Cameeka Barrett
Cameeka Barrett of Covington, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Learning Partner Scholarship. She currently works with the Newton County (Georgia) Fire Department as a fire apparatus operator.
“Pursuing my education is deeply important to me because it represents a path toward long-term security and a better future for my family,” she stated.
With this scholarship, Barrett plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“What also drew me to Columbia Southern University was its reputation for supporting nontraditional students/people who are balancing work, family and personal challenges while striving for something better. I am not pursuing this degree out of convenience; I am pursuing it with intention.”
Marek Kruszewski
Marek Kruszewski of Conway, South Carolina, has been awarded the 2026 Learning Partner Visit Scholarship. He is a firefighter with Horry County Fire Rescue and has been in the field for over 15 years.
“I believe that combining real-world experience with academic learning will allow me to better understand how to lead personnel in high-stress environments, manage resources effectively and adapt to evolving challenges in the fire service,” he said.
With this scholarship, Kruszewski plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“I also plan to remain actively involved in training and mentorship, helping develop newer firefighters and contributing to a positive, disciplined and professional work culture,” he said. “A degree from CSU will play a key role in helping me achieve these goals.”
Jade Dawkins Kennedy
Jade Dawkins Kennedy of Carbon Hill, Alabama, has been named the recipient of the Knight Scholarship. She is the assistant director, lead forensic interviewer and head victim advocate with Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center.
“By pursuing my degree, I am gaining the leadership and administrative skills necessary to better navigate the grant writing landscape and advocate for more flexible, long-term funding strategies,” she explained. “I am determined to help shift our organizational culture toward one that treats advocate well-being as a core operational requirement rather than an afterthought.”
With this scholarship, Kennedy plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“By implementing trauma-informed organizational practices and fostering peer support models, I hope to create a more resilient workplace,” she said. “I believe that, by strengthening the foundation of our centers, we can ensure that every child and every advocate is given the stability and support they need to thrive.”
Stanley Urban
Stanley Urban of Meridian, Idaho, has been awarded the Safety Scholarship. He is currently a Certified Safety Professional (CSP®) with Saint Alphonsus Health System.
“In my safety roles, I’m looked to as a consultant by executive leaders, managers and frontline colleagues,” he explained. “I’m the eyes and ears rounding in the field, performing audits, risk assessments and incident investigations. I recommend safer workflows and initiate changes that reduce the risk of harm to both colleagues and patients.”
With this scholarship, Urban plans to pursue a master’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“It will strengthen my ability to lead at a higher level by managing safety programs, and building cultures where people feel safe speaking up, coaching each other and preventing harm before it happens.”
Octavia Bailey
Octavia Bailey of Brooklyn, New York, has been named the recipient of the FDNY Scholarship. She has been employed with the Fire Department of New York Bureau of Emergency Medical Services since May 2022 and enjoys volunteering in her local community.
“One way I’ve made a difference in my community is through my volunteer work at my local masjid, where I regularly help pack food boxes for families in need,” she said. “When I can, I join a team of volunteers to sort donations, assemble boxes with essentials like rice, beans, canned goods, and hygiene items, and organize them for distribution.”
With this scholarship, Bailey plans to pursue an associate degree in cybersecurity.
“Volunteering at the masjid has deepened my sense of responsibility to my community,” she said. “It reminds me that service is not just an occasional act, but a consistent commitment to showing up for others.”
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.
