Ethan Sikes
Ethan Sikes of Claxton, Georgia, has been awarded the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. He is a volunteer firefighter and is also employed with Quality Tire.
“Being part of the fire service has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, responsibility, communication and staying calm when people are depending on you,” he said. “My dad has also had a major influence on my decision to pursue this career. Watching him dedicate himself to the fire service inspired me to follow a similar path.”
With this scholarship, Sikes plans to pursue an associate degree in fire science.
“Firefighting requires much more than responding to emergencies; it requires understanding fire behavior, emergency management, leadership, communication, safety, and how to work effectively with a team,” said Sikes. “I want to be prepared to take on greater responsibility and eventually lead a department with the same dedication and commitment that I have seen from my father.”
Ebony Britton
Ebony Britton of McDonough, Georgia, has been named the recipient of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Scholarship. She serves as an EMS clinical coordinator and instructor with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Britton has been an EMS professional for 20 years.
“My goal is to continue growing as an EMS leader, educator and administrator while using my experience to help develop the next generation of EMS professionals,” said Britton.
With this scholarship, Britton plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in emergency management.
“After more than 20 years in EMS, I have learned that leadership is not always about obtaining the next title. For me, it is about being in a position to influence education, improve systems, mentor others and create opportunities that strengthen our profession.”
Jeremy Spencer
Jeremy Spencer of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has been named the recipient of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Scholarship. He has served in the volunteer fire service and EMS since 2009. He is also an automotive instructor at his local high school.
“As a volunteer fire chief, I understand the importance of not only emergency response, but also communication, organization, training, budgeting and member development,” Spencer explained. “My goal is to continue helping our organization grow while mentoring and supporting the next generation of volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.”
With this scholarship, Spencer plans to pursue an associate degree in fire science.
“Earning this degree would also open additional career opportunities in fire and emergency services management, allowing me to pursue my long-term goal of working full time in the fire and EMS profession,” he said. “I believe higher education, combined with hands-on experience and dedication, will strengthen my ability to lead, mentor others and help our department continue to grow and succeed.”
Rebecca Cooper Jackson
Rebecca Cooper Jackson of Decatur, Georgia, has been awarded the Regional Learning Partner Scholarship. She is employed with the City of Atlanta as a lead forensic scientist with a concentration in latent print examination.
“I’ve been fortunate to make a meaningful difference in my community by inspiring children through science and forensic education,” she said. “One of my ongoing commitments is speaking to elementary-aged students about careers in forensics, showing them how science, curiosity and careful observation play powerful roles in solving real-world problems.”
With this scholarship, she plans to pursue a master’s degree.
“I also mentor younger team members by offering clear guidance, honest feedback and steady support as they grow in their forensic careers,” she stated. “I focus on building their confidence, strengthening their technical skills and helping them think critically through complex cases.”
Benjamin Wexler
Benjamin Wexler of Kingsport, Tennessee, has been named the recipient of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Scholarship. He currently serves as the fire program director for the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy and fire chief of the Warriors Path Volunteer Fire Department.
“I currently serve the fire and emergency services in multiple capacities, providing leadership, training and support at the local, regional and state levels,” said Wexler. “The knowledge and skills I gain through this program will provide me with the tools to better serve my volunteer fire department, my professional career and the organizations in which I serve in leadership and administrative roles.”
With this scholarship, Wexler plans to pursue an associate degree in fire science.
“The volunteer fire service is deeply important to me, and I am committed to giving back to the profession that has given me so much,” he said.
Desiree Allen-Potts
Desiree Allen-Potts of Villa Rica, Georgia, has been awarded the Atlanta Police Department Scholarship. She is a police officer and co-owner of Dream Xtreme Athletics, a cheerleading program that provides opportunities for children whose families may be experiencing financial hardship.
“Our purpose has always been bigger than cheerleading,” she said. “We wanted to provide opportunities for children whose families may not be able to afford traditional all-star cheerleading while teaching discipline, education, sisterhood, determination and commitment.”
With this scholarship, Allen-Potts plans to further her education by earning a master’s degree.
“I believe that this degree would help me with mentoring other aspiring women in my agency, because I already view myself as a leader, formally and informally,” she said. “This would allow me to show my colleagues that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Jarod Gee
Jarod Gee of Mobile, Alabama, has been named the recipient of the Regional Learning Partner Scholarship. He is a police officer and supervisor with the Mobile Police Department.
“My decision to apply to Columbia Southern University was driven entirely by the absolute necessity for flexibility,” said Gee. “Serving as a police officer requires a level of commitment that simply does not conform to a traditional academic calendar.”
With this scholarship, Gee plans to pursue an MBA with a concentration in public administration.
“My professional life is built around demanding 12-hour shifts that frequently rotate between day and night,” he said. “The flexibility provided by Columbia Southern University has been absolutely paramount in my ability to further my education while continuing my rigorous work schedule.”
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.
