By: Nikkia Fain, Class of 2013 and 2017

The following article originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2017 edition of the Columbia Southern University Alumni Magazine.

I am a retired Air Force veteran. I served 21 years and it was not until I found CSU that I was able to accomplish my goal...earn a bachelor’s degree!

After receiving my associate degree in logistics through the Community College of the Air Force, I did not know what I could do or what school I should attend to move toward my goal of attaining my bachelor’s degree.

I was an active member of the military and had tried to attend college on base or in the local area of the base where I was stationed; however, my career was number one. I was asked to work different shifts, deploy, was assigned to a temporary duty, work long hours including weekend duties, so I was lost. I had to drop classes because of unpredictable work patterns.

Did I mention that I am married with children and at one time was a single parent during all of this?

Thanks to the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program (AU-ABC) that was offered through CSU, I found the perfect fit. Through AU-ABC, I had the chance to research schools that were a part of the program to see what the best fit was for me in conjunction with my Air Force Specialty Code. 

I was a material manager and my work seemed to cross over well in the business world.

I then began to pursue my search for colleges that offered business degrees. I looked at college after college and what was offered did not fit my needs for several reasons. I finally discovered CSU and their online business program. Not only was it flexible, there was also a guarantee that most, if not all, of my Air Force technical training and previous college credits would transfer.

I started CSU as a sophomore and graduated in less than three years. In those three years, I moved a couple of times, changed shifts, went TDY and deployed. I was still able to graduate on time. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in business, I continued my education in the MBA human resources management program at CSU. 

Approximately 40 percent of CSU’s students are military-affiliated. Learn more about military scholarships, tuition discounts or more.

Amount of transfer credits is dependent upon transcript evaluation and pending Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

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.

Testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.