Under the provisions of this law, students are entitled to the following privileges:

• Inspection and review of the student’s educational records.
• Request of amendments to the student’s records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.
• Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by CSU to comply with FERPA requirements in the instance that a complaint cannot be resolved within the University.

Requests by students to inspect, review, or amend must be submitted in writing and identify the following:

• Record the student wishes to inspect
• Signature and date

For requests to amend, students must clearly identify the portion of the educational record the student is requesting be changed, and specify why the record should be changed. If the requested change is not approved, the student will be notified of the University’s decision, and the student’s right to a hearing. FERPA regulations now allow the request to be submitted electronically.

Students are informed of those instances where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent in the Catalog information (electronically and in print).

However, FERPA allows schools to disclose student records, without consent, to the following parties:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest
• Other schools to which a student is transferring
• Specified officials for audit of evaluation purposes
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school
• Accrediting organizations
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies
• State and local authorities

Release of student “directory” information is also permitted by FERPA. CSU identifies “directory” information as name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, honors and awards, dates of attendance, major field of study, enrollment status, previous institutions attended, photograph or other comparable information.

Personally identifiable information (or non-releasable information) includes all information not defined as directory information and may not be released without the express written consent of the student. The Consent to Release must:

• Identify and authenticate a particular person as the source of the consent (whether in writing or transmitted electronically) and
• Indicate that person’s approval of the information contained in the electronic consent.

Students may control the release of directory information by completing the CSU Request to Revoke Directory Information Release Form . Upon receipt of this form, a Privacy Hold will be placed on the student’s record.

To Whose Record Does the Act apply?
FERPA applies to the education records of persons who are, or have been, in attendance at CSU, including students in continuing education programs sponsored by the University. FERPA does not apply to records of applicants who are denied admittance or, if accepted, do not attend CSU.

To What Records Does the Act Apply?
The act applies to all education records maintained by CSU, and all parties acting for CSU, which are directly related to a student. Records containing a student’s name, identification number, or other personally identifiable information, in whatever medium, are covered by FERPA unless identified in one of the act’s excluded categories.

Enforcement and Penalties
The CSU Office of the Registrar is responsible for university compliance with this policy. Responsibility for administering the act by the federal government has been assigned to the Family Policy Compliance Office within the United States Department of Education. This office reviews and investigates complaints and attempts to bring compliance through voluntary means.

FERPA Compliance
Students who need assistance or who wish to file a complaint under FERPA should do so in writing to the Family Policy Compliance Office, sending pertinent information through mail, concerning any allegations to the following address:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
Phone: 1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327)

Contact Us
Please contact the Office of the Registrar at 800.977.8449 or registrar@columbiasouthern.edu if you have any additional questions or concerns about our privacy policy.

We accept the following forms by email, fax and mail.

• Student Release for Education Records
• Request to Revoke Directory Information Release Form

The post FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

Nearly 37 years ago, Joseph Adelman moved his family from Philadelphia to Gloucester County, New Jersey, to seek a better education for his three children.

While driving past a fire station one mile from their home, he said to his wife, “I’m going to join the firehouse.” She looked at him and said, “There’s just no way. That’s not in your persona.”

Fast-forward to today, and Joseph has made an impressive career in emergency medical services (EMS) and continues to dedicate his life to helping others.

From Finance to Founder to First Responder

Joseph worked as a director of finance in the automobile business before becoming a volunteer firefighter of the Washington Township Fire District’s Whitman Square Fire Company.

A few years into his firefighting career, his wife Jill decided to join the Washington Township Ambulance and Rescue Squad. When their children went to school, Jill went from being a stay-at-home mom to volunteer EMT and eventually, a registered nurse.

“My wife is a retired RN who worked at one of the busiest inner-city trauma hospitals in the country,” he said. “Her career set a powerful example of service, resilience and compassion.”

The fire department where Joseph volunteered did not perform medical services. Motivated by a competitive edge after seeing his wife respond to more calls than he did, Joseph became a volunteer EMT, serving both as a firefighter and an EMT for 20 years. In addition, he became chief of the same ambulance squad, working alongside his wife.

