All runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) are invited to run/walk through the CSU campus and trails. A children’s fun run will take place in the stadium that morning as well. Join us for a day of fun and bless others at the same time. There will be giveaways, activities for the kids, and food trucks.

Race organizer Dr. Angela Stagliano, associate professor of physical therapy, said, “Warrior WOD is committed to healing veterans’ invisible wounds through a holistic approach that emphasizes exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. We are excited to support these veterans in their recovery from Post-traumatic Stress and other challenges by investing in their future and empowering them to thrive.”

before April 10 for the best price.

To learn more about WarriorWOD: 

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has served veteran students for more than 50 years and currently has approximately 700 military connected students—which includes active duty, veterans, and dependents, representing nearly 20% of the CSU student population. U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has graduated military leaders since the 1970s.

Angelyn Taylor, CSU director of military services, said, “We are proud to announce our designation as a Gold status Military Friendly School®. This top-tier classification indicates our school ranks in the top 10% nationwide for military-connected student support, retention, and graduation outcomes. We hold ourselves to a high standard, ensuring that our military-connected students receive the best return on their educational investment, and that they feel seen, supported, and appreciated.” 

Taylor said, “At CSU we are not only welcoming our military-connected students but also   enabling their success from enrollment through graduation and into their civilian careers. Gold means excellence, and our veterans, service members, and military families deserve nothing less.”

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern is in the process of raising funds to build the P. Cecil Patrick Jr. Family Veterans Center, named for the transformational seven-figure gift from the Patrick family, to serve the needs of military-connected students.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Learn more at .

With  Military Spouse Friendly®, Yellow Ribbon, and Purple Heart University designations, CSU also ranks #36 amongst private, nonprofit universities nationwide. 

Angelyn Taylor, director of Military Services at CSU, said this ranking underscores the university’s  unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support and resources for military-connected students. “We are honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our dedication to those who have served our country and their families,” she said. “Our military-connected students bring unique experiences and perspectives to our campus, and we are committed to ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally. The Best for Vets recognition not only highlights CSU’s commitment to its military-connected population but also enhances the university’s reputation as a leading institution in higher education. As we celebrate this achievement, CSU remains focused on continually improving and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our military-connected students. We invite all veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to explore the opportunities available hereat CSU and join our amazing community of learners.” 

This announcement comes on the heels of CSU’s seven-figure gift to create the P. Cecil Patrick Jr. Family Veterans Center, strengthening services for the nearly 20% of students who are veterans, active-duty personnel, or military family members. 

The university’s president, a CSU alumnus and U.S. Navy veteran, said establishing the Patrick Family Veterans Center is a reflection of our commitment to the military community. President B. Keith Faulkner ’88 added, “ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has a proud tradition of serving those who have served. This new center will be a home for our veterans—a place of community, support, and purpose where they can gather, grow, and thrive.” 

The new building will house the Office of Military Services, provide an expanded lounge with a kitchen and food pantry, and include study areas, a computer lab with CAC readers, seminar space, and an outdoor gathering area. Its location near the Hunter Center places it at the heart of campus. 

Faulkner continued, “This transformational gift launches the Veterans Center vision in a powerful way—and sends a clear message to every veteran who walks onto our campus: You belong here. This project is about lives changed, and it’s about living out our mission to integrate faith in learning, leading, and serving—including serving those who’ve served us.” 

While there is no set timeline for construction, architects are currently developing renderings of the building and surrounding landscape. Completion will follow the fundraising campaign now underway to bring the project to life. 

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has served veteran and military-associated students for more than 50 years. CSU’s U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 has graduated military leaders since the 1970s. 

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern is proud to announce a transformational seven-figure lead gift establishing the P. Cecil Patrick Jr. Family Veterans Center. 

This new center reflects ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s deep commitment to serving those who have served our country. Nearly 20% of CSU students are veterans, active-duty service members, or military family members. Their courage, discipline, and faith enrich the campus and embody the university’s mission to prepare servant leaders who integrate faith in learning, leading, and serving. 

“As a Navy veteran, this vision is deeply personal,” said President B. Keith Faulkner, a 1998 CSU graduate. “ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has a proud tradition of serving those who have served. This new center will be a home for our veterans—a place of community, support, and purpose where they can gather, grow, and thrive.” 

The center will house the Office of Military Services, provide an expanded lounge with a kitchen and food pantry, and include study areas, a computer lab with CAC readers, seminar space, and an outdoor gathering area. Its location near the Hunter Center places it at the heart of campus. 

President Faulkner continued, “This transformational gift launches the Veterans Center vision in a powerful way—and sends a clear message to every veteran who walks onto our campus: You belong here. This project is about lives changed, and it’s about living out our mission to integrate faith in learning, leading, and serving—including serving those who’ve served us.” 

