Since 1995, the United States has recognized every March as Women’s History Month. During this month we celebrate the contributions and achievements that women, both past and present, have made over the course of American history, culture and community. To celebrate Women’s History Month, Columbia Southern University is honored to recognize students and alumnae who are playing a vital role in leadership within their respective industries.
Melody Capper
Melody Capper
Melody Capper of Mount Airy, North Carolina, began her law enforcement career seven years ago. She enlisted in the North Carolina Army Guard as a military police officer at the age of 17. However, the position did not fulfill her desire to directly serve her community. She then decided to become a civilian law enforcement officer and was sworn in as deputy sheriff with the Surry County Sherrif’s Office on December 15, 2017. Now, she is a detective with the same sheriff’s office.
Both of her parents retired from the Army after serving their country for over 20 years, giving Melody a passion for law enforcement at a young age.
“They taught me that through hard work, dedication and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she said.
Melody received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU and has earned the North Carolina Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate and North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.
“I decided to pursue my degree to better myself professionally and serve my community to the best of my abilities,” she said. “I earned an improved and versatile perception of the inner workings of criminal investigations and law enforcement as a whole.”
Robin Stickle
Robin Stickle
Robin Stickle of Mount Vernon, Ohio, is the mother of 12 homeschooled boys. Robin is not only her sons’ teacher but is also the author of the book “Prayer, Faith and 12 Kids.” She is a goal-driven individual and loves to learn, driving her decision to enroll at CSU in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
“My initial inspiration for pursuing a bachelor’s degree was that I wanted to change the category of homeschool under which I gave a yearly notification for my 12 children in Ohio,” she said. “I chose information technology partly to keep up with my tech-crazy kids and partly to use it for book publishing layout and online platform creations. I had no idea how invaluable it would become.”
Thanks to her degree, she enhanced her writing skills and was able to navigate the process of publishing the book herself.
“My book is a series of stories of faith where God answered my prayers while raising 12 kids,” she said. “I am blessed to be able to share these stories and help others grow in their faith.”
Amanda Noren
Amanda Noren
Amanda Noren of Cartersville, Georgia, has been in the emergency medical services (EMS) industry for 20 years and has a passion for EMS education. She currently serves as the program director for RC Health Services and has spent the last five years teaching EMT and AEMT online courses.
“EMS is a dynamic field with continuous opportunities for learning and growth,” she said. “Continual education is essential to stay abreast of the latest scientific and technological developments.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in emergency management administration from CSU and is currently pursing a master’s degree. She is a member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), National Association of Emergency Medical Services Educators (NAEMSE), and Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA).
“Training and education have been instrumental in the development of my leadership skills,” she said. “Continuous learning and growth throughout your career gives opportunities for professional development and enhances your skills.”
Nicole Seaman
Nicole Seaman
An intelligence analyst for the United States Air Force, Nicole Seaman of Sumter, South Carolina, is a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Shaw Air Force Base Top 3 Council. She has also won the John L. Levitow Award in Airmen Leadership School, which is the highest award that can be received for academic excellence and leadership. She was also recognized as the Support Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.
“My job as an intelligence analyst in the Air Force is to assess the tactics, techniques and procedures of our adversaries in order to suggest to our commanders how to best defend against any perceived threats,” she said. “I have been able to use my educational journey to improve my skills as an intelligence analyst and look forward to a future career in homeland security.”
Nicole received a bachelor’s degree in homeland security from CSU.
“I have also promoted from a staff sergeant (E-5) to a master sergeant (E-7) since starting my degree, which is rare,” she said. “I have gained confidence in my ability to multi-task.”
Takesha McClane-Tsamis
Takesha McClane-Tsamis
Takesha McClane-Tsamis is a project manager for the Illinois Tollway and the CEO of GS1 Consulting LLC, a woman-owned small business specializing in project management.
“I’m very proud of the work I do as a business leader,” she said. “I have built a career in project management across the private and public sectors, as well as government agencies, leading the development of project management offices and overseeing software implementation projects.”
Takesha earned her MBA in project management from CSU in 2016 and has cultivated an extensive career focused on leadership, strategy and business development. She is passionate about empowering professionals to push beyond limitations through resilience and strategic thinking.
“For years, women have been told to fight for a seat at the table,” she said. “We’ve been conditioned to believe that leadership means proving ourselves, taking on more responsibility, and working twice as hard to be recognized. But real leadership isn’t about securing a seat—it’s about creating opportunities for others to lead.”
Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of professionals to embrace leadership with confidence and vision.
To read more stories like these, visit Communicator.ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
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.
