Columbia Southern University President Receives National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

ORANGE BEACH, Alabama—The Boys Scouts of America recently presented one of its highest honors, the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, to Columbia Southern University (CSU) President Ken Styron.

A longtime Scout leader in southwest Alabama, the award was given to Styron in recognition of his significant educational and philanthropic efforts and outstanding achievements. Styron was presented the award during the Mobile Area Council Boy Scouts of America’s annual recognition banquet held Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from an organization that has influenced my life for more than 30 years,” said Styron. “Scouting has given so much to my life and I have enjoyed giving back to help the youth of Baldwin, Clark and Mobile counties learn values such as leadership, respect, trust, courtesy and efficiency.”

As an ardent supporter of the communities, Styron serves as the vice president of camp programs and Baldwin District chairman for the Mobile Area Council Board. He has served as the lodge adviser for the Great Woa Cholena Lodge since 2012 and has served on the Baldwin Eagle Review Board. As scoutmaster, has mentored 12 Eagle Scouts. Styron himself earned his Eagle Scout in 1986 with Troop 277 in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. Styron has been awarded the District Award of Merit, Founder’s Award and the Silver Beaver.

“Ken is absolutely one of my favorite people in the world. He is one of the friendliest people I know, with the uncanny ability to make everyone, from the smallest Scout to the most seasoned volunteer, feel like the most important person in the room,” said James Alexander, council commissioner for the Mobile Area Council. “His calm and reasonable approach to any situation makes him an invaluable member of our board, and he continually sets a wonderful example for all of us as a father, a Scout leader and a friend. I never leave an encounter with Ken feeling anything other than the desire to be a better person. He is a fine man, a great friend, a quiet yet confident leader, and the very embodiment of what a mentor should be.”

Styron credits the Scouts with teaching him best practices for leading organizations. His background in systems and technology, coupled with his dedicated work with the Scouts, has enabled Styron to lead CSU with a unique perspective built on data and guided by innovation. Styron holds a Bachelor of Science in information science from the University of South Alabama and an MBA from CSU.

About Columbia Southern University
This year, Columbia Southern University celebrates its 25th anniversary. As a pioneer in online education, CSU 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.