Columbia Southern University
American for-profit online university
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, United States. It was founded in 1993 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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| Type | Private for-profit online university |
|---|---|
| Established | 1993 |
| Accreditation | SACS |
| President | Ken Styron |
| Provost | Janell Gibson |
| Students | 18,487 (fall 2023)[1] |
| Undergraduates | 13,111 (fall 2023)[1] |
| Postgraduates | 5,376 (fall 2023)[1] |
| Location | , U.S. 30°19â²45.26â³N 87°39â²9.4â³W |
| Colors | Navy blue & gold |
| Nickname | Knights[2] |
| Mascot | 'Sir Maximus' the CSU Knight |
| Website | www |
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History
Columbia Southern University was founded in 1993 by Robert G. Mayes Sr.[3][4] The university developed its first degree programs in Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health in 1994. By 1996 additional degree programs were developed and offered: The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, followed by Computer Science, Criminal Justice Administration, and Health Administration.[3]
Mayes headed the institution until his death in 2005, when his son, Robert Mayes Jr., assumed the presidency.[4] Ken Styron became president on May 1, 2018.[5]
Academics
Columbia Southern University consists of six colleges offering a total of 66 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, as well as 29 certificate programs online. CSU also offers nine doctoral programs. [6][7]
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate degrees, and certificates.[8][9]
Columbia Southern has more than 1,000 full-time faculty and staff. It enrolls and graduates thousands of students annually.[10] The university is one of approximately 140 schools approved to offer tuition assistance through the U.S. Army's centralized tuition assistance portal, GoArmyEd.[11]
Student outcomes
Columbia Southern's 8-year graduation rate is 49 percent. Median salary after completing ranges from $32,000 to $70,000.[12]
Notable alumni
- Steve Bashore (M.B.A., 2019), American politician
- Chad Bianco (B.S., 2015), American law enforcement officer and politician
- William Bruck (M.B.A., 2014), American politician
- Howard R. Elliott (M.S., 2011), American government official
- Kenneth Gittens (B.S., 2008, M.S., 2011), U.S. Virgin Islands politician
- Rob Harris (A.S., 2019), American politician
- Earl Jaques Jr. (B.S., 1998), American politician
- Brian Lawson (A.S., 2022), American politician and businessman
- Mike Loychik (B.A.Sc.), American politician
- Steven Nordhaus (M.S. 2013), U.S. Air Force general
- Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (M.S., 2012), American politician
- Jason Saine (B.S., 2012), American politician
- Tony L. Whitehead (B.S., 2020), retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant