LEADING
News: CSU Named Silver-level Military Friendly School By Jenna Johnson / Photo by Ty Cornett
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harleston Southern University announced in April that it earned the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School designation—Silver level. CSU is currently educating 248 veterans and 159 veteran dependents. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2022-2023 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard. “This designation signifies CSU’s contin-
ued commitment in providing the best educational experience and service to those who have served,” said Paula Charls, VA school certifying official for Charleston Southern and a U.S. Air Force veteran. CSU veteran-specific services include: a dedicated lounge that allows veteran students a space to relax and study, a Student Veterans Association, and free veteran counseling services. Ranked in the top 30 in U.S. News & World Report five years in a row, CSU is currently ranked #21 in the nation for Best On-
line Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. For more information about CSU’s student veteran programs, visit charlestonsouthern. edu/veterans.
AFROTC Detachment 772 cadets at Charleston Southern University.
Ott Fellowship Enhances Faculty Research By Travis Boyd ’22 / Photos by Ty Cornett
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rofessors within the College of Christian Studies have participated in a fellowship the last few years that has enhanced faculty research beyond the scope of a normal classroom setting. The Ott Fellowship was generated by a donation from the late Gene and Freda Ott and supports a professor over a three-year term to focus less on teaching and more on Christian research. The initial donation remains in a trust while the interest generated from the donation goes to fund the research led by the fellowship chair. The first professor to serve as the fellowship chair was Dr. Peter Beck, a professor of Christian studies and chair of the Honors Program. Serving as chair during the COVID-19 pandemic, Beck endured many challenges as mission trips were canceled and forums were not held. Beck did find a way to get the most out of his time. “While COVID-19 had a negative impact on my time serving on the chair, it allowed me to focus on literature and adding to the campus library inventory of materials related to Christian studies,” said Beck.
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Christians and encourage them in their faith. Literature, missions, and forums are going to give the Charleston Southern community ways to enhance their growth and strengthen their faith.
Taking his place as chair is Dr. Edward Gravely, professor of Christian studies. Gravely has plans to visit the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., during his term and plans to write an introduction to his book for the purpose of enhancing understanding and knowledge on the Bible courses offered at CSU. CSU students will benefit from the Ott Fellowship endowment as guest speakers will be brought in to discuss various issues affecting
William Travis Boyd is a 2022 Master of Arts graduate and was a brand ambassador for the Office of Marketing & Communication during his graduate studies.
Dr. Peter Beck
Dr. Edward Gravely
Summer 2022, vol.32 no.2
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