Judi Howland – Safety Scholarship
Judi Howland of Longview, Washington, is the recipient of the 2020 Safety Scholarship. Howland works as an instructional support technician and is looking forward to completing her degree to further her career into occupational safety and health.
“My job has introduced me to the field of safety even though at first it was just a small part of my job. I discovered that I really have a passion for making sure people are working as safely as they can,” she said. “The people at CSU answered my questions fully and followed up appropriately without pressure,” she said. “Being online is a great benefit but it was the people that brought me to CSU.”
She will use this scholarship to pursue a master’s in occupational safety and health with a concentration in environmental management.
Paul Nelson – Learning Partner Scholarship
Paul Nelson of Janesville, Wisconsin, is the recipient of the 2020 Learning Partner Scholarship. Nelson, who is a firefighter and paramedic, has two goals to achieve once he has earned his degree.
“The first goal I have is to achieve promotion from a firefighter/paramedic to the rank of lieutenant. The best leaders I have worked for have had a profound impact in my career and in my life in general. After experiencing what a positive impact a top-notch lieutenant can have on someone’s life, I made it my goal to achieve this rank so I can enrich others.”
Nelson also wants to implement more training and awareness surrounding firefighter suicide and heart disease.
“The second goal I have for the next five years is to enhance the safety of my department’s leading causes of death and injuries by implementing prevention-based practices. Completing my [bachelor’s] will give me the core knowledge and tools to design and implement an effective program that my department can adopt.”
Nelson is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with a concentration in fire science.
Mariona Allen – Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship
Mariona Allen of Montross, Virginia, is the recipient of the 2020 Hero Behind the Hero scholarship. An employee of her local YMCA, Allen is actively involved in her community. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Virginia 4-H program, where she mentors local children and teaches them skills like kayaking and basket-weaving. She has also served as a trauma counselor for elementary school students.
“I’ve had to put my education on the back burner so many times because of finances, and school always seemed to be the biggest bill I could cut out at the time to keep things afloat.”
Allen’s goal is to continue pursuing her education and career in health care administration.
“I want to see how I can help make the system better for all who need it, while keeping myself away from the front line and as safe as possible (for my family). I’ve been on both side of the health care system and feel as though I can bring a lot to the table as far as helping make decisions to make it better.”
Allen will pursue a bachelor’s degree in health care administration.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
