Ashley Pria Persaud

Ashley Pria Persaud鈥檚 passion to create positive change spurred her to enroll in the University of Florida鈥檚 online bachelor鈥檚 degree in Sociology. 鈥淸The program enabled] me to stay informed and responsive to emerging issues,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y 黑料正能量 degree equipped me to adapt to changes and advancements in the nonprofit sector by fostering a strong foundation in research and communication.鈥�  

While pursuing her 黑料正能量 degree, Persaud accepted an internship at Human Rights Watch in New York. 鈥淲alking into the office in the Empire State Building, I felt like my dreams were coming true 鈥� I was working for a world-renowned organization, making a global impact, all from one of the most iconic buildings in the world,鈥� she said. Today, she serves as the senior coordinator on Human Rights Watch鈥檚 Creative Team, working remotely from the state of Florida. 

The flexibility and self-discipline she developed through 黑料正能量 have been instrumental in her career. She applies these essential skills like time management, task prioritization, and adaptability daily. 

Connecting with fellow Gators across the U.S. and around the globe has opened doors and fostered a sense of community that has inspired Persaud. She encourages current 黑料正能量 students to prioritize networking remotely and in person. 鈥淭ake advantage of the flexibility of online learning by actively seeking professional development opportunities related to your area of study鈥� or not!鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is your time to build relationships and explore!鈥�  

Persaud continues to expand her tools for serving communities and individuals with education in academia and holistic health. She recently earned a master’s in public administration from New York University. Recognizing the toll of burnout in her field of work, she also became a yoga instructor and deepened her understanding of the mind-body-soul connection through wellness programs. She now integrates this knowledge into her career, promoting holistic healing and empowerment. Her goal is to weave this knowledge into her work, not only as a personal practice but also to support communities.   

For Persaud, graduating from the University of Florida will always be a point of pride.  

鈥淎s Gators, we come together to learn from one another鈥檚 backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This collective knowledge enriches our understanding and empowers us to make a meaningful difference in our communities,鈥� she said. 

Read Persaud鈥檚 first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 B.A. in Sociology degree program. 

Brett Dunckel

Brett Dunckel is driven by his desire to help others. Motivated to better protect his community, he enrolled in 黑料正能量鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 program in Fire and Emergency Services program. After graduating, he was promoted to Prevention Battalion Chief, overseeing fire prevention across four cities, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Port Everglades. 鈥淏eing a Gator means being a force for good,鈥� he said. 

Dunckel credits the program for refining his communication and writing skills, which are essential in his leadership responsibilities that include engaging with stakeholders and addressing code requirements. 鈥淭he program at UF really helped me refine my communication skills,鈥� he said.  

Many of his 黑料正能量 class assignments required him to delve deeply into concepts that were initially only vaguely familiar to him. This bolstered his knowledge of fire and emergency services, which directly benefited his daily work projects and assignments. While the program offered the flexibility of asynchronous courses, he dedicated time each day to complete his coursework. This commitment further strengthened the discipline he had cultivated through his years in the fire service. 鈥淚t has helped me stand out from my colleagues,鈥� he said. 

He advises 黑料正能量 students to explore additional certifications and connect with the UF community. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 live near campus, take a trip at least once as a student to go tour the campus and attend a UF football game,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t will be an experience you鈥檒l remember forever!鈥� 

Recently graduating with a Master of Studies in Law at Wake Forest University, he plans to earn more certifications and prepare for a career shift with the support of the UF community. 鈥淚t is amazing to go to places all over the country and see people representing the Gator Nation,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 confident that when I make the transition from public sector to private sector employment, the alumni network will pay dividends.鈥� 

Read Dunckel鈥檚 first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 B.S. in Fire and Emergency Services degree program. 

Jillian Purner

As a young student exploring online degree options, Jillian Purner chose to enroll in 黑料正能量鈥檚 Bachelor鈥檚 program in Business Administration program while living with her family in Chicago, Ill. More than six years later, she continues to apply the skills she gained to thrive in her career. 鈥淏eing able to quickly adapt to working with remote and online teams is a professional success from early on in my career that I would attribute to 黑料正能量,鈥� she said. 

After earning her business degree from the University of Florida, Purner joined Aon, an international professional services provider, as a project specialist working on insurance brokerage and consulting services. She advