Dr. Michael Wilder, vice president for academic affairs, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony honoring the 55 students inducted into the South Carolina Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi. The achievements of these scholars indicate they understand and uphold the ideals of Alpha Chi – truth and character. 

Alpha Chi, founded in 1922, is celebrating its 104^th anniversary in 2026. It is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Alpha Chi is a general honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines and is a member of good standing of the Association of College Honor Societies.  To qualify for an invitation, students must be in the top 10% of their junior or senior class.

To qualify for an invitation to join Sigma Beta Delta, students majoring in business must be in the top 20% of their junior or senior undergraduate or second-year graduate classes. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was David T. Spell, Board of Advisors, Nielsen College of Business.     

The purposes of Sigma Beta Delta are to encourage and recognize scholarship among students of business, management, and administration; and to encourage and promote aspirations towards personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. Sigma Beta Delta is the International Honor Society in Business, Management, and Administration, established in 1994. The ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University Chapter was established in 1999. 

Front row: Nuria Luft, Abbie Kane, Maggie Harder, Gabriela Morais Silva, Cassidy Gill, Madison Johnson, Maya Hall, Mylene Corrales Bastidas, Kenadi Korthuis, Back row: Ella Cripe, J.T. Hoppman, Scarlet West, Grace Haughn, Abigail Buddenborg, David T. Spell, honorary; Grace Krusmark, Brenda du Toit, Rachael Georgas, Joshua Planty, Brett Thomas, and Carolina Lopera. Not Pictured: Josaphine Ankney and Jesse Powers.

Effective June 1, 2026, the university will sunset the College of Adult & Professional Studies (CAPS) as a standalone college, and the degree programs will move operationally under the Nielsen College of Business (NCOB). These degree programs include bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration, hospitality and tourism management, human resources, management, professional studies, project management, and supply chain management. Master’s degrees moving to NCOB include business analytics, management, project management, and supply chain management. 

While some organizational transitions have already begun to help position CSU well for the coming academic year, a full curricular review will take place during the 2026–27 academic year.

This transition marks a new chapter, but it is also an opportunity to recognize the tremendous legacy of CAPS. For many years, the program served as ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s evening college, opening doors for working professionals seeking career advancement, those pursuing career changes, and individuals determined to complete a bachelor’s degree but unable to attend a traditional daytime classroom setting. CAPS was also an early adopter of online degree programs, helping pave the way for CSU’s expansion into digital learning and serving as a catalyst for growth across the university and the establishment of CSU Online. CSU will continue to offer online degrees across multiple disciplines and colleges, further extending the university’s reach and reinforcing its commitment to accessible, flexible education.

Functionally, the transition of CAPS programming includes six full-time faculty members, 10 part-time faculty members, and two staff members who will now operate under the Nielsen College of Business—led by the dean, Dr. David Palmer. Dr. Marc Embler, who has served for many years as dean of CAPS and associate vice president for academic affairs, will bring his deep expertise in online education to a new role as coordinator of the online criminal justice and psychology programs.

Dr. Michael Wilder, provost and vice president for academic affairs, shared that this dedicated team brings a high level of excellence to CSU’s academic community.

“We are especially grateful to Dr. Marc Embler and Dr. David Palmer for approaching this transition collaboratively and with a clear focus on the long-term vision and strength of the institution,” Wilder added. “We look forward to this next chapter as we continue building programs that serve students well, expand our reach, and advance the mission of ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University.”

Dean of the Nielsen College of Business Dr. David Palmer said, “I am extremely pleased to announce the new Buccaneer Student Managed Investment Fund, which will train CSU students to manage investments to grow the value of the fund.”

Students in Investments and Securities classes have been running the Buc Fund simulation over the past two years with great success. Palmer said, “We look forward to moving from the simulation to real time fund analysis and management.”

“The Buc Fund is a valuable addition to the Nielsen College of Business,” said President B. Keith Faulkner. “The skills the Buc Fund managers will learn in money management, investing, leadership, and more will enhance their careers for years to come. We are excited to grow and invest in this program and set the bar for excellence in personal financial management education.” 

Shannon Morrison, vice president of finance and chief financial officer, said, “Students will gain hands-on experience managing actual money in real markets under real conditions. As someone who has managed investments throughout my career, this is an amazing opportunity I wish I had at the collegiate level.” Morrison will review and execute the transactions for the student investment club.

Dr. Manuel Salazar will serve as course instructor and chief investment officer for the fund.

Students interested in participating must have completed FINA 203: Personal Finance or FINA 305: Principles of Finance. The Buc Fund will take place through a zero-credit-hour course, FINA 448: Student-Managed Buccaneer Investment Fund Experience. FINA 448 may also count as a second experiential learning requirement.

To enroll, contact Professor Mark Crawford at mcrawford@csuniv.edu. You must enroll in FINA 448 to participate. 