With a continual desire to grow, Joseph started his own business in 1997 out of his basement with just two employees.

 “I started a business called First Due Emergency Supply, a small mom and pop business where we sold fire, ambulance and police equipment,” he said. “And off we went running, knocking on doors and trying to sell fire equipment and ambulance equipment.”

After taking on a business partner, the company grew with the demand in his area; however, no one expected what came next.

“All of the sudden, we had six employees, and 9/11 came about,” he said. “I was now dealing with homeland security. I was now dealing with the New Jersey Department of EMS. I was now dealing with the Delaware River Port Authority, which takes care of New York and New Jersey. I was now dealing with the city of Philadelphia, and I had some huge contracts. They just needed equipment. Whatever it was, they needed it, and we were there to supply it.”

 In addition to being a successful business owner and EMT, Joseph also became a part-time paramedic, working every other weekend at Underwood Hospital, now Inspira Health. After 16 years, he sold his business and became a career paramedic. He currently works as a 911 paramedic for Capital Health, located in the metro area of Trenton, New Jersey.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn and Grow

Having been a business owner and working at a senior management level in the automobile business, Joseph knew he wanted more out of his full-time paramedic career.

“I found myself on the other side, being an employee instead of being in management,” he said. “I know I was as clinically sound as my bosses, but I didn’t understand the operations of a large corporate hospital, and I didn’t understand the operations of a large EMS system.”

In New Jersey, 90% of paramedics must work for a private agency, meaning there is no union. However, Joseph changed that by helping organize one of the first unions in the country for paramedics working for private agencies, a goal he brought to fruition.

“I decided to pursue my degree because I wanted more than experience alone to define my role in EMS—I wanted the academic foundation to match the responsibility of the work and to open doors to leadership, education and long-term impact,” he said. “That was my goal, and I was able to accomplish that through my education at CSU,” he said.

In 2019, Joseph attended an EMS World Expo in New Orleans, where he first learned of CSU. Shortly afterward, he decided to enroll. While returning to college can feel daunting for some adult learners, Joseph remained committed to earning a college education.

 “At the start, being a senior learner absolutely mattered,” he said. “At 64, I wasn’t chasing a checkbox or trying to prove I could sit in a classroom. I was pursuing a degree with the intention of keeping my skills current, staying sharp, and remaining competitive and credible in a profession that keeps evolving clinically, operationally and politically.”

“Bottom line: if you feel that pull to do more—teach, lead, improve systems or move into management—a degree is one of the most practical ways to open those doors. And if you’re worried it’s too late or you’ll be the oldest person in the room, I can tell you from experience: learning doesn’t have an age limit, and the return on the effort is real.”

He earned a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services administration from CSU and is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on healthcare management.

“My bachelor’s degree in EMS and my current MBA directly support my goals in educational leadership, EMS administration, and hospital-based EMS because they provide a strong clinical foundation and the management tools to lead at the systems level,” he explained. “Together, these degrees are moving me from being an experienced provider and instructor to becoming a leader who can run programs, defend decisions with evidence and metrics, and drive measurable, system-wide improvements in hospital-based EMS.”

 A Hidden Talent Emerges

 When Joseph started writing papers for his assignments, he never dreamed of what would happen next.

“One thing fellow Knights may find interesting—and definitely relatable—is that I was never much of a writer,” said Joseph. “For a long time, writing felt like a weakness for me, not a strength. But CSU changed that. The writing and research expectations in my courses pushed me to develop skills I didn’t think I had, and over time I started to appreciate my own ability to communicate clearly, support ideas with evidence, and write in a professional voice.”

After reading an article one of his colleagues wrote for the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS), Joseph called him to inquire about the process.

“I gave him a call and said, ‘How did you do this? This is interesting stuff, what you wrote about.’”

His colleague told him to pick a topic and submit it. After taking that advice to heart, Joseph submitted his first article titled “Balance of Power: How BLS and ALS Partner to Keep You Safe” which explains how the two-tier EMS system divides responsibilities between basic life support crews and advanced life support crews. The article received positive reviews, inspiring Joseph to write more pieces for submission.

