Amanda Harvison
Amanda Harvison of McLain, Mississippi, has been named the recipient of the Safety Scholarship. She is currently employed in the safety field at ST Engineering – Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and requires a degree to advance within the company.
“I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “The only way for me to advance is to earn a degree. Every job I have ever worked, including raising children, has contributed to me being able to excel in this industry.”
With this scholarship, Harvison plans to pursue an associate degree in occupational safety and health.
“I truly am having a hard time putting into words the life changing difference this scholarship would make for me,” she said.
Amber Foy
Amber Foy of Darien, Illinois, has been awarded the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. She is currently employed with MechanAir as the senior human resources manager and strives to keep up with the demands of the industry.
“HR departments play a vital role in developing policies that prevent risks, identify hazards and outline safety procedures, “she said. “HR professionals must have the understanding and resources to manage change, develop leaders and measure effectiveness.”
With this scholarship, Foy plans to pursue a master’s degree in human resource management.
“The financial impact of receiving this scholarship would be professional, personal and family growth,” she said. “If granted this scholarship, I can motivate my kids and community to strive for more opportunity, diversity and unity.”
Tristen Roeder
Tristien Roeder of Twentynine Palms, California, has been named the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Transfer Scholarship. She became a peer mentor with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) after the loss of her brother, whom she shared a passion with in computer science.
“My role as a peer mentor allows me to give back to others,” she said. “I cherish assisting others and lean on the network of friends built within TAPS.”
With this scholarship, Roeder plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information systems and cyber security.
“My brother and I shared a relationship within science fiction novels and the future of space, this is a continuous reason that drives me to continue my education within computer science,” she said. “By expanding my knowledge within advanced Space Age computer science, my continued efforts are to support and assist the TAPS organization by building bonds in friendship and champion an avenue in science that supports survivors.”
April Walker
April Walker of Northport, Alabama, has been awarded the Alabama Community College Transfer Scholarship. After years of setbacks and enduring a personal loss, she strives to lead by example for her daughter, who also desires to attend college.
“Though my journey has been long, I’ve never given up on my education,” she said. “This scholarship will help me complete my bachelor’s degree and carry me further down my path, allowing me to help those I meet along the way.”
With this scholarship, Walker plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“My goal is to pursue a career in psychology where I can make a difference in the lives of others,” she said. “The Alabama Community College Transfer Scholarship would propel me toward my own goals without sacrificing my daughter’s. I have fierce determination, and this scholarship would significantly fuel that fire, allowing me to, in turn, better my community.”
Jolin Lucas
Jolin Lucas of Yuma, Arizona, has been named the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Transfer Scholarship. She feels the life challenges she has experienced in the past has prepared her to pursue her degree.
“My journey has equipped me with the empathy, resilience and determination necessary to excel in this field, and I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve,” she said. “These life experiences have not only fueled my passion for understanding the human mind but also inspired me to help others navigate their struggles.”
With this scholarship, Lucas plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“As a nontraditional student, I face challenges balancing my academic pursuits with the financial responsibilities of my household,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship would have a profound financial impact on both my education and my family’s overall well-being,”
Kenadi Summy
Kenadi Summy of Florence, South Carolina, has been awarded the Criminal Justice Scholarship. She is currently employed as a deputy sheriff with aspirations of helping children who have suffered from criminal sexual conduct.
“This scholarship would help me achieve my goals to become an advocate for children who become the victims of sexual, physical and/or mental abuse,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my future and the future of those I want to help.”
With this scholarship, Summy plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
Earning her degree will allow her to focus on human trafficking, a disturbing issue she aims to bring to light.
“The public needs to understand this is an epidemic,” she said. “Human trafficking can impact anyone. It does not discriminate against gender, age, race, religion or social status.”
Luke Dunigan
Luke Dunigan of Vancouver, Washington, has been named the recipient of the Knight Scholarship. A father of three, Dunigan decided to change his career path from truck driver to a position in safety after being involved in a head-on collision.
“During my time in the trucking industry, I worked closely with the safety department and discovered that I truly enjoyed that aspect of the job,” he said. “Although I can no longer drive a truck, I am eager to pursue a career in safety and contribute in that way.”
With this scholarship, Dunigan plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.
“Going to college to get a degree in occupational health and safety will help me pursue a career I’m passionate about, allowing me to support my family while being more present in their lives,” he said.
Terri Bradshaw
Terri Bradshaw of Alvin, Texas, has been named the recipient of the Dr. Daniel John Corcoran Occupational Safety and Health Doctorate (DOSH) Scholarship. She is currently the associate chief of the Space Medicine Operations Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) and also manages the Exploration Medical Integration Office.
“I have carefully constructed my academics around quality, environment, safety and health (QES&H) positions since this is my passion,” she said. “I am both passionate and personally committed to ensuring the safety and health in human spaceflight when it comes to protecting institutional ground teams and crewmembers themselves.”
Bradshaw received a master’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU and plans to use this scholarship to pursue her doctoral degree.
“I will utilize CSU’s doctor of occupational safety and health degree to further commercial spaceflight safety and health, human systems integration, risk management and human-rating,” she said.” My M.S. degree from CSU paved the way throughout my NASA career and I’ve been able to make a difference from an occupational safety and health, environment, and quality perspective for NASA and its contractor companies.”
Kristine Newell
Kristine Newell of Des Moines, Iowa, has been awarded the NAEMT Scholarship. She is currently an EMT and critical care paramedic with plans to promote within EMS as a chief, and eventually, advance to a law degree.
“Getting a law degree, which is only possible with the degree I will receive from CSU, is the next need that should be filled and can be filled by me,” she said. “Professionally, I would also be able to represent EMS through lobbying law makers to improve and advance the field as a whole.”
With this scholarship, Newell plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services administration.
“This scholarship would make it possible for me to get the coursework done in a more reasonable amount of time,” she said. “If given a scholarship, I would be able to comfortably take on coursework per the advised amounts and be more successful, more quickly.”
Kimberly Boykin
Kimberly Boykin of Atlanta, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Reach Scholarship. She is currently employed as a customer experience manager for Delta Airlines with the goal of excelling to engagement center manager.
“Over the next five years, I aim to achieve both personal and professional milestones that shape me into a balanced, impactful leader,” she said. “I envision myself becoming an expert in team development and operational efficiency, using data-driven insights to inspire performance and foster a collaborative work culture.”
With this scholarship, Boykin plans to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
“In five years, I want to be known for innovative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to industry changes, ensuring that my leadership style remains relevant and transformative,” she said. “Attending CSU will also enhance my critical thinking and broaden my global perspective, which are crucial for navigating today’s interconnected world.”
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.
