Student Affairs
Student Affairs
Dear Columbus State Students,
Welcome to Columbus State University, where leadership begins with compassion and your experience matters from day one. At CSU, we believe true leaders empower others, strive for excellence, and serve their communities with purpose. You are now part of a university that leads by example, modeling empathy, championing access and affordability, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow into the thinker, leader, and person they are meant to become.
The Division of Student Affairs is here to support your journey. We are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging, celebrating your individuality, and connecting you to meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Cougar Tracks, Columbus State’s student experience pathway, will engage you in traditions, service, leadership, and campus involvement from your first day through graduation. Along the way, you will find support, build community, prioritize your wellbeing, and develop the confidence and skills to lead with purpose.
At CSU, we ground our decisions in evidence, strengthen our community through collaboration, and invest in your future every day. You belong here, and your voice and talents enrich us all. Together, we will build an experience that empowers you to imagine what can be and to become the compassionate leader our future demands.
With warm regards,
Kimberly Scranage
Chief Student Experience Officer
Student Affairs in the News
CSU Recreation Director Recognized for National Leadership
Columbus State University proudly recognizes Lashica Thomas, Director of Campus Recreation, for her exceptional leadership and service to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) as President of the NIRSA Board of Directors.
In a letter of appreciation to the university, NIRSA commended Thomas for her three-year leadership journey culminating in her presidency, highlighting her unwavering commitment to advancing student-centered programming, strengthening professional development opportunities, and shaping the future of collegiate recreation.
During her presidential term, Thomas led the design and implementation of significant governance enhancements that position NIRSA to better serve current and future members while aligning the association with best practices in nonprofit governance and long-term strategic planning. She also launched the "NIRSA Insights" series, providing transparent and engaging communication on key organizational priorities, fiscal stewardship, and governance initiatives.
Throughout her 25 years of service to NIRSA, Thomas has been a passionate advocate for the role of campus recreation in student success, emphasizing how recreation programs develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and other career-ready skills that contribute to both student achievement and institutional excellence. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and welcoming professional community earned her NIRSA‘s prestigious Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award, one of the association‘s highest honors.
NIRSA also recognized Thomas‘s continued support of the NIRSA Foundation, helping ensure future campus recreation professionals have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
In its letter, NIRSA expressed gratitude not only for Thomas‘s extraordinary leadership, but also for Columbus State University‘s support in enabling her to share her expertise, vision, and service with the association and the collegiate recreation profession nationwide.
Congratulations to Lashica Thomas on this well-deserved recognition and for representing Columbus State University with distinction on the national stage.
