ALUMNI NEWS

Aspiring chemist, 2021 grad wins prestigious early-career chemistry award

Domenica Fertal, a 2021 Columbus State University chemistry graduate and current Ph.D. candidate at Lehigh University, is among the eight early-career women chemists honored nationally with the 2025 ACS Women Chemists Committee (WCC) Merck Research Award. read more >>

CAMPUS HEADLINES

New $22.2M joint robotics, space science facility planned at Columbus State

With Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2026 state budget finalized, Columbus State University will begin planning a $22.2 million center for advanced technologies—including robotics, engineering and space science—on its Main Campus. The facility, which will serve as the new home for its Coca-Cola Space Science Center, marks a significant milestone in the university’s history and its commitment to cutting-edge science, engineering and workforce development. read more >>

Columbus State, Dimon Magnet Academy launch innovative professional development lab school to serve the Chattahoochee Valley

A groundbreaking partnership between Columbus State University and the Muscogee County School District is setting a new standard for education and community collaboration with the launch of CSU’s Professional Development Lab School at Dimon Elementary Magnet Academy this fall. read more >>

Columbus State’s economic impact grows to $301.4M, strengthening its role in the region’s future

Columbus State University continues to play a vital role in the economic and cultural health of the Chattahoochee Valley, according to the University System of Georgia’s latest annual economic impact study. read more >>

CLASS NOTES

Sommer Rinehart '05

was appointed to be Director of Wholesale Administration & Strategy Synovus. 

Dr. Stephen Hammock '11, '16, '21

was appointed to be the Principal at Newton High School

Jennifer Clark '16

was promoted to be the Warden at Long Unit by the Georgia Department of Corrections. 

Received a promotion? Won an award? Had a baby? Got married? Simply need to update your contact information? SHARE YOUR CLASS NOTE >>

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Thursday, September 4 | First Thursday
6:00 p.m. | Location: Morten's at Old Town

Join the CSU Alumni Association for First Thursday at Morton’s at Old Town—an evening of networking, connection, appetizers, and your first drink on us!. Sign Up Here >>

Thursday, September 11 | Headshots & Handshakes 
6:00 p.m. | Location: University Hall Lobby

Join the Black Alumni Council and Young Alumni Council for Headshots and Handshakes—a networking event with professional headshots, alumni connections, and career resources from the CSU Career Center. RSVP Here >>

Thursday, September 18 | Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner
6:30 p.m. | Location: Cunningham Center

Join us in celebrating outstanding CSU alumni at the Alumni Awards, featuring the university’s highest honors and recognition across multiple categories. Purchase Tickets Here >>

October 13-18  | Homecoming 2025

Visit the Homecoming website for more information.

ATHLETICS NEWS

Karl Ivey Returns to Columbus State as the Next Men’s Basketball Assistant

CSU's Head Men's Basketball Coach Robert Moore has announced the hiring of Karl Ivey as the program's newest assistant coach. A familiar face in Columbus, Ivey returns to CSU after previously serving as the program's graduate assistant from 2021-23. read more >>

MORE ATHLETICS HEADLINES

CSU Athletics welcomes new staff members Jeff Baker and Carl Little

CSU Women’s Soccer Team Game Day Tickets Now Available for Purchase

MAKE YOUR IMPACT

Welcome Back! Start the Year with Giving

 As a new school year begins, we have the perfect opportunity to honor our traditions and invest in the future. Your support helps today’s Cougars build memories, pursue opportunities, and thrive throughout the year ahead. Let’s show them the strength of the CSU alumni community!

CAREER SUPPORT FOR LIFE — NOW EVEN BETTER

Columbus State University’s Center for Career Design (CCD) has expanded with eight new career professionals dedicated to helping students and alumni succeed. As a CSU graduate, you have lifetime access to resources like personalized career coaching, JobScan résumé optimization, and the Alumni Mentoring Program.

Schedule coaching through Handshake or contact careercenter@columbustate.edu to get started.
Learn more on the CCD website.

OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

136 Richards Hall | 706.507.8946 | alumni@columbusstate.edu | alumni.columbusstate.edu

The Clock Tower: E-newsletter Edition is published by the Office of Strategic Communication + Marketing on behalf of the Office of Alumni Engagement for Columbus State University alumni and friends. For more information or to update your contact information, email alumni@columbusstate.edu or call 706.507.8946.