Columbia Southern University Awards Scholarships to Two NVFC Members

October 20, 2026

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) annually partners with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to help members achieve their educational goals through a scholarship program. This year, CSU has awarded scholarships to NVFC members Jeremy Spencer and Ben Wexler. Each scholarship covers up to 60 credit hours towards any one of CSU’s online degree programs.

Training and education are the top requested resource from NVFC members. The scholarships to CSU enable more first responders to further their education in order to advance their abilities to serve their department and community. The program launched in 2009, with two NVFC members selected to receive a scholarship each year.

Jeremy Spencer is chief of the Town of Stockton Fire Department in Wisconsin. He balances his full-time job as an automotive instructor at the local high school with leading a volunteer fire department comprised of 25 members. He is a proud second-generation volunteer fire chief and has been serving his community since 2009.

With the scholarship, Spencer will pursue an associate degree in fire science. He plans to use the knowledge and skills he gains to help his organization grow while mentoring and supporting the next generation of volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.

“I believe higher education, combined with hands-on experience and dedication, will strengthen my ability to lead, mentor others, and help our department continue to grow and succeed,” Spencer said. “The scholarship [is] an important stepping stone toward achieving these goals while continuing my commitment to public service and leadership in the fire and EMS field.”

Ben Wexler has a multifaceted role in the fire service, including serving as fire chief of the Warriors Path Volunteer Fire Department in Tennessee, fire program director for the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, VFIS training director for the east Tennessee/southwest Virginia region, part-time emergency management service employee, member of the East Tennessee Region All-Hazards Incident Management Team, and first vice president of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association.

With 26 years of experience serving in both volunteer and career agencies, Wexler is committed to advancing training, safety, leadership, and operational excellence through continued education and professional development. He believes that education and training are fundamental to success and should be pursued whenever opportunities arise. Having recently completed his associate degree in fire science from CSU, he is excited to now pursue his bachelor’s degree in fire administration so that he can become a more effective and efficient emergency service leader.

“The knowledge and skills gained through this program will strengthen my leadership, critical decision making, and organizational management abilities,” said Wexler. “These enhanced competencies will directly improve my effectiveness in managing both career and volunteer personnel, guiding all-hazard emergency operations, and ensuring the delivery of training programs. It will also enhance my capacity to influence positive change through policy development, operational improvements, and interagency collaboration.”

For more information on the NVFC scholarship, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/NVFC. In addition to eligibility to apply for the scholarship, NVFC members and their spouses and dependents receive a waived application fee and 10 percent tuition discount to CSU. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, CSU’s online learning platform offers greater flexibility, helping emergency services personnel advance their education while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education for 30 years, CSU was established to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more. NVFC members and their families receive a 10% discount on tuition.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.