

Columbia Southern University (CSU), an accredited private online institution, will host its fifth commencement ceremony on Friday, June 29, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Alabama.  Other activities such as an open house, alumni meeting, and graduation reception will immediately follow the ceremony.Previous graduations were held at the Erie Meyers Civic Center in Gulf Shores. However, with nearly 100 graduates walking and over 400 in attendance at the 2006 ceremony, CSU had to locate a larger facility.

“At CSU, we understand the type of commitment it takes for adult students to earn their degree,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “Each year, we are very proud to see our graduates from all over the nation and as far away as Hong Kong, walk across the stage and celebrate their accomplishment.”

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.  For more information, please visit www.columbiasouthern.edu.

Learning Partner – Capella University

Capella Partnership Presents Benefits to CSU Students, Alumni, Faculty and Staff

ORANGE BEACH, AL – Columbia Southern University (CSU), a nationally accredited private online institution, today announces its partnership with Capella University (Capella), one of the nation’s leading providers of online education. This agreement includes benefits for students, alumni, faculty and staff of CSU including acceptance of transfer credits, a 10 percent tuition discount, no admission application fee, and access to advising and other services.

“At CSU, we are committed to providing our students with resources that will enhance their educational experience,” said Dr. Joe Manjone, CSU Provost. “Our partnerships with universities such as Capella help us fulfill this commitment.”

Up to 88 CSU undergraduate credits, 8 graduate credits and 32 PhD credits can be transferred. See a complete list of CSU courses Capella will accept is available.

CSU also holds partnerships with University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, University of West Florida, Alabama Fire College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Masters International School of Divinity, Northcentral University, South Central College, Trinidad State Junior College and currently has 32 police, fire, and government learning partnerships including the New York Fire Department. Learning partnerships have also been established with 12 corporations; among these corporations are Delta Air Lines, Boeing, and Allstates Employer Services.

Founded in 1993, CSU was established to meet the unmet demand for formal education in the safety and environmental fields. Designed to accommodate the non-traditional student, all programs are offered online through a Distance Learning curriculum. CSU offers associate, bachelor, graduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields including business administration, fire science, human resource management and occupational safety and health. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.

Learn more about CSU university learning partners.

Approved by the U.S. Department of Education, CSU is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSU is located at 25326 Canal Road in Orange Beach, AL. For more information, please contact Dr. Joe Manjone at (251) 981-3771 or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu.

Newsletter #1

COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY RELEASES FIRST ISSUE OF STUDENT/ALUMNI NEWSLETTER –
THE CSU COMMUNICATOR

ORANGE BEACH, AL – On Thursday, February 1st, Columbia Southern University (CSU) released the first issue of the CSU Communicator, a quarterly student/alumni newsletter.  The newsletter is designed to keep Alumni and students informed about the latest CSU news such as new programs or partnerships the growing private online institution has established.

“Keeping our Alumni and students connected is a challenge for any online university,” said Dr. Joe Wilkins, CSU Vice President for University Advancement.  “The CSU Communicator is just one of the steps we’re taking to fill this gap.”

A Letter from CSU President Robert Mayes, Jr., New Office Hours, Letter from Alumni president Jamie Gauthier, and Certificate Transfer Information are among the topics included in the first issue.  The next issue is scheduled for release in May 2007.

View the CSU Commuicator here.

To learn more or to submit articles or event information for future issues, please contact Jessica Brown at jessica.brown@columbiasouthern.edu

About CSU

Licensed by the Alabama State Department of Education, CSU is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  Designed to accommodate the non-traditional student, all programs are offered online through a Distance Learning curriculum.  CSU offers associate, bachelor, graduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields including business administration, fire science, human resource management and occupational safety and health.  Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.

Online DBA Program Launched

Columbia Southern University Launches its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program

Orange Beach, AL / June 20, 2006 – “The Accrediting Commission of the DETC met June 2-3, 2006 and it is a pleasure to confirm the reaccredidation of Columbia Southern University as well as the accreditation of the Doctor in Business Administration.” Michael P. Lambert, DETC Executive Director. As a part of a Pilot Program the Commission accredited only two doctorate degrees to be offered completely online: Columbia Southern University and the College of Humanities and Sciences.

“CSU is very proud of this outstanding accomplishment. Accreditation of the DBA program signifies the high level of academic prestige that CSU has attained” says Dr. Joseph Manjone, Ed.D, CSU’s Provost. CSU’s DBA program developed by Dr. Richard Gray, Dean of Doctoral Studies was submitted to DETC in January of 2006.

The CSU Doctor of Business Administration program offers professionals the opportunity to explore and master business administration in a creative and dynamic online environment. CSU’s distinguished professors possess the academic training and practical experience to provide an advanced combination of theoretical and applied business applications and constructs. CSU’s commitment to dynamic, progressive education imparts professionals with the tools and knowledge to become an expert in the field.

