Columbia Southern University is pleased to give a “tip of the hat” to the International Association of Health Safety and Security (IAHSS) as our July Partner of the Month. IAHSS is the only organization solely dedicated to healthcare security professionals working in healthcare environments. IAHSS was formed in 1968 by a group of healthcare security visionaries seeking change in how healthcare facilities could better promote a safe and secure environment for the staff and patients. Since then, IAHSS has certified and supported thousands of dedicated professionals in keeping all healthcare workers, patients and facilities safe and secure and is considered the foremost trusted authority in healthcare security and safety.
It was an honor for Jim Forsythe, CSU corporate outreach representative, to recently attend the 47th annual conference, meet with students, and discuss the Learning Partner relationship.
IAHSS has been a CSU Learning Partner since March 2009, which has allowed almost forty of their members and immediate family to receive a 10% discount on tuition and access to exclusive scholarships for CSU degree programs. “IAHSS is delighted to be a Learning Partner with Columbia Southern University. Education is a key component of our association and we appreciate the support and incentives provided by CSU to our membership,” states Colleen Kucera, executive director of IAHSS. Kucera continued, “IAHSS members and their colleagues and staff have hectic schedules and many also have irregular working hours. Our members consistently ask for flexible and online learning solutions to keep them informed and educated even when they cannot attend physical classes or conferences.”
Jeff Young, executive director of Integrated Protection Services for Fraser Health Authority commented, “as a current CSU student and President-Elect of IAHSS, I can personally attest to the quality of the entire CSU experience. From the high caliber and wide variety of courses, top notch professors, to the ease of use of the online environment, CSU has provided me with an excellent option as a busy full-time healthcare executive to continue my academics through an accredited online university. CSU is a valued educational partner of the IAHSS as highlighted by our articulation agreement recognizing our professional certification training and scholarship matching program. I do not hesitate to recommend CSU to those looking to continue their academics.”
Also in attendance at the conference was Bruce Blackburn, director of Public Safety at Christiana Care Health System. Bruce shared, “I am completing my master’s degree with CSU and I have been out of college for many years and CSU did an outstanding job getting me acclimated back into college and their courses can be completed easily around my busy schedule. CSU has many safety, business and criminal justice degree programs that meet the needs of many IAHSS members and is a great partner for our organization.”
Darryl Updike, manager of safety and security at Central Bedford Memorial Hospital, added, “finishing my Bachelors was a career progression necessity. It was through the IAHSS that I became aware of CSU and it was their endorsement that provided an elevated level of confidence to complete my criminal justice administration degree at Columbia Southern. In addition to the CJA degree, I also obtained an undergrad certificate in management.”
The Partner of the Month recognition is given to organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to, and support of, lifelong education for the personal growth of their employees and members. The award was presented by Jim Forsythe, CSU corporate outreach representative, to Collen Kucera, IAHSS executive director and David LaRose, IAHSS president at the 47th annual conference held in St. Louis, Missouri. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the entire organizations and meet current students and alumni.
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