Iya Foster is a Columbia Southern University alumna and U.S. Air Force veteran. With plans to pursue a college degree after high school, Iya was unsure of a career path, so she pivoted and decided to join the Air Force.
“Over the years, I took classes on and off with different schools, not really settling on a degree path,” she said. “I actually started as a student at Troy State University. Some things kind of got in the way, life happened and I needed to take another route. I needed another way to fund my education, and the Air Force looked like a good selection. That was the main reason for me joining the force was because of their tuition assistance and the ability to go to school without paying out of pocket.”
After being enlisted for eight years and accomplishing three deployments, Iya learned of a technical training instructor position, a role responsible for delivering specialized instruction to airmen.
“Honestly, I didn’t even apply,” she said. “It was a chief master sergeant in the Air Force who approached me and said, ‘You know, we have an open slot at the schoolhouse in Biloxi, Mississippi, and I’ve already put your name in. I think you’d be a good fit.’”
Iya eased into the new role and excelled quickly.
“They took us through a six-week instructor course to get us ready for a classroom environment and the presentation skills that would be needed in order to portray that information in an effective way.”
An Unexpected New Path
During the final year of her instructor contract, while expecting to retire from the military, Iya instead received deployment orders.
“While I was in the instructor position, I thought that I was safe from a deployment for four years, but in my third year of being there I got deployment orders for a year to Afghanistan,” she explained. “Still having small kids and really just not interested in taking that path for myself, I decided to end my Air Force career.”
With her separation from the Air Force set for March 2012, she knew she needed a new plan and career path. After determining the studies needed to finish her degree, she ultimately found CSU and was able to enroll by using her tuition assistance.
“I needed to pivot quickly to become marketable outside the military,” she said. “CSU helped me finish what I started 14 years earlier and never made me feel like I was alone on my journey.”
With limited time, Iya’s focus was earning her degree.
“I knew I needed to finish this degree,” she said. “I couldn’t focus on anything else other than finishing this degree, and I had less than 18 months to do it.”
A huge weight was lifted when she learned that most of her credits were transferred over, allowing her to knock out the required classes in record time.
“I had finished my degree just in time, but now I needed employment,” she said. “I searched for three months with very few offers and something said go to your alma mater. I reviewed the CSU website and applied for an admissions counselor position.”
Returning to her Alma Mater
After first applying for an admissions counselor position, she received a call a week later that would change her trajectory: CSU wanted her to interview for the military admissions supervisor position.
“During the interview, they must have seen something of great value because I was hired as their military admissions supervisor,” she said. “This offer showed me that CSU believed in me and stood behind the education that I received through them. I was very grateful and could now take care of my family again.”
Iya enjoyed her employment with CSU and reflects on the rewarding aspects of the job, including creating more opportunities to train the military admissions staff.
“My main vision was to take this team and make us one voice, so we gave ourselves a name: Team Liberty.”
After spending some time in that role, Iya’s home life changed and she required more flexibility. Again, CSU gave her the opportunity to continue working while taking care of her family. She transitioned into an admissions chat representative, allowing her to work from home. She stayed in that role for two years.
“CSU saved me three times,” she said. “First by matching perfectly with my military training, allowing me to finish a degree in record time. Second by seeing value in my skills and education, bringing me into their admissions team. Third by helping me see my potential as a leader, motivating me to complete a master’s program with CSU as well.”
Iya is forever grateful to CSU and continues to credit individuals from the university that helped her achieve so much.
“I want to make sure to shout out to those individuals that I remember being inspirations for me when I was in a very trying time, trying to figure out my new path, and them trusting me and believing in me for something so big and so important: Kathy Cole, Bonnie Lader, Chantell Cooley, Danielle Burge and Chelsea Hoffman. I also want to thank Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, JoAnne Bass, and Alicia McElroy, for staying in my corner.”
Iya ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management in January 2012 and a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2015, both from CSU.
She is currently employed with the Alabama National Guard as a GS-11 procurement coordinator, where she manages the government card program for the Army side of the Alabama National Guard.
For those considering a military career, Iya offers important advice.
“Military life is rewarding and unpredictable at times. Plan early and let education be a tool in your box of resources. CSU is more than my alma mater—CSU is my family.”
May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, past and present. For those like Iya Foster who have served or are currently serving, we thank you for your commitment and sacrifice for our country.
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.
