Columbia Southern University (CSU) announced Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force #19 Jo- Anne Bass will join the team as strategic advisor for government, military and community relations.

Bass served more than 31 years in the defense sector, culminating in her role as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, leading more than 689,000 personnel. As the highest-ranking enlisted member in the Air Force, Bass has provided counsel to top military leaders on issues affecting the enlisting force. Her selection as the senior enlisted leader marked her place in history as the first woman to achieve this rank for any military service.

“I’m thrilled to join the Columbia Southern University team,” Bass said. “CSU is doing remarkable work to help advance higher education across the nation and globally. As I think about the challenges we face as a nation…it’ll take a whole-of-society approach, and CSU is working toward that by developing people, and having an eye toward emerging programs that lead the way in affordability and accessibility.”

As strategic advisor for military, government and community relations, Bass will leverage her expertise in leadership and organizational dynamics to support CSU’s mission and play a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives, fostering a healthy culture, and enhancing CSU’s engagement with government, military/veteran and community relations.

“We are honored and so proud to officially welcome Chief Bass (Jo) to the CSU family. She brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge across a variety of sectors that will not only benefit our students but will strategically guide the university as we push for continued growth and innovation,” said Ken Styron, DBA, president. “Coupled with her numerous assignments, achievements and awards, Chief Bass serves as an inspiration to us all here at CSU, military and civilian students and staff alike.”

Bass served as the advisor to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization and progress of U.S. Airmen. She has significant joint service and special operations experience and participated in several operations and exercises as well as deployments in direct support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.