Kelci Hayes
Kelci Hayes of Sulphur, Oklahoma, has been awarded the Nursing Scholarship. She is a full-time intensive care unit nurse.
“My long-term goal is to become a nurse leader or educator where I can positively influence patient care, mentor new nurses and help improve healthcare outcomes,” she said. “I also hope to continue pursuing additional certifications and eventually earn a graduate degree that will allow me to expand my knowledge and professional responsibilities.”
With this scholarship, Hayes plans to pursue an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“Earning my BSN is an important investment in my future,” she said. “I want to continue developing my clinical knowledge, strengthen my leadership abilities and prepare for future career opportunities within nursing.”
Bailey Ebersole
Bailey Ebersole of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been named the recipient of the Learning Partner Scholarship. He is a firefighter with the Indianapolis Fire Department.
“My long-term goal is to have a positive impact on both my coworkers and the community I serve,” he said. “A degree from Columbia Southern University will provide me with the leadership, management and administrative knowledge necessary to succeed.”
With this scholarship, Ebersole plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“Earning a bachelor’s degree in fire administration will prepare me to become the type of leader who values service over status,” he said. “I want to promote a culture where leadership is earned through integrity, competence and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.”
Mariah Williams
Mariah Williams of Skiatook, Oklahoma, has been awarded the Knight Scholarship and is excited to build a new life.
“I decided to apply to Columbia Southern University because it was one of the few schools that truly worked with my reality instead of expecting me to fit into a traditional path,” she said.
With this scholarship, Williams plans to pursue an associate degree in business administration.
“Within the next five years, my goal is to build a stable, independent life where I’m no longer just surviving, but actually living with purpose,” she said. “A degree from Columbia Southern University is helping make that possible.”
TeAndra Reed
TeAndra Reed of Jacksonville, Florida, has been named the recipient of the Human Resources Scholarship. She has extensive experience in the field, with aspirations to start her own consulting company.
“Returning to school is important to me because I want to continue growing in human resources, leadership and organizational development,” she said. “I have years of experience in HR, but earning my degree will give me the education and credentials I need to reach the next level in my career and eventually build my own HR consulting company.”
With this scholarship, Reed plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.
“I want to help new and growing companies create strong cultures, develop their leaders, retain good employees and build work environments where people actually want to come to work,” she said. “I want to be able to walk into a business early in its growth and help them put the right foundation in place before problems arise.”
Deidra Barnes
Deidra Barnes of Topeka, Kansas, has been awarded the Business Scholarship. She currently works full-time as a paralegal. In addition, she mentors young women through a local women’s shelter.
“I focus on women’s health, education, workforce readiness, access to community resources, confidence building and personal independence,” she explained. “Through these efforts, I have supported women in securing employment, navigating health-related challenges, connecting with family and social services, and pursuing naturalization.”
With this scholarship, Barnes plans to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree.
“This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would provide me with greater stability and the opportunity to focus on completing my doctorate and achieving my long-term academic and professional goals,” she said.
Emily Gautreaux
Emily Gautreaux of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, has been named the recipient of the Space, Intelligence and Military Operations Scholarship.
“Within the next five years, I will transition fully into my calling as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker while establishing and operating a sustainable family farm that supports our household and strengthens our community,” she explained.
With this scholarship, Gautreaux plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in strategic leadership.
“This degree does not divert me from homemaking; it fortifies it,” she said. “It empowers me to lead our home and enterprise with commanding grace, transforming our farm into a thriving, self-sustaining legacy. I am committed to using this education to create abundance, stability and purpose for my family while inspiring other women to pursue balanced, impactful lives.”
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.
