Pierre Campbell
Pierre Campbell of King George, Virginia, has been named the recipient of the Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship. He works as a project manager with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and is an active-duty Army service member.
“Integrity has been the foundation of my 16-year career in the U.S. Army,” he said. “I have served with honor in multiple deployments, including Afghanistan, Korea, Liberia, Central African Republic and Kuwait, where I was entrusted with leading soldiers, managing operations and making critical decisions under pressure.”
With this scholarship, Campbell plans to pursue an MBA with a concertation in project management.
“Earning my master of business administration from Columbia Southern University is a pivotal step in my professional development, equipping me with the advanced knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel in both military and civilian sectors,” he said. “As an active-duty Army service member with 16 years of experience, my goal has always been to lead with strategic vision, enhance organizational effectiveness and drive impactful change within my field.”
Cathryn Draicchio
Cathryn Draicchio of Hanson, Massachusetts, has been awarded the Women in Fire Scholarship. She is currently a firefighter, a part-time officer in the Army Reserve and has a part-time support role with the Massachusetts Fire Academy, where she seeks to progress up the chain of command.
“As the first female in my department’s 136-year history—and currently the only female among 300 firefighters—I’m determined to prove that women are not only capable of doing the job, but of excelling, leading and mentoring others at every level,” she said. “I believe that a professional and strong organization starts with strong leadership, and this degree will give me the foundation, insight and tools to lead successfully.”
With this scholarship, Draicchio plans to pursue a master’s degree in fire executive leadership.
“In addition to advancing within my department, I aim to progress my career at the Massachusetts Fire Academy and ultimately become an instructor,” she said. “My goal is to use my previous background and education in exercise and health science coupled with the tools I will earn from this degree, to develop a wellness program that teaches recruits about how to maintain their physical fitness, mental resilience, nutrition and recovery during the academy and throughout their career,” she said.
Edwin Bivens
Edwin Bivens of Arlington, Texas, has been named the recipient of the Learning Partner Scholarship. He currently works with Navy Federal Credit Union and is also a passionate musician.
“Over the next five years, my primary goal is to become a licensed psychiatrist, a journey that began with my decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” he said. “I have always been passionate about understanding the human mind, especially how trauma, environment and emotional experiences shape behavior.”
Bivens initially enrolled in the human resource management program at CSU, but as he progressed through his studies, he soon realized his passion lies within the psychology field.
“As a single father of four boys, I am also deeply motivated to set an example of perseverance, discipline and purpose,” he said. “I want my children to see that no matter where you come from, you can rise above circumstances and achieve your goals through education and determination.”
Kimberly Perry
Kimberely Perry of Harvest, Alabama, has been awarded the Global Medical Response Scholarship. She has been a paramedic for 32 years and has served as a supervisor and educator in emergency medical services.
“My primary goal is to support and assist our providers in being competent and confident clinicians in pre-hospital medicine,” she said. “My secondary goal over the next five years is to advocate strongly locally, and on a larger scale for the health and mental well-being of pre-hospital providers.”
With this scholarship, Perry plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services administration.
“It has taken me some time to realize and understand that I now have the opportunity to affect the care of a larger group of patients by supporting and educating our boots-on-the-ground providers,” she said. “Having an advanced degree would not only positively support my effectiveness in my current position but potentially open doors to expand those opportunities.”
Michael Lovett
Michael Lovett of Snellville, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Scholarship. He is a first responder and has served in both fire and police departments.
“My long-term goal is to serve in a leadership role within fire investigation, where I can support complex casework, provide expert testimony grounded in both field and academic experience, and help shape standards and protocols that keep our communities safer,” he said. “College is a critical step in that journey.”
With this scholarship, Lovett plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration with a concentration in fire investigation.
“For over two decades, I’ve served in fire service, law enforcement and the military,” he said. “Those roles have given me a firm foundation in fieldwork, but to lead effectively in today’s investigative environment, I know it’s essential to pair that real-world knowledge with advanced academic training.”
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.
