Sloan Roodvoets
Sloan Roodvoets of Muskegon, Michigan, has been awarded the Knight Scholarship. She is a full-time firefighter and paramedic with Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue.
“As a full-time firefighter/paramedic who is also a soon-to-be first-time mother, this scholarship would give me the opportunity to pursue a goal of mine to obtain my bachelor’s degree,” she said.
With this scholarship, Roodvoets plans to pursue her degree in fire administration.
“I am no stranger to hard work or long hours, but this scholarship would be extremely helpful in returning to school and finishing what I have started … without having to compromise my family’s financials while we accept our new addition into our family,” she said.
Dennis Pierre-Charles
Dennis Pierre-Charles of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has been awarded the Global Medical Response Scholarship. He is a paramedic, training lieutenant and a fire safety education specialist.
“I am committed to advancing community fire safety by developing data-driven education programs that decrease emergency response times through better public prevention,” he said.
With this scholarship, Pierre-Charles plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“Additionally, I plan to complete my credentials as a licensed paramedic instructor coordinator to mentor the next generation of first responders, bridging the gap between field experience and academic excellence,” he said. “A degree from Columbia Southern University is the essential push for these ambitions.”
Andrew Hansen
Andrew Hansen of Albert Lea, Minnesota, has been awarded the Emergency Management Scholarship. He is a full-time paramedic and strives to tackle the challenges that come with the job.
“Paramedics are essential in emergency medical care, but the field is facing some tough challenges,” he stated. “As the population grows and gets older, there are more calls for help, but not always enough staff or resources. This can mean longer wait times and more stress for paramedics, sometimes leading to burnout.”
With this scholarship, Hansen plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in emergency management.
“By keeping up with my education and learning new best practices, I can give my patients the best care possible. I can also help teach people when to use emergency services and why taking care of their health matters.”
Takelia McDaniel
Takelia McDaniel of Alexander, Arkansas, has been named the recipient of the Health Scholarship. She works as a social services coordinator with the Department of Human Services.
“My goal is to make a real and lasting impact through prison reform and rehabilitation,” she said. “Whether working with adults or juveniles, I want to help individuals build life skills and develop stronger cognitive thinking so they can maintain positive, productive lives both during and after their time in the justice system.”
With this scholarship, McDaniel plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.
“With my experience and education, I plan to create and improve programs that truly work, programs that not only support individuals but also help reduce the recidivism rate within my state,” said McDaniel.
Jared Novak
Jared Novak of Ozark, Missouri, has been awarded the Fire Scholarship. He is a captain with Branson Fire Rescue.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to expand my knowledge, strengthen my leadership abilities and improve my department through training, innovation and organizational development,” he said. “Earning my degree from Columbia Southern University is the foundation for achieving those long-term leadership goals.”
With this scholarship, Novak plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“Completing this degree is important not only for my personal growth, but also for my long-term goal of becoming a stronger leader within the fire service,” he said. “I intend to use the knowledge gained through this program to improve training, leadership development, organizational culture and operational effectiveness within my department and the communities we serve.”
Aza Pierce
Aza Pierce of Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded the Leadership Scholarship. She is an active-duty military member with a career in military healthcare.
“My career field in military healthcare is currently navigating a complex challenge: balancing the operational demands of active-duty service with the expectation to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care,” she explained. “As policies and oversight have shifted under the Defense Health Agency, medical personnel are being asked to adapt quickly to new standards, reporting requirements and resource constraints.”
With this scholarship. Pierce plans to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree.
“Through my doctoral research, I aim to address this challenge by focusing on decision-making frameworks and benchmarking strategies that translate policy into practical application,” she said. “My goal is to help military medical personnel better understand the intent behind Defense Health Agency initiatives and equip them with tools to implement them effectively at the clinic level.”
Jimmy Chau
Jimmy Chau of Bolingbrook, Illinois, has been named the recipient of the IAAI Scholarship. He is a firefighter with the Bolingbrook Fore Department.
“As first responders, many of us don’t like the spotlight on ourselves and feel like it is boastful if we highlight what we do for others,” he said. “However, I am proud of the work I have put towards in fundraising for scholarships for local graduates through my labor union.”
Chau plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree to further his education and knowledge within the fire service.
“This scholarship will not only provide opportunity, but it will help me show my children that I still value higher education, that of which we are saving for toward their future,” he said.
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.
