[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ON THE GRAND OPENING OF THE 
                    CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Columbia 
Southern University on the grand opening of their new Center for 
Continuing Education in Orange Beach, Alabama.
   Established in 1993 by Dr. Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern 
University offers individuals with demanding schedules a way to achieve 
their dreams of higher education through online learning. By 2001, 
Columbia Southern was granted accreditation through the Distance 
Education and Training Council. Columbia Southern went on to become one 
of the first United States universities to offer a degree program in 
Vietnam. After Dr. Mayes' death in 2005, his son, Robert Mayes, Jr., 
was appointed President. Robert built on his father's success and 
continued to expand Columbia Southern's footprint.
   Mr. Speaker, the new Columbia Southern Education Group Center for 
Continuing Education will include staff offices, meeting rooms and a 
large training area that can be partitioned off to accommodate a 
variety of training needs. The 10,600 square foot facility will also 
serve as the regional training center for the Alabama Fire College and 
Personnel Standards Commission.
   I am proud of the work Columbia Southern does to promote higher 
learning, and I take pride in knowing they are located in the heart of 
the First Congressional District. I know I join with many others in 
saying congratulations on the new facility, and we look forward to 
continued growth and success.

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