“That growth turned into something I never would have predicted: I’m now on staff as a contributor to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services and I’ve been published multiple times,” he said. “What started as ‘I’m just trying to get through this assignment’ became a real professional tool—one that’s helped me share lessons from the field, advocate for evidence-based practice and contribute to the broader EMS community.”

“For me, that’s one of the best parts of this journey: CSU didn’t just give me a degree. It helped me discover skills I didn’t know I had, and it turned a former weak spot into a strength I now use in my career.”

Most of his writings for the journal involve the operational side of being a paramedic, and his many years of experience in the field allows him to contribute in meaningful ways.

“I have an idea of how to make this a better business and how to make this a better business for paramedics and for my industry. That’s my reasoning.”

Joseph’s impressive career includes an instructor with Salem County EMT School, a volunteer retired firefighter of 27 years, staff writer with JEMS, and paramedic. Additionally, he has won numerous awards, including Firefighter of the Year, Most Dedicated Firefighter, and multiple EMS service accolades recognizing ongoing performance, commitment and service. He is also a member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

His published articles can be found in the Journal of Emergency Services (JEMS).

The post From Sirens to Stories: Joseph Adelman’s Journey from Volunteer Firefighter to Writer appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

1. Can you describe your role at CSU?
   As an academic advisor at CSU, I support students in navigating their academic journey by providing guidance on degree requirements, course planning and university policies. I partner with students to promote informed decision‑making, persistence and timely progress toward graduation.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
   The most rewarding part of my job is hearing students share how they’ve overcome obstacles and continued moving forward toward their long‑term goals. Being part of that journey is incredibly meaningful.

3. What advice would you give to a CSU student?
   When obstacles arise, remember that persistence is one of your strongest tools. Staying engaged, seeking support when needed, and continuing to move forward will help you overcome challenges and remain on track academically.

4. What is your favorite CSU memory or moment?
   One of my most memorable moments at CSU was the 2025 Advising Seminar. The session was engaging, entertaining and motivating, while providing meaningful guidance on how to better support students from an investigative perspective. Leadership’s willingness to dress up truly enhanced the experience and made it enjoyable.

5. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, spending time with my family and traveling in my spare time.

To hear more stories like Rosalynd’s, visit the Communicator’s features section.

The post Take 5 with Academic Advisor Rosalynd Felix appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

 “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.

The post Reshaping her Path: How Iya Foster Built a New Future Before, During and After the Military appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

William Ramos
The Missouri Military Academy has announced the appointment of retired 1st Sgt. William Ramos as deputy commandant for transportation, security and support, bringing over 25 years of United States Army service to the role. Ramos will oversee cadet safety, transportation operations, fleet accountability and campus security. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in military studies at CSU.

Jordan Shekels
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (Alabama) has announced the appointment of Jordan Shekels to the rank of corrections captain. Shekels has served for more than a decade, advancing through the ranks of corrections officer, corporal, sergeant and lieutenant. She has also served as a certified K-9 handler. Shekels received a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from CSU.

Justin Beal
Justin Beal has been inducted into the REJournals Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. He is currently the executive managing director and principal of retail brokerage with Newmark Zimmer, a leading commercial real estate advisor, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Beal currently represents nearly 1.5 million square feet of retail properties across the Kansas City area and has more than 21 years of experience in the brokerage business. He holds an MBA with a concentration in project management from CSU.

Jason Eaves
The City of Wilmington (North Carolina) has promoted Jason Eaves to the role of safety and risk management director. He has over a decade of experience in safety and risk management and holds a master’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU.

Dysoaneik Spellman
Deputy Police Chief Dysoaneik Spellman of The Aberdeen (North Carolina) Police Department recently completed the Administrative Office Management Program, an intensive three-month course designed for law enforcement leaders. The program focuses on management, leadership and daily operations of police agencies. Spellman received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

William (Dwayne) Honaker
The Bristol Tennessee Fire Department (BTFD) has promoted William (Dwayne) Honaker to the role of interim fire chief. He is a 29-year veteran of the BTFD and has served as battalion chief since 2008. “My focus over the coming months will be on providing steady leadership within the department, supporting our dedicated team of women and men within the department, and ensuring that our community continues to receive the highest possible level of emergency service,” Honaker stated. He earned an associate degree in fire science from CSU.

