Fire, Safety, Emergency and Security Degrees from EKU http://safetymanagement.eku.edu Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Is Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Worth It? http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/is-pursuing-a-master%e2%80%99s-degree-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management-worth-it/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/is-pursuing-a-master%e2%80%99s-degree-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management-worth-it/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:36:41 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8672 Recent graduates of Eastern Kentucky University’s master of science in Safety, Security and Emergency Management (MS SSEM) online program responded positively to a survey as to how this degree impacted their career.

Of the 177 graduates of EKU’s MS in SSEM online program who completed the survey, 96% stated they are currently employed in their field and 64% received a salary increase.

To read the full press release click here!

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/is-pursuing-a-master%e2%80%99s-degree-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management-worth-it/feed/ 0 Professor Noted Among Country’s “Top Five Fire Experts” on “60 Minutes” http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/professor-noted-among-country%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-five-fire-experts%e2%80%9d-on-%e2%80%9c60-minutes%e2%80%9d/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/professor-noted-among-country%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-five-fire-experts%e2%80%9d-on-%e2%80%9c60-minutes%e2%80%9d/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:54:15 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8654 Greg Gorbett, associate professor of Safety, Security and Emergency Management at EKU, was mentioned in a recent “60 Minutes” segment on CBS-TV that addressed the nation’s “top five fire experts.”

Please visit this link to read the article: http://www.prm.eku.edu/Update/?issue=196&department=0&article=2904

The “60 minutes” segment can be viewed at this link: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50143935n

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/professor-noted-among-country%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-five-fire-experts%e2%80%9d-on-%e2%80%9c60-minutes%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 SSE 890 – Lean Enterprise Practices in Safety and Emergency Services http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/sse-890-lean-enterprise-practices-in-safety-and-emergency-services/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/sse-890-lean-enterprise-practices-in-safety-and-emergency-services/#comments Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:07:22 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8648 SSE 890 Lean Enterprise Practices in Safety and Emergency Services
A comprehensive review and discussion regarding lean management techniques in
private industry and government. Topical applications include a history of lean
management, process waste identification, creating flow in manufacturing and
services. Creating standard workplaces and standard work to influence a safe culture of
using the right tools for the right job tasks.

3 Credits

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/sse-890-lean-enterprise-practices-in-safety-and-emergency-services/feed/ 0 EKU’s Safety, Security and Emergency Management program ranks among the nation’s “Top 25 Public Safety College Degree Programs” http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ekus-safety-security-and-emergency-management-program-ranks-among-the-nation%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-25-public-safety-college-degree-programs%e2%80%9d/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ekus-safety-security-and-emergency-management-program-ranks-among-the-nation%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-25-public-safety-college-degree-programs%e2%80%9d/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:44:06 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8542 Publication lists EKU Safety, Security and Emergency Mangement Program among nation’s best

“Schools that made our list offer public safety degree programs with a thorough foundation in core leadership and management competencies needed to turn today’s students into tomorrow’s public safety leaders,” according to an article on the Safe Sound Family website, safesoundfamily.com/blog/top-25-public-safety-degrees.

“The primary reason for our success is the passion and subject matter expertise of our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Larry Collins, associate dean, School of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, in EKU’s College of Justice & Safety. “Every SSEM faculty member came here to teach and prepare future professionals. It’s their way of giving back to the profession that has enabled them to be so successful. You don’t just attend EKU. You become part of a huge community and network of like-minded and prepared professionals.”

Click Here to read the full press release.

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ekus-safety-security-and-emergency-management-program-ranks-among-the-nation%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9ctop-25-public-safety-college-degree-programs%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 Students in the MS SSEM Program win PMI’s 2012 Project of the Year Award http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/students-in-the-ms-ssem-program-win-pmis-2012-project-of-the-year-award/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/students-in-the-ms-ssem-program-win-pmis-2012-project-of-the-year-award/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:44:32 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8511 PMI is the world’s largest project management member association, representing more than 650,000 members and credential holders in more than 185 countries.

SSEM students Laura Jendro, Crystal Steele and Rick Fleming all worked on the UMCDF winning project while also working on their degree programs at EKU. Below is an excerpt from PMI’s press release honoring the project:

“The Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility Operations Project, an initiative completed by engineering giant URS Corporation, has been honored by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as the winner of its prestigious PMI® Project of the Year Award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a project team for superior performance, exemplary project management execution and innovation in project management processes”

Read the full press release here: http://www.pmi.org/en/About-Us/Press-Releases/Umatilla-Chemical-Agent-Disposal-Facility-Operations-Project.aspx

The full article is also available online at http://www.pmnetwork-digital.com/pmnetworkopen/201211?sub_id=qtqMomkhvuLz#

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/students-in-the-ms-ssem-program-win-pmis-2012-project-of-the-year-award/feed/ 0 Graduate Kevin Nunn shares his thoughts on the Masters Program in Safety, Security and Emergency Management http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-kevin-nunn-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-kevin-nunn-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:05:53 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8504 “I loved my experience at EKU, it went incredibly fast and I was challenged in a number of ways related to the knowledge I gained. As an example, I wrote a paper on the Emergency Response for Flight 232 that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa. In terms of that emergency response, I learned how Emergency Management in Iowa is very advanced, which has helped to shape future ideas of my career. In my legal course, I read case studies about emergency responders in my own state of TN and have been able to identify current practices in my department that could result in litigation.