The CSU DBA program will consist of 61 semester hours of study: 45 hours of required DBA courses; 12 hours for dissertation courses; 3 hours of comprehensive exam and dissertation defense and 1 credit earned for completing CSU’s two week Student Orientation course. All program requirements must be completed through CSU within ten years of initial enrollment.

About Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an accredited member of Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. DETC’s address is: 1601 18 th Street, Washington, D.C. 20009 and can be reached at 202-234-5100. CSU offers associate, bachelor graduate and postgraduate programs in many fields including Business Administration, Fire Science, Human Resource Management and Occupational Safety and Health. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.

CSU Chair Goes to Oxford Round Table

Dr. Katherine Nelson-Born, Columbia Southern University Chair, Goes to Oxford Round Table

Orange Beach, AL / June 13, 2006 – Dr. Katherine Nelson-Born, Columbia Southern University’s Chair of General Education, has been invited to the Oxford Round Table in Oxford, England, July 9-14, 2006, at the Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford. This Round Table is limited to an interdisciplinary group of approximately 35-40 scholars with expertise in education and policy. The purpose of the Oxford Round Table is to promote human advancement and understanding through the improvement of education. To this end, the Oxford Round Table provides a forum for the study and consideration of current issues facing state and national systems of education. The Round Table meets periodically and at each session is comprised of a small select group of leaders from both the public and private sectors of several countries. http://www.oxfordroundtable.co.uk.

Dr. Nelson-Born will present a paper entitled “How Systems Theory and Writing Across the Curriculum Unite the Sciences and Humanities and Promote Student Learning,” which also will be considered for publication in the “Forum on Public Policy: A Journal of the Oxford Round Table.”

“Columbia Southern University is proud of Dr. Nelson-Born and this outstanding honor for which she has been chosen. Having a distance learning professor selected to present at this round table of scholars is an indication of the acceptance that a distance learning education has achieved in the academic community.” – Dr. Joe Manjone, Columbia Southern University Provost.

About Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an accredited member of Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. DETC’s address is: 1601 18 th Street, Washington, D.C. 20009 and can be reached at 202-234-5100. CSU offers associate, bachelor and graduate programs in many fields including Business Administration, Fire Science, Human Resource Management and Occupational Safety and Health. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.

About Dr. Katherine Nelson-Born, CSU Chair of Education

Dr. Nelson-Born holds a doctorate in English from Georgia State University (1998). She has an MFA degree in Creative Writing from Virginia Commonwealth University (1993) and a BA degree in English Education from the University of New Orleans (1987). Dr. Nelson-Born brings with her to CSU 18 years of achievement in postsecondary education and administration.

Learning Partner – City of Orange Beach

City of Orange Beach Selects Columbia Southern University as Learning Partner

Orange Beach, AL / April 18, 2006 – There’s no place like home – to earn your degree. That’s why The City of Orange Beach has selected Columbia Southern University, as its learning partner. Through CSU’s self-paced, flexible online learning programs city professionals can earn their degree anywhere, anytime. Plus, through this exciting academic partnership, employees of The City of Orange Beach and their spouses can take advantage of CSU’s low tuition rate and receive a 10% tuition discount. CSU will offer online degree programs including: Business Administration with many concentrations including Sport Management, Information Technology, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, Occupational Safety, Criminal Justice, and Environmental Management just to name a few.

The City of Orange Beach is a progressive, coastal resort, located on the upper Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the Alabama/Florida state line – CSU’s own backyard. The 290 full time, part time and seasonal employees are committed to providing a community that offers its residents a superb quality of life and their visitors a unique and enjoyable experience. While doing so, Orange Beach has evolved into a premiere tourism destination welcoming in over 5,330 people each year respectively.

“It is an honor for CSU to partner with its home city. While we serve students all over the nation and the world, there is something special about being an education provider for your local community.” – Robert Mayes, President of Columbia Southern University.

“We are pleased to have the City of Orange Beach enter this learning partnership with Columbia Southern University to allow our employees and their immediate family’s the opportunity to obtain a degree at their own pace. Due to the success of our Fire Department partnership with Columbia Southern University, we see the chance to expand these accredited undergraduate programs to all employees with the City. Work and family priorities take the majority of a person’s time, but this partnership allows anyone to pursue their dreams at their own pace and fits nicely into our employee tuition reimbursement plan as they achieve their personal education goals.” Mayor Pete Blalock, City of Orange Beach

About Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). DETC is an accrediting association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSU offers associate, bachelor and graduate degree programs in many fields including Fire Science, Business Administration, Human Resource Management and Occupational Safety and Health. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available. For more information, please visit http://www.columbiasouthern.edu

About The City of Orange Beach

The City of Orange Beach is located in a small fishing community off the Gulf of Mexico between Mobile Bay and the Florida State Line. The city is made up of approximately 290 employees who have a heart for their community and driven to make it a better place. The mission of The City of Orange is to protect and preserve the Orange Beach way of thinking… “Life is better here…” For more information, please visit http:// www.cityoforangebeach.com