Aaron Bunyea
The Traverse City (Michigan) Fire Department has selected Aaron Bunyea as its new fire chief. He formally held the role of deputy fire chief at Clemson University in South Carolina and served as deputy fire chief for the U.S. Air Force. He received a bachelor’s degree in fire administration and a master’s degree in emergency services management, both from CSU.

Michael Loychik
Michael Loychik is one of three contenders in the Trumbull (Ohio) County Republican auditor race. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2020-2024 and served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, holding the staff sergeant role upon completion of his last term. He received a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from CSU and is pursuing an MBA, also from CSU.

The post Knights in the News | May 2026 appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

Andrea Singaas
Andrea Singaas of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. She is the founder and CEO of The Tyne Group, an organization that provides executive, leadership and career coaching to individual professionals and businesses.

“I built a business while navigating military life,” she said. “I have adjusted plans I was certain about. I had seasons where everything felt aligned and seasons where I had to rebuild from the ground up. I started over more than once. But what I didn’t do was quit.”

With this scholarship, Singaas plans to pursue a doctorate in business administration with a focus on organizational leadership.

“More than anything, I want to continue inspiring and supporting military spouses whose careers and lives did not unfold the way they expected. I want to model that growth is still possible. That pivoting is not quitting. That ambition can evolve without disappearing.”

Mason Valenzuela
Mason Valenzuela of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been named the first recipient of the Pillar of Courage Scholarship. He is a military spouse and left behind an established teaching career and lifelong home in Hawaii to be alongside his wife as she undergoes basic military training.

“I am eager to build upon my teaching experience and advance my abilities through Columbia Southern University and the generous opportunity that the Pillar of Courage Scholarship offers,” he said. “I aim to expand my understanding of what makes an educator exceptional, and to better prepare myself with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to be such an educator as I continue to grow in my profession.”

With this scholarship, Valenzuela plans to pursue a master’s degree in instructional design and technology.

“The conviction and purpose bestowed upon me through military life guide how I operate as an educator and influence the way I approach teaching,” he explained. “Just as I have been a steady source of encouragement for my wife, I aim to continue supporting my students with a deeper skillset and a more refined perspective gained through advancing my education.”

Christi Hubbard
Christi Hubbard of Satsuma, Florida, has been awarded the Business Scholarship. For years, she has operated a pet-sitting and dog-walking business, as well as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps veterans, first responders, animals, small children and unhoused individuals in need.

“I have been making a difference in my community for over 20 years rescuing animals in need, vetting them, adopting them out and pairing veterans with animals,” she said. “I have been utilizing animal assistance therapy before it even became the new thing for veterans.”

With this scholarship, Hubbard plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

Emilio Ortegon
Emilio Ortegon of Waco, Texas, has been named the recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship. He is currently a project safety manager with TDIndustries.

“My studies have allowed me to network and be creative in ways I did not know I had in me,” he said. “Being a Phi Theta Kappa member is such an honor and has shown me that no matter how hard life may knock me down, I must dig deep and keep moving forward.”

With this scholarship, Ortegon plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with aspirations of obtaining a doctorate in the same field from CSU.

“I find it fascinating that being able to achieve these goals not only benefits me but those around me as well,” he said. “Being able to have the knowledge and skills to help others get home safe to their families is a major win for me.”

Joseph Theodosis
Joseph Theododis of Chandler, Arizona, has been awarded the Fire Scholarship. He is employed with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management via the Arizona Department of Corrections and is the son of a firefighter.

“I was unwittingly being prepared to follow in my dad’s footsteps to run towards the dangers of fire,” he said. “As I got older, I learned of how my dad put himself through college to earn his associate in fire science. He didn’t achieve this degree out of requirement, but by his own needful desire to better understand the profession he had fallen in love with.”

With this scholarship, Theodosis plans to pursue an associate degree in fire science.

“The dedication and fortitude that will be expected of me to bring this degree program to fruition are the same pillars I will need to stand on to lay hold of my goals for this next chapter in the book of my life,” he said. “The knowledge I will gain from this course study of fire science will undoubtedly aid in my abilities and capabilities of any future personal goals.”