In terms of my present career, the municipality I work for does not allow for educational bonuses. They will pay a firefighter additional dollars/hour if they become a Paramedic, but they do not do the same for graduating with a Bachelor’s or a Masters. By going through EKU’s program, I was better prepared for the promotional opportunity of Lieutenant. I was recently promoted to a Lieutenant, which is the same salary as a Paramedic. Essentially, I was offered to go to Paramedic school or get my degree, I chose the degree and was very happy with how it prepared me for a position of leadership in the department.

With the degree, I was also able to become the Fire Chief of Seymour Volunteer Fire Department which is South of Knoxville, TN. It is a volunteer position, but combined with the degree and the fact that I am a Lieutenant for a municipality, I hope to secure a position as a Fire Chief or in Emergency Management within the next 5-10 years.

The thing I enjoyed the most about my entire degree program was my ability to complete a Thesis project. My mentor was absolutely great in the process, he helped me at every step and I was able to spend some time researching a subject I wanted to know inside and out. My research project prepared me with a better understanding of the fire service in Tennessee, which has been a great advantage while being a Chief Officer. My next goal is to become an Executive Fire Officer through the National Fire Academy. I believe that my Thesis project prepared me well for the years of research I will need to accomplish for the EFO program.

The only way I could have done any degree was through an online experience. Once I understood the system, it was simple. There was a brief amount of interaction I had to do for actual class and most of the work was on my own. In order for people to succeed in that environment, they must be motivated, have good time management skills, be ready to work independently and truly be interested in the subjects they are learning about. My Bachelor’s degree was in Electrical Engineering and I worked in that field for 12 years…I could NEVER have gotten my Master’s in that field because I had no interest in the field. I love working in the Fire Service and my degree has allowed me to be more versatile in that field.”

Kevin Roy Nunn, MS Emergency Management
Fire Chief
Seymour Volunteer Fire Department

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-kevin-nunn-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/feed/ 0 Graduate Howard Watson shares his thoughts on the Masters Program in Safety, Security and Emergency Management http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-howard-watson-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-howard-watson-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:55:14 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8493 “Well into an unanticipated unemployment spell, I realized that I needed to do something to give my career a much needed octane boost. I looked at the SSEM program online, and right away I knew the program was for me. There is no doubt in my mind that completing the M.S SSEM degree was a pivotal reason why I was able to not only get out of an unemployment slump, but launch my career forward, in spite of completing it in the middle of one of the worst recessions ever. The program was not easy, especially at the accelerated pace, but it was manageable. Even the intimidating course for me, Workers Compensation Law, proved to be enjoyable and rewarding. It was actually fun discovering that I had a hidden interest in employment law.

There are many aspects of safety that I learned through the program, and this knowledge helped me immeasurably both professionally and personally. The flexibility of an online program is a huge advantage yet provided all of the same knowledge and skills of actually being in class. The professors and assistants were always available to answer questions. They were very fair in their expectations, and always kept the pace moving fast. I would not hesitate to recommend this program to anyone. If you need to jump start your stalled out career or simply want to better position yourself for further advancement, start the program ASAP!”

Howard A. Watson
R&D Engineer, Worker Safety & Security division Chairperson

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-howard-watson-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/feed/ 0 Graduate Tina McAllister shares her thoughts on the Masters Program in Safety, Security and Emergency Management http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-tina-mcallister-shares-her-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-tina-mcallister-shares-her-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:05:55 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8487

“Our company’s been in transition over the past three years. Getting this degree enabled me to move from a site-based to regional role, which also resulted in a promotion and raise.The program provides instructors who have worked in the field. They were able to share real-life examples and experiences, making the instruction applicable to my work environment. I was able to apply the data directly in the field.

My husband and I both work full-time jobs, outside our home. With two children and a working farm, the online environment allowed me a chance to further my education from our home. I was able to attend a respected school and get a top-notch education, without being away from my family for hours each day. Without that feature, getting an advanced degree would have been postponed for many more years.

EKU has great instructors, who are passionate about Safety, Security and Emergency Management. They’ve worked in the industry, as have the other students, and sharing of that practical knowledge is encouraged. I also enjoyed the chance meeting and working (online) with SSEM professionals, from across the country and in multiple functional roles. The supporting staff, at Eastern Kentucky University, created a learning plan and made the educational process so clear there was no guesswork, and they were always available for guidance. The EKU SSEM program was a hassle-free opportunity to gain job security and beneficial education, in an environment where I grew as a professional and individual.”