Dr. David Palmer, dean of the Nielsen College of Business, said, “We are very pleased to have Dr. Chadwick as the new director of the Center for Personal Financial Management. Her research, teaching, and service with the late Professor Boyce Smith have proven her commitment to espousing a biblical worldview of personal finance. We will greatly miss Professor Smith but know Dr. Chadwick will continue his legacy and lead the expansion of the center’s impact both on campus and in the community.”

She has been assistant director of the Center for Personal Financial Management since 2019. Her dedication to student success has made her a key figure in the center’s growth and national recognition. Palmer said, “She is an excellent resource for students, faculty, alumni, and friends equipping them with biblical principles of financial wisdom and money management. Dr. Chadwick currently guides CSU students in the peer-to-peer coaching program, teaching them to provide financial counseling students and their families can utilize for the future.”

Chadwick earned an MA in applied economics from the University of Oklahoma and a PhD in education and human resource studies with emphasis in higher education leadership from Colorado State University. Her undergraduate education includes the United States Military Academy in West Point and Eastern Kentucky University as a Division I women’s tennis student-athlete. Her professional career extends through higher education, financial planning, government contracting, and the U.S. Government. She is originally from Richmond, Kentucky.

Numerous companies, including the KLH Group, EastPort Financial Group, FRSTeam, and many more sponsored prizes such as gift cards, office space, tea, merch, body scans, and most importantly advice about how to successfully run a business. 

Five teams competed this semester. The winning team, Splashzone Putt-Putt, proposed a business that creates purchasable minigolf units that combine the classic obstacles seen in popular putt-putt courses with water features to introduce new, exciting holes that will cool off customers on hot sunny days. 

Landen Barnes shared key takeaways from the class, “I learned that pain points create purpose, and they are what drives the business. The class helped open my eyes to seeing opportunities and real-world problems worth solving. It also helped empower us that we could be the ones to solve these problems.” He also emphasized how the class taught him the importance of feedback. As an entrepreneur, feedback from other people, especially business professionals with years of experience, leads to stronger ideas and an overall clearer vision.

Next semester two sections of BUSI 225 will be offered. Each student will compete in the S.C. Innovates competition with 16 participating schools. The CSU competition will be open campuswide and is scheduled for December 1, 2025. 

If you are interested in taking this course or learning more about entrepreneurship, please reach out to lwray@csuniv.edu. 

The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and ends at Noon on the outdoor basketball courts at the Brewer Center.

Bailey Flemming, president of the Student Advisory Council, shared more details about the logistics of the tournament. 

“The pickleball tournament will be a bracket style. We have room for 32 teams. The tournament will be a double elimination,” she said. “The beginning round and all loser’s bracket games will only be played up until 7 points (unlike the normal 11) to speed things up slightly,” she adds. 

Since Flemming is helping host the event, she can’t participate. “Creating environments where students and faculty can come together outside of the classroom and enjoy their time is one of the most important things I think I can do as the president of the Student Advisory Council,” she said.

Both faculty and staff are welcome to enter the tournament as teams of two, and personal equipment is welcome but not necessary. 

Andalis Burton, executive assistant to the NCOB dean, can take cash payments by April 9 in JH 103 or on the day of. See the for more details and stipulations. 

The proceeds from entering the tournament will go towards the NCOB’s contribution to this upcoming holiday season. 

“With the proceeds that we earn from this tournament, we will purchase things like crayons, coloring books, small toys, balls, jump ropes, toothbrushes, combs, etc. to pack the boxes with,” she explains. “We have a local CPA firm sponsoring us, and their donation will cover all of our costs. Therefore, every single dollar that we earn from signups will go straight to OCC,” she confirmed. 

Operation Christmas Child is a long-standing tradition at CSU. The university has packed shoeboxes for the past 13 years and has held the record for the most shoeboxes packed from any college and university in the United States consecutively for the past six years. 

Flemming shares that the first pickleball tournament held in 2024 was so successful that they continued the tradition. 

“Last year it was also used as a fundraiser, and we were able to raise $500 to pack shoeboxes.” She continued, “Members realized that pickleball was becoming increasingly popular and would lead to a great opportunity for fun and fellowship. The event was a huge success, so we decided to host it again this year.”

The prize for the first-place team will be a $100 gift card. The team in second place will receive a $50 gift card. Aside from the physical prizes, Flemming encourages students to sign up for the impact it will have on others.

Register now, or look for a message in your Outlook emails.

The Nielsen College of Business has demonstrated compliance of its business programs with the IACBE Accreditation Principles for: 

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Organization Leadership
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration

In addition, the Nielsen College of Business has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in business education, and advancing academic quality in its business programs and operations. 

The International Accreditation Council for Business Education was founded in 1997 and is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The IACBE is the leader in mission-driven and outcomes-based programmatic accreditation in business and business-related education for colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions whose primary purpose is excellence in teaching and learning.

Jadyn Watson, a May 2024 summa cum laude Nielsen College of Business graduate, recently became the first Personal Financial Management degree program graduate to pass the Certified Financial Planner, CFP®, exam. 