Cecil and Barbara Patrick, inspired by their faith and a desire to steward God’s blessings, have made this transformative naming gift. Their family’s connection to CSU began through their daughter, Dana Patrick Painter, a 1984 alumna and devoted supporter, and it continued with their granddaughter Anna Lewis ’15 (daughter of Becky Patrick Robertson). The gift honors the Patrick family and reflects their enduring commitment to service, education, and faith, trusting CSU to carry forward their legacy for generations of veterans and students. 

“Our veterans need a dedicated space where they feel safe, seen, and supported—and where they’re set up to thrive,” said Angelyn Taylor, CSU’s director of military services. “The Patrick Family Veterans Center will make that vision a reality.” 

While there is no set timeline for construction, architects are currently developing renderings of the building and surrounding landscape. Completion will follow the fundraising campaign now underway to bring the project to life. 

“This is the kind of leadership gift that builds momentum,” Faulkner said. “And it’s the kind of vision that brings our mission to life in a tangible way.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly®&�Բ�����;School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I.Jobs magazine and found at .

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern currently has 547 military connected students using military benefits—which includes active duty, veterans, and dependents. 

CSU President B. Keith Faulkner, a U.S. Navy veteran, said, “CSU values our current students and alumni who have served our country, and we are proud to be listed as a Military Friendly School.”

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has served veteran students for more than 50 years. CSU’s U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 has graduated military leaders since the 1970s.

Brianna Parker, a graduate student currently studying project management and an active member of ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s Air Force ROTC program, was recently selected as one of 12 cadets in the nation to attend the prestigious Gathering of the Eagles. 

The Air Force, like many other military branches, requires its members to go to a specialized professional development school called Air Command and Staff College to advance in rank from Major to Lieutenant Colonel. Being asked to attend ACSC is a high honor that many do not receive. To finish out their time at ACSC before advancing in rank, each Major is required to complete a Capstone project. 

The Gathering of the Eagles is one of the Capstone options for Majors. It is a widely sought after Capstone as only the top percentage of Majors, across the different branches both domestic and international, are selected to participate. Once selected, the Majors in the Capstone are tasked, over the course of a year, with finding, interviewing, and writing a book about eight influential people who have changed United States military history. After their research is culminated, the Majors have a week-long event at Maxwell Air Force Base, where they present their research. At this event, the eight honorary guests as well as the selected cadets are in attendance. 

To be selected for this event as a cadet, Parker was recommended by her Detachment Commander and other Cadre. The Commander had to compile a list of all of her accomplishments academically, physically, and professionally in the CSU ROTC program to send to the selection committee where only 12 applicants in the United States were selected. 

At the event, the cadets’ responsibility was to set up, tear down, and assist with transportation throughout the event. Additionally, they were given the opportunity to network with many high-ranking officials in the military, like the Secretary of the Air Force, the honorary guests, and the current Majors advancing to Lieutenant Colonel. This event gives cadets the rare opportunity to not only be inspired about their future careers but also develop relationships that will help them as they move up in rank. 

Parker said, “Being honored to attend this event was significant in my professional relationships in my Air Force career.” As she advances in her career, she hopes to make the rank of Major and one day participate in a similar capstone project. Through her project, Parker aims to be able to offer a similar opportunity to future ROTC cadets so they too can experience the comradery and career development at a young age. 

Parker is a second-generation Detachment 772 cadet. Her father, Lt. Col. Warren Parker ’07 MBA, also was a cadet at CSU. He recently retired from the Air Force after a 27-year career. Parker’s mother, Melissa Parker ’05 MBA, and an aunt, Francis Jolly ’06 MBA, are also ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern alums. 

Parker was not the first cadet chosen from ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern to attend the Gathering of the Eagles. In fact, Detachment 772 had a cadet in attendance the previous two years as well, and the detachment hopes to continue this legacy moving forward.

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern has been providing educational programs and services to military personnel and their families for over 40 years. CSU is a Gold-Level Military Friendly college, a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, and is a Purple Heart University.

Dr. Marc Embler, dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies, and associate vice president for academic affairs, said, “ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University continues to excel in providing exceptional online education grounded in Christian faith. We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a leader in online bachelor’s programs and as the top-ranked institution in South Carolina for online bachelor’s programs for veterans.”

He said, “These accolades reflect an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and serving our students with programs that prepare them for impactful careers and meaningful lives. ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern Online continues to maintain the highest quality standards and provide extra-mile service. We are focused on preparing our graduates to succeed spiritually, intellectually, and professionally.”

CSU also was recognized on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (excluding MBA), and Best Online MBA Programs lists.