Jonathan Saltzman
Jonathan Saltzman of Lords Valley, Pennsylvania, has been named the recipient of the 2025 FDNY Scholarship. He is currently a full-time lieutenant with FDNY EMS with plans to expand his expertise in emergency services management and homeland security.
“While my career has provided invaluable experience, furthering my education is essential to advancing my expertise and preparing for future leadership roles,” he said. “With this scholarship, I can dedicate myself fully to my studies, ensuring that my education translates into real-world solutions for the evolving challenges in homeland security and emergency services management.”
Saltzman intends to pursue a master’s degree in homeland security.
“The financial support would not only enable me to complete my degree but also position me to contribute meaningful advancements in emergency preparedness and response,” he said. “In turn, I plan to pay this investment forward by mentoring future EMS professionals and shaping policies that enhance public safety.”
Chad McLean
Chad McLean of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, has been awarded the Learning Partner Scholarship. He is currently employed with Evolution Safety Resources.
“The scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies without the burden of excessive work hours, ensuring I complete my program successfully,” he said. “Pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Columbia Southern University is a crucial step in achieving my long-term career goals.”
With this scholarship, McLean plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“This degree will provide me with the academic foundation necessary to obtain the CSP certification, a highly respected credential in the field of occupational safety. Furthermore, the knowledge and expertise I gain through my studies will enable me to develop and implement comprehensive safety programs that protect workers and improve overall workplace conditions.”
Kevin Ramdayal
Kevin Ramdayal of Highland Mills, New York, has been named the recipient of the 2025 FDNY Scholarship. He is currently a paramedic with FDNY and is also a part of the department’s incident management team that deploys for disaster management throughout the country.
“In recent years, I have held active shooter and disaster preparedness workshops for various cities and agencies for improving local response,” he said. “From these experiences and throughout the years, I became more interested in homeland security and its mission.”
With this scholarship, Ramdayal plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in homeland security.
“Education and training are something that I hold in high regard, and this has led to opportunities to share this experience in various other forums,” he said. “This scholarship opportunity gives me a chance to finish this degree path that I very much desire to see completed.”
Bryan Fleck
Bryan Fleck of Carmel, Indiana, has been the awarded the Learning Partner Scholarship. He is currently employed with the Indianapolis Fire Department and has instructed the initial emergency medical technician basic course in the department’s fire academy for the last four years. He is also a captain and oversees the dive and rope rescue teams.
“My mantra is that you can be a great firefighter, paramedic, special operations technician and be compassionate – these things are not mutually exclusive,” he said. “My entire career is dedicated to public service. As I’ve moved up in rank, the need for a bachelor’s degree becomes more important.”
With this scholarship, Fleck plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with a concentration in fire science.
“From a financial standpoint, a scholarship to CSU would enable me to finish the bachelor’s degree that I began in 2000,” he said. “Life has taken me in many difficult and meaningful directions since I began my college journey at Purdue University 25 years ago. A bachelor’s degree is a lifelong goal that remains unfulfilled.”
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.