Clayton Laurent
Clayton Laurent of Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been named the recipient of the Learning Partner Scholarship. He is currently employed as a safety coordinator with Dragados USA, Inc.

“I am originally from a small U.S. territory in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands, where I lived my entire life before relocating to Virginia in August 2025 in pursuit of better career opportunities and a more stable future for myself and my family.”

With this scholarship, Laurent plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health.

“CSU is recognized for its strong occupational health and safety program, and its curriculum aligns with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals requirements for the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential,” he said. “Upon graduation, I will be eligible for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation, which provides a direct pathway toward obtaining my CSP. Additionally, the coursework and certifications embedded within the program will strengthen my knowledge in construction safety and leadership—both of which are essential for advancement within my company.”

To learn more about Columbia Southern University’s scholarships, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.

The post May 2026 Scholarship Roundup appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

This prestigious award honors nurse educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching, mentorship, professionalism and student success. It celebrates faculty members who inspire learning, model compassionate care, and make a lasting impact on students’ academic and professional growth.

If you know a CSU nursing faculty member who has gone above and beyond to support your learning, encourage critical thinking and promote excellence in nursing education, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

How to Participate:

• Complete the DAISY Faculty Nomination Form.
• Share specific examples of how your instructor has made a positive difference.
• Submit your nomination by July 1, 2026.

Members of the nursing faculty will also be selecting an outstanding CSU student to receive the DAISY Award who exemplifies compassion, professionalism, leadership and academic excellence.

Your voice matters. By submitting a nomination, you help us recognize and celebrate excellence in nursing education.

If you have questions, please contact the DAISY Award Committee at shared-nursing@columbiasouthern.edu

The post Nominate a Nursing Instructor for the DAISY Excellence in Education Award appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

A safety consultant with 17 years of experience, Anthony is the founder and CEO of Diamond Safety and Training, an organization focused on developing AI-powered workplace safety software, ergonomic wearable backpack technology, risk management consulting and project management software.

The mission is clear: to create a safe working environment with the highest level of OSHA-compliance safety training available in the field.

His career in safety began 15 years ago when he was the director of the training program with Youth Field, an organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, serving high-risk youth.

“I was dealing with high-risk youth, and the board members thought it would be a great idea if I went through the training to get my OSHA certification,” he said. “I always tell people safety became an addiction, and I’ve been in it and loved it ever since.”

Anthony’s career in AI began roughly four years ago while he was studying for a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health at CSU. He managed late night study sessions while balancing family life and a full-time job. Despite his busy and sometimes overwhelming schedule, he discovered a passion for using AI in the safety field.

 Developing AI Safety Software

Anthony is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), where he first began surveying safety professionals about challenges in the industry. During this time, he was fully invested in AI consultant training.

“I was doing CSU, and I was going through the AI consultant training at the same time,” he said. “I would do the consulting training on Friday evenings, and then Saturday and Sunday basically all day. They were teaching me the prompting; they were teaching me how to get AI not to hallucinate; they were teaching me how to make AI sound like me and not robotic.”

The more he learned about AI, the more interested he became. The training taught him how to conduct compelling research with the goal of answering safety professionals’ questions regarding the challenges they faced.

“I’d go deep down this rabbit hole, and I just got bitten by it to see how interesting it was and how it could really help me do research,” he said. “Not so much doing the project, but getting me the information to do the research, to help these people to answer their questions.”

After compiling the information, his mentor challenged him to create AI software. With this idea, he consulted his business partners and started talking about AI extensively, and it grew from there.

 “Four years ago, believe it or not, AI was good, but AI was not as great,” he said. “It was literally what they call ‘hallucinate.’ The research information wasn’t true, so I had to go back to my mentors and tell them what I was dealing with.”

Ultimately, AI is only as smart as what you feed it, and the data from the research Anthony had while developing the software was derived from outdated OSHA information. Luckily, he ran across individuals who were willing to teach him how to train the models to receive true and realistic information.

