Barbara Carlee
Barabara Carlee of Daphne, Alabama, has been named the recipient of the Doctor of Business Administration Scholarship. She currently offers consulting services and plans to use the scholarship to provide support for her small business clients.
“I can provide improved strategic support as my DBA studies deepen and sharpen my thinking and research skills,” Carlee said. “This will help me grow new business opportunities while retaining existing customers, several of whom have already benefited from information gained during case study research across several DBA courses.”
With this scholarship, Carlee also plans to research and write academic articles to improve an understanding and provide potential solutions in business and organizational development.
“I am planning to use the knowledge and standing that my degree will confer to offer reasonably priced consulting services for businesses in my community interested in seeking solutions and approaches that will proactively bring about positive changes.”
Amber Chambers
Amber Chambers of Chicago, Illinois, has been named the recipient of a Learning Partner Scholarship with her employer, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, where she serves as a health educator.
“The impact of this scholarship on my education would bridge a financial gap, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and helping me achieve my academic goals and excel in my program,” Chambers said. “Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be a powerful motivator.”
With this scholarship, Chambers plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health.
“Pursuing my master’s at Columbia Southern University is providing me with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to address the health challenges I encounter daily in my community,” she said. “This degree is already enabling me to implement positive changes in my current role and refine our approach to various situations.”
Emma Lee Dean
Emma Lee Dean of Robertsdale, Alabama, has been awarded a Learning Partner Scholarship through her employer with the city of Mobile, Alabama. She currently serves as the office assistant with the Architectural Engineering Department and has a strong interest in public administration. She also founded and manages The Shoals Diversity Center, the first and only 501(c)(3) non-profit LGBT + resource center in Northwest Alabama.
“Tuition is not only expensive, but also other expenses like rent, books and meals mount up more quickly than most can keep track of,” she said. “Receiving a scholarship would alter everything. That would allow me to take a breather and concentrate on achieving my graduate degree, which is what’s really important.”
With this scholarship, Dean plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.
“Getting a scholarship would make me feel as though my abilities have been recognized,” she said. “‘We believe in you and want to invest in your future,’ is what it would sound like. Assistance of that nature is invaluable.”
Kirton Raymond
Kirton Raymond of Jonesboro, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Atlanta Police Department Scholarship. Born and raised in Saint Lucia, Raymond migrated to the United States in 2000 with a goal of enrolling in college.
“Pursuing a master’s degree has always been a top priority for me,” he said. “My parents instilled in me the value of education, often reminding me, ‘They can take everything from you, but never your education.’ Those words became my mantra.”
With this scholarship, Raymond plans to pursue a master’s degree in homeland security with a concentration in criminal justice.
“My five-year career goals are to move up in the ranks and return to school to receive a master’s degree. My graduate-level education will elevate my skills and knowledge in my field and my overall career. My career goals improve not only my family’s life, but also the lives of those in the communities I serve.”
Channing Seeger
Channing Seeger of Canton, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Scholarship. He is currently a sergeant with Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department (AFRD) with a dream of being on the command staff as a chief.
“This scholarship would mean the world to my family and myself in terms of financial support,” he said. “Currently, to cover the cost of each semester I work between four to six extra shifts a month. This takes a significant amount of time away from my family at a time I consider to be irreplaceable and invaluable to be around.”
With this scholarship, Seeger plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
“I have to give credit for going back to college to my 2-year-old son,” he said. “Watching the wonder in his eyes as he experiences sights and sensations I’ve seen for years gives me a new appreciation for life. I want to be around to show him the world and a college education gives me the career latitude to do that.”
Meredith Roderick
Meredith Roderick of Woodstock, Georgia, has been awarded a Regional Learning Partner Scholarship. She is currently employed with the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.
“My goals over the next five years are huge, but attainable,” she said. “My first goal is to finally finish my bachelor’s degree. My second goal is to obtain my SHRM certification so I can be specialized in my field. My third goal is to become an HR manager at work.”
With this scholarship, Roderick plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.
“A degree in human resources will allow me to apply for management positions at my current employer since I will finally be eligible for these positions,” Roderick said. “Having a degree will also allow me to earn more money at work, which will give my family some much needed breathing room in our finances.”
Stephanie Ramirez
Stephanie Ramirez of Katy, Texas, has been named the recipient of a Learning Partner Scholarship with her employer, Advantage Solutions.
“I love making new hires feel connected to the company they work for,” she said. “Getting my degree will help me do this on a greater scale by allowing me to continue with the developing process of the new hires and assisting the company in supporting our employees.”
With this scholarship, Ramirez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.
“This scholarship will help me achieve a long-term goal and be able to provide for my family,” she said. “It will also help me set an example for my brother so he can see graduating from a United States university is possible.”
Penny Mickle
Penny Mickle of Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been awarded the Living Legacy Scholarship in honor of her husband and fallen service member, Justin Mickle Sr.
“My husband Justin has always wanted the best for me and our kids and has never stopped pursuing those goals,” she said. “Continuing to achieve his goals and my own is just the beginning of honoring his memory and legacy.”
With this scholarship, Mickle plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information systems and cybersecurity.
“My educational goals are to first complete my bachelor’s degree in information systems in cybersecurity,” she said. “Then, I would like to continue that into my master’s and doctorate. I want to be the best that I can be and use the tools that are given to me to allow me to achieve these goals.”
Suzanne Fields
Suzanne Fields of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, has been awarded the Living Legacy Scholarship in honor of her father and fallen service member, Norman Daniel Hunsinger.
“Receiving this scholarship would allow me to honor his legacy by being the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree and set an example for my children to see that it’s never too late to further your education and better yourself.”
With this scholarship, Fields is currently pursuing an associate degree in emergency medical services. She also plans to continue her education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“I served in a high volume 911 system as a paramedic for 16 years prior to coming to work for Amazon as a safety manager,” she said. “I would like to further my knowledge and expand my opportunities for career growth and development by obtaining formal education in my now chosen profession. This scholarship would provide an amazing chance to complete college, which is something I never thought I would be able to do.”
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.