Watson and her class were the first to graduate from ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University as personal financial majors.

The CFP® exam is a rigorous test with an average pass rate of 63% over the past decade. Watson took the exam for the first time in November 2024 and passed on the first attempt. 

Dr. Heather Chadwick, associate professor of business and assistant director of the Center for Personal Financial Management, said, “Congratulations to Jadyn on passing the CFP® exam on her first attempt. This remarkable achievement highlights her hard work, dedication, and exceptional understanding of personal financial planning. As one of the first graduates of CSU’s Personal Financial Management program to sit for the exam, Jadyn has set a high standard of excellence. She truly embodies the values and mission of the Center for Personal Financial Management, and we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments.”

Watson initially was nervous to take the exam, noting the low pass rate, and found herself wondering, “How can anyone possibly retain all of this information?” However, as the exam got closer, she shifted her mindset to approach the test with confidence, knowing she was adequately prepared from her long hours of study and the coursework that she had taken. 

She cites Retirement Planning and Financial Planning for Professionals with Dr. Mary Chapman as classes that taught her valuable information needed for the CFP® exam. 

Watson was a leader in the Center for Personal Financial Management, spent two years as a peer-to-peer coach, and participated in many other extracurricular programs which aided in her academic and career success. 

As a first-generation college student, Watson understands how important financial literacy is and how often people seem to know nothing about finances. This, along with an internship at a bank, led her to major in personal financial management. She said, “I felt called to pursue a career where I could help individuals and families make sound financial decisions that align with their values and enable them to give generously, plan responsibly, and live with financial freedom.” 

Upon graduation, she began her career in personal financial advising at Eastport Financial Services where she is an executive assistant to Jonathan Lewis, a wealth advisor in Canada. She is also working as an advisor at Wildes Financial Strategies in Georgetown, South Carolina, where she gained experience and required hours for her CFP® certification. 

She encourages students interested in personal financial management to be ambitious and pursue every opportunity they are given to gain experience and learn about the profession and to maintain a positive attitude. Watson credits her success to internships, supportive professors, and a dedication to her studies. She said, “The road to becoming a CFP is challenging but incredibly rewarding.”

Watson said, “Managing money wisely is not just about achieving personal success but about being a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to us.” She exemplifies how ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s programs are not only impacting students’ lives but making a lasting difference in the lives of people for generations to come. 

Jadyn Watson, a May 2024 summa cum laude Nielsen College of Business graduate, recently became the first Personal Financial Management degree program graduate to pass the Certified Financial Planner, CFP®, exam. 

Watson and her class were the first to graduate from ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University as personal financial majors.

The CFP® exam is a rigorous test with an average pass rate of 63% over the past decade. Watson took the exam for the first time in November 2024 and passed on the first attempt. 

Dr. Heather Chadwick, associate professor of business and assistant director of the Center for Personal Financial Management, said, “Congratulations to Jadyn on passing the CFP® exam on her first attempt. This remarkable achievement highlights her hard work, dedication, and exceptional understanding of personal financial planning. As one of the first graduates of CSU’s Personal Financial Management program to sit for the exam, Jadyn has set a high standard of excellence. She truly embodies the values and mission of the Center for Personal Financial Management, and we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments.”

Watson initially was nervous to take the exam, noting the low pass rate, and found herself wondering, “How can anyone possibly retain all of this information?” However, as the exam got closer, she shifted her mindset to approach the test with confidence, knowing she was adequately prepared from her long hours of study and the coursework that she had taken. 

She cites Retirement Planning and Financial Planning for Professionals with Dr. Mary Chapman as classes that taught her valuable information needed for the CFP® exam. 

Watson was a leader in the Center for Personal Financial Management, spent two years as a peer-to-peer coach, and participated in many other extracurricular programs which aided in her academic and career success. 

As a first-generation college student, Watson understands how important financial literacy is and how often people seem to know nothing about finances. This, along with an internship at a bank, led her to major in personal financial management. She said, “I felt called to pursue a career where I could help individuals and families make sound financial decisions that align with their values and enable them to give generously, plan responsibly, and live with financial freedom.” 

Upon graduation, she began her career in personal financial advising at Eastport Financial Services where she is an executive assistant to Jonathan Lewis, a wealth advisor in Canada. She is also working as an advisor at Wildes Financial Strategies in Georgetown, South Carolina, where she gained experience and required hours for her CFP® certification. 

She encourages students interested in personal financial management to be ambitious and pursue every opportunity they are given to gain experience and learn about the profession and to maintain a positive attitude. Watson credits her success to internships, supportive professors, and a dedication to her studies. She said, “The road to becoming a CFP is challenging but incredibly rewarding.”

Watson said, “Managing money wisely is not just about achieving personal success but about being a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to us.” She exemplifies how ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s programs are not only impacting students’ lives but making a lasting difference in the lives of people for generations to come.