 “You can research, but if you don’t have research information that’s equivalent to what’s going on today, it will take you down the road of going back and researching stuff directly off of OSHA…it’s good information but it’s old information, and it wasn’t relevant to the incidents that were in the risk management database that the brokers and the insurance industry were dealing with today.”

Anthony learned how to train models, validate outputs and build workflows that cross-referenced real-time insurance and workers’ compensation data. The result was a system that links workplace incident data with work comp claims, allowing companies to lower insurance rates by reducing injury risk.

The Ergonomic AI Wearable Backpack: What It Is and How It Works

Anthony partnered with Scott Coleman, a sports physiotherapist based in Australia, to dive deep into learning about ergonomic wearable backpack designed to monitor and correct lifting behavior in warehouse and manufacturing environments.

Coleman had been studying the cause of back injuries. His mother, a former nurse, was the inspiration.

“She was a hands-on nurse who was one of these little, small-framed women who dealt with paraplegic individuals, and she would have to turn them over,” Anthony said. “Back then they used a heavy-gauge machine, almost looked like an engine hauler…they would strap these individuals and crank them off the bed…they would still have to wrestle with the dead weight of these individuals.”

Anthony spent three months in Australia working with Coleman and learning wearable technology before bringing it into the industrial safety space. This wearable technology is designed to fit the individual wearing it — not just by size but also by gender, prior injury history, age and overall health. Using this data, the system records video of the worker’s lifting technique, uploads it and generates a personalized ergonomic training program. It is not a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all solution.

If a worker reverts to bad lifting habits during their shift, the backpack sends a haptic buzz notification to the worker and simultaneously sends an SMS text alert to their supervisor. At the end of each shift, a full report is generated for the safety team showing collected risk data, individual performance metrics and whether current training thresholds are being met.

“If you are bending over the wrong way, it’s going to measure your ergonomics,” he explained. “We have a training program to train you that you are not bending properly. When we input the recording of how you’re lifting, it’s then going to generate a program for us to now teach you the proper way you need to bend or to lift.”

The system allows thresholds to be adjusted per individual. For example, one worker’s safe-lift threshold may be set at 45% capacity while another worker’s metrics are set at 25% based on their physical profile and health history.

Using AI as a Tool – Not a Replacement

While AI is advancing at an astonishing rate, the human role in developing AI software is critical, especially in the safety realm. It is not a job replacer. Without humans inputting structured prompts, defining parameters and validating outputs, the technology will fail.

“Use AI to solve problems,” he said. “AI is not a do-all, fix-all tool. AI equips safety professionals to complete their research faster, but they still must validate the information, ensure OSHA compliance and do the actual work.”

Staying current with new trends is a vital component in ensuring the backpacks work properly to keep workers safe, as attending safety conferences and being part of safety associations is a must in the industry.

“You have to find a software that fits what you’re doing, and you must be selective. If you jump with everything that’s coming up new, you’ll be going down every rabbit hole.”

Rather than chasing every new AI tool, Anthony’s philosophy is to select two to three AI partners the company grows alongside, sharing improvements and feedback in a collaborative network.

“As they improve, we improve and vice versa,” he said. “We share that information. It’s solving a problem; that’s the bottom line. We use AI to eliminate, not just to lower the risk.”

Putting His Education into Practice

Anthony received a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU with plans to pursue a master’s degree in the same field. In addition, he earned a risk management certification and was invited to speak at Illinois State University in 2023 as a consultant. The college is a hub for insurance and risk management.

“By enrolling at Columbia Southern University, I learned to think bigger about what was possible for my career and my impact,” he said. “My coursework gave me a strong foundation in safety and leadership, but it also pushed me to look beyond my immediate surroundings and step outside my comfort zone. As I got more involved in the safety profession, the confidence and credibility I gained through CSU helped me build connections through the American Society of Safety Professionals and to be bold enough to ask for new opportunities.”

“Those connections opened doors for me to collaborate with research teams at Illinois State University, where I worked alongside professionals exploring the future of safety through wearable technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging tools. Through that work, I was also introduced to risk management and began to understand how the insurance industry and risk management go hand in hand, how insurers look at exposure, and how companies structure their safety programs to control risk and protect people and assets.”

