Justin Grimm
Justin Grimm of Reno, Nevada, was awarded the 2024 Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship. Justin works as a firefighter paramedic for the Storey County Fire Protection District.
“As a firefighter, I am committed to protecting and serving my community in times of crisis,” he said. “Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies or natural disasters, I strive to provide exceptional service and support to those in distress.”
Justin earned an associate degree in general studies and a bachelor’s degree in business administration at CSU. With this scholarship, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
“Obtaining my master’s degree with Columbia Southern University represents a pivotal step in my career journey as a Firefighter,” he said. “Building upon the foundation laid by my undergraduate degree, I aim to achieve several significant milestones in my professional life.”
Candra Rodriguez
Candra Rodriguez of Long Beach, California, has been named the recipient of the Women in Fire Scholarship. She has seven years of experience in a large municipal fire department that she says has prepared her for pursuing a degree.
“This period of my life has been instrumental in developing the skills, knowledge and resilience needed to excel in this degree program and beyond,” she said. “As a woman in a predominantly male field, I have learned to navigate and thrive in challenging environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.”
With this scholarship, Rodriguez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“This scholarship will offer me peace of mind knowing that part of my educational journey is supported,” she said. “It will enable me to invest more time and energy into my coursework and furthering my education in my career in the fire service, ultimately enhancing my ability to provide for my family in the long run.”
Nichon Roberson
Nichon Roberson of Decatur, Georgia, was awarded a Learning Partner Scholarship with his employer, AUIS. His desire to become a physician developed at an early age and was influenced by his family.
“I pursued additional avenues in medicine, including obtaining an MBA in health care administration, to discover a more promising path,” he said. “Fortunately, I was introduced to public health and the spark reignited within my soul when I discovered potential for powerful change in prevention of disease in vulnerable populations.”
With this scholarship, Roberson plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health.
“Within the next five years, I hope to have completed a residency in emergency medicine,” he said. “I expect to also have also completed my degree at CSU as a foundation for service in global medicine. I hope to work within the CDC in an advocacy for public health role, but I would also like to work in a local veterans administration hospital in honor of my mother who served as a dietitian for over 30 years as well as for my father who is a veteran.”
Jessica Mayo
Jessica Mayo of Bay Minette, Alabama, has been awarded a Learning Partner Scholarship as an employer of Baldwin County. Currently, she contributes to the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as a transportation planner under the Baldwin County Commission.
“In my role, I actively participate in creating planning documents and help the MPO director facilitate infrastructure initiatives in collaboration with local municipalities, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration,” she said.
With this scholarship, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration.
“With this opportunity, I can immediately pursue professional opportunities as they arise,” she said. “Continuing my education not only contributes to personal growth, but also continues to deepen my understanding of origins and development of local and global issues. My education empowers me to enhance my professional skills and contribute positively to the communities and stakeholders I engage with.”
Megan Pfeiffer
Megan Pfeiffer of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been named the recipient of the CSU Fire Scholarship. She currently works as a firefighter and paramedic who has experienced first-hand what it is like to survive a near death experience and be told she would have to let go of her career.
“After a huge accident a few years back that left me physically damaged and wheelchair bound, it has been a long and financially arduous recovery with lots of physicians telling me to give up on being a firefighter and paramedic,” she said. “Victor Frankl’s, “A Man’s Search for Meaning”, has had a profound impact on my life. This book, his experiences and his lessons helped me to live, walk again and continue as a paramedic–so others may live.”
With this scholarship, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“A degree in fire investigations would allow me to continue to the next steps in this career,” she said. “I serve a very underprivileged area in rural Oklahoma. There is no local fire investigator, so I would be the first. My desire and goal are to become a fire investigator at an even higher level.”
For more information about Columbia Southern University’s scholarships, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
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