Columbia Southern University was founded in 1993 by Robert G. Mayes, Sr. The university developed its degree programs in Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health in 1994. By 1996 additional degree programs were developed and offered: The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, followed by applied science, Criminal Justice Administration, and Health Administration.
Mayes headed the institution until his death in 2005, when his son, Robert Mayes, Jr., assumed the presidency. Effective day, 2018, Ken Styron assumed Presidency of Columbia Southern University.