AI’s Impact on Safety in the Future

Anthony’s goal is to reduce injury risk in the safety field by using AI to analyze current, relevant data.

“Believe it or not, one of the things that has killed safety in the years is not having data that you can quantify, that you can utilize verses still using data that’s five years old for training, for improving and even for risk management,” he said. “You cannot use this old data.”

He is also passionate about quality of life after retirement and the long-term cost of workplace injuries including chronic pain, medication dependency and more. By using AI to enhance safety in the workplace, these chronic conditions may be reduced.

“Columbia Southern University opened the door for me to connect with professional organizations where I was first introduced to AI in safety, AI-driven risk management and wearable technology,” he said. “By taking advantage of those opportunities while pursuing my degree, I was able to gain new knowledge, think beyond traditional approaches to safety and envision how these emerging tools can shape the future of our profession.”

“My dream is to one day return to CSU as a professor, teaching future Knights about AI in safety, AI risk management, and wearable technology, so I can pour my real-world experience back into the classroom and help the next generation go even further than I have.”

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“Everyone’s talking about AI. Few people know what to do with it,” said Lokkesmoe. “This isn’t a lecture — it’s a live, interactive session where your questions shape the conversation. Come ready to engage and walk away with a practical take on what AI actually means for your work.”

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. CST
Where: Zoom
Registration: Eventbright

Lokkesmoe serves as the chief data officer at Columbia Southern University, where he leads the strategic development and implementation of data-driven and AI initiatives. With nearly two decades of experience in data analytics and strategic leadership, Lokkesmoe is dedicated to leveraging data insights to support CSU’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. His expertise includes advanced analytics, AI integration, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.

Save your seat today for an informative session that promises practical and actionable takeaways.

The post Webinar: CSU Alumni Association Presents “AI at Work” | Practical Tips for the Modern Workplace appeared first on The Columbia Southern University Communicator.

Todd Roberts
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has promoted Todd J. Roberts to the rank of captain. He was promoted to staff lieutenant in 2024 and was assigned to the Office of Planning, Research and Development. In his new role, Roberts will command office field operations. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Rachel Rodriguez-Williams
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams has officially launched her campaign for Wyoming secretary of state. She is the leader of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and has established a record as one of the most conservative members of the legislature. A native of northern California, her professional roots are in public safety, having served for seven years as a law enforcement officer in Marin County, California. She holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Jeremy Butler
The city of LaGrange (Georgia) honored Jeremy Butler for 25 years of service. Butler currently serves as the division commander for the Administrative Services Division of the LaGrange Police Department. His career includes patrol officer, detective, canine handler, field training officer, patrol sergeant and lieutenant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Meghan Houidobre
St. Tammany Public Schools (Louisiana) has named Meghan Houidobre as the High School Division Teacher of the Year. She serves as the emergency medical responder instructor at Covington High School, where she also teaches human anatomy and physiology, and dual-enrollment medical terminology. She received a master’s degree in emergency services management from CSU.

Breanna Westling
Breanna Westling has taken the safety specialist position at American Crystal, a grower-owned cooperative and the nation’s largest beet sugar producer. Westling will provide safety leadership to ensure the facility is in compliance with corporate safety standards, including agriculture, operations and packaging. She brings 11 years of experience to the role and earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU.

Steven Barger
The town of Holden Beach (North Carolina) has selected Steven Barger as its new police chief. He is a member of the Brunswick County Board of Education and currently represents District 4 on the board. Barger will begin the role on March 30. He is also a lieutenant with the Village of Bald Head Island, serving as a firefighter and paramedic. He holds a master’s degree in fire executive leadership with a focus on occupational safety and health from CSU.

Jason Eaves
The city of Wilmington (North Carolina) has appointed Jason Eaves to the role of safety and risk management director. He worked as a safety officer with the Brunswick County Public Utilities for the past four years, where he led safety audits, developed standard operating procedures and implemented OSHA-compliant training programs. He received a master’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU.

Miranda Scott
Business and computer science teacher Miranda Scott has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year Award. She currently teaches at Charles R. Drew High School in Clayton County and serves as chair of the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department. She earned an MBA with a focus in human resource management from CSU.

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