Tina McAllister
NA P&G Professional PS QA Mgr

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-tina-mcallister-shares-her-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/feed/ 2 SSEM Graduates Travis Smith and David Szczepanik share their thoughts on the masters program http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ssem-graduates-travis-smith-and-david-szczepanik-share-their-thoughts-on-the-masters-program/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ssem-graduates-travis-smith-and-david-szczepanik-share-their-thoughts-on-the-masters-program/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:29:09 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8478 “My degree has opened up several job opportunities in leadership roles that I could not have afforded prior to attending EKU. I have worked for GE and am presently employed with Exel as the Southeast Regional Health, Safety and Environmental Manager. Additionally, my SSEM degree has opened doors for me to teach online. I am currently an Adjunct Faculty at Columbia Southern University and South University Online where I teach Safety and Emergency Management courses.

The instructors were dynamic and brought a wealth of knowledge to each course and throughout the discussion board. I enjoyed the convenience of the online environment. I was a newlywed and had a small child so being able to work on my Master’s Degree from anywhere was extremely helpful in my busy life. EKU SSEM is the best! I have recommended the school to several of my colleagues; one of which is currently in the program.”

Travis L. Smith, MS, CIHM

“The SSEM graduate program benefited me immensely as an OSHA compliance officer at the Savannah Area Office. What I enjoyed with the online program was ‘meeting’ a cross-section of professionals from all over the country, interacting with them via BlackBoard, and trying to understand individual perspectives regarding the topics under discussion. For example, I had fire chiefs, state police officers, HSE managers/directors, FBI agents, and OSHA compliance officers in the classes, to name a few.

The online environment worked for me because I was working full-time in Houston, unable to attend classes in Richmond. In addition, the flexibility to do the work at any time was truly value-added for me. Lastly, being able to ask instructors and facilitators questions via e-mail was advantageous because I get their undivided attention(s), unlike standing in line after a brick-and-mortar class.

To anyone considering employment at OSHA, either at state or federal offices, I would highly recommend the online Occupational Safety masters at EKU. Dr. Schumann’s and Dr. Schneid’s experiences in the safety field, and as workers’ comp lawyers, was very beneficial to learning labor law, especially in the construction context. Dr. Scotty Dunlap, who I had for my last two courses, brought a ‘new generation’ to my learning, as Scotty was somewhat younger, and still completing his PhD at the time.

For someone with zero hands-on safety experience, thanks to EKU I was able to talk intelligently with seasoned compliance officers on my first day on the job. Soon after, I was able to successfully leverage my EKU learning into the real world of employers and their workers.”

David Szczepanik, M.S.
Federal OSHA Compliance Officer

]]> http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/ssem-graduates-travis-smith-and-david-szczepanik-share-their-thoughts-on-the-masters-program/feed/ 0 Graduate Brian Phillips shares his thoughts on the Masters Program in Safety, Security and Emergency Management http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-brian-phillips-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/ http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/graduate-brian-phillips-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-masters-program-in-safety-security-and-emergency-management/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:03:14 +0000 csimone http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/?p=8472

I had been an environmental health and safety professional for over 25 years and my company wanted me to expand my abilities to better serve my fellow employees, therefore they wanted me, for my personal development, to pursue an advanced degree in a safety disciple. I checked into several programs and found that the one at EKU was the best suited for my needs.

I enrolled after 25 years from obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering/History. I was apprehensive of this new style of learning program, where it is totally on-line. After my first class, my professor complemented my life experiences in this area. I was hooked, and wanted more. I went through the entire program gaining a Master’s degree in Safety, Security and Emergency Management and also a graduate level certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

I enjoyed the learning experiences from the program gained from our professors, and I also really enjoyed interacting with other Health and Safety professionals. That was valuable for my work duties, since I got to share my stories and got other people’s perspectives on actual situations that I had faced.

From this new degree, I have had much more opportunities and respect. Right before I was to graduate with this new degree, the company that had sponsored me in this education, had to have a very large lay-off, and I was one of the ones released. A few months later, I accepted a new position based on my existing education and experience, and when I told them that I had a new Masters degree, they increased my salary, substantially.

This degree has been a God-send to me. I have always wanted to teach and in my conventional career, I taught, mentored and guided many, but I wanted to be a school teacher all my life. With my education and my life experiences, I feel that I have all the criteria to be a school teacher, especially to young minds. I started working in a school this past October and although I am not actually teaching daily yet, I am getting exposure and experience in the classroom setting.

With this degree, I am reaching young people and influencing their lives. I am making a major difference in them.

Thank you Eastern Kentucky University!

Brian J. Phillips, MS, BS ChE.

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