CSU President Honored with Distinguished Service Award

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) recently awarded Columbia Southern University (CSU) President Robert Mayes with its Distinguished Service Award during the commission’s annual DEAC conference.

The conference hosts an awards ceremony that recognizes individuals and outstanding graduates from the DEAC’s accredited organizations.

"The DEAC's Distinguished Service Award recognizes extraordinary and long-standing performance to DEAC and the field of distance education, and Robert Mayes has been incredibly devoted to supporting the mission and vision of DEAC,” said DEAC Executive Director Dr. Leah K. Matthews. “His work has left a lasting imprint on both the organization and the field of distance education. I am truly grateful for the time, commitment and dedication Robert has displayed as he worked tirelessly to advance distance education and the DEAC."

Mayes served on the DEAC commission for eight years. During that time, his committee work included contributions to the executive, finance and nominating committees. Mayes finished his last term as vice-chair for the DEAC board of directors.

“I am honored to be given this award,” said Mayes. “During my years serving on the DEAC board, I was privileged to share time with some amazing people and to participate in the important work of accreditation. It was a valuable experience and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve.”

CSU representatives have been attending the DEAC annual conference for approximately 20 years. This year, CSU staff were accompanied by CSU graduates “Cowboy Troy” Coleman, this year’s Famous Alumni Award recipient and Shanna Travis, Outstanding Graduate Award recipient. Coleman and Travis were also honored during the DEAC conference awards luncheon at the St. Anthony’s Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

About Columbia Southern University

One of the nation’s pioneer online universities, Columbia Southern University was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.