Orville Watson
Orville Watson of Kissimmee, Florida, has been awarded the Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship. He is a transportation director for the school district of Osceola County, where he oversees the safe transportation of more than 24,000 students every day.
“Our department includes over 650 dedicated employees, and I view my role as both a responsibility and an opportunity to serve,” he said. “Ensuring that every child arrives at school and returns home safely is one of the most meaningful ways I contribute to the well‑being of our community.”
With this scholarship, Watson plans to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
“My decision to pursue a master’s degree with CSU is driven by my commitment to becoming the strongest leader I can be,” said Watson. “I have been fortunate to build a successful career through experience, hard work and the foundation of my undergraduate degree, but I recognize that to elevate my leadership and the performance of our organization, I must continue developing myself.”
Jacqueline Greenaway
Jacqueline Greenaway of Stone Mountain, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Learning Partner Scholarship. She is employed as an accountant with the City of Atlanta.
“Over the next five years, my goal is to complete my master’s degree in psychology/mental health while continuing my career with the City of Atlanta as I work toward retirement,” she said.
With this scholarship, Greenaway plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“I want to help families recognize the early signs of mental health struggles, understand the seriousness of these conditions and feel supported—not overlooked,” she said. “With this degree, I hope to be part of the solution for families who are trying to support a loved one through the challenges of mental illness, a struggle that has taken far too many lives unnecessarily.”
Jonathan Lindsey
Jonathan Lindsey of Wichita Falls, Texas, has been awarded the FBI National Academy Associates Scholarship. He is currently the police chief of the Wichita Falls Police Department.
“I left college in 2001 to become a police officer, and since then, I have been eager to complete my bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree,” he said. “This scholarship would greatly help our family continue investing in our children while allowing me to pursue higher education.”
With this scholarship, Lindsey plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“In Wichita Falls, we are incredibly fortunate to serve an exceptional community and are always looking for ways to give back when we can,” said Lindsey.
Altier Laurice Feliciano
Altier Laurice Feliciano of Rizal, Philippines, has been named the recipient of the Education and Instructional Design Scholarship. She is a human resources organization development senior manager with Asiapro Cooperative.
“I am deeply driven to expand my knowledge because I view education as a tool for public service,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to better serve the Filipino people by elevating the standards of learning and development within the workplace.”
With this scholarship, Feliciano plans to pursue a master’s degree in instructional design and technology.
“On a personal and philosophical level, I plan to develop scalable corporate frameworks that champion psychological safety and servant leadership across entire organizational ecosystems,” she explained. “A degree from Columbia Southern University (CSU) acts as the critical bridge between my practical leadership experience and advanced strategic management.”
Bryce Dearstyne
Bryce Dearstyne of Fort Myers, Florida, has been awarded the Learning Partner Scholarship. He is a full-time firefighter with South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Services.
“As a firefighter, I have firsthand knowledge of the operational challenges departments face,” he said. “Through graduate education, I hope to strengthen my understanding of organizational leadership, budgeting, strategic planning and financial management.”
With this scholarship, Dearstyne plans to pursue an MBA with a focus on finance.
“By earning my MBA, I hope to strengthen my leadership and management skills so I can better serve my department and community while providing a stable future for my family,” he said.
Serenity Enriquez
Serenity Enriquez of Calpine, California, has been named the recipient of the Women in Fire Scholarship. She serves as an advanced EMT and volunteer firefighter in a rural 911 EMS system.
“Whether in an urban or rural environment, I believe strong emergency response systems are built by people who are trained, supported and empowered to act,” she said. “Much of my work has focused on helping individuals and teams develop those capabilities so they can better serve their own communities when needed.”
With this scholarship, Enriquez plans to pursue a master’s degree in emergency services management.
“Fire and EMS volunteer systems depend heavily on individuals who balance service with family and work responsibilities,” she said. “In my own experience, I have seen how much these systems rely on continuous training, mentorship and leadership development to remain effective, especially in rural and geographically isolated communities.”
David Miller
David Miller of Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded the Safety Scholarship. He works as a full-time firefighter and owns a first-aid company, where he sells first-aid kits and teaches CPR.
“This scholarship would not only make continuing my education more attainable but also allow me to invest in a future that benefits my family, my community and the people I serve every day,” he said.
With this scholarship, Miller plans to pursue an associate degree in occupational safety and health.
“Completing my associate of occupational health and safety is more than a personal achievement; it is an opportunity to set an example for my children,” said Miller. “I want them to see that hard work, perseverance and determination matter more than age and that it is never too late to pursue your goals.”
Shaneise Williams
Shaneise Williams of Richmond, Virginia, has been named the recipient of the Vicki Barnes Community Involvement Scholarship. She is passionate about volunteer work and strives to help others in her community.
“Community involvement has always been important to me because I believe that helping others creates stronger, healthier and more supportive communities,” said Williams. “One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community was through my work with a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with special needs and their families called I Am Who I Am (IAWIA). This experience gave me the opportunity to serve others, provide support to those facing challenges and make a positive difference in the lives of people who often need additional resources and advocacy.”
With this scholarship, Willimas plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“My community involvement has inspired me to continue finding ways to help others,” she said. “Whether through volunteer work, my future career or my business endeavors, I hope to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those around me.”
Sean Walker
Sean Walker of Goshen, New York, has been awarded the NYPD Scholarship. His role as lieutenant special assignment with the NYPD includes improving systems that support public safety operations and response.
“I was a teenager when I answered my first 911 call. At the time, I believed the greatest difference I could make in my career would come later, in the field, where the impact of public safety response was most visible,” he explained. “Nearly thirty years later, I’ve come to understand that some of the most important opportunities to improve public safety response begin before the first unit is ever dispatched.”
With this scholarship, Walker plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration degree.
“My experience has shown me what needs to improve,” he said. “Better information at the start helps agencies make better decisions throughout an incident, leading to safer outcomes for officers and the public.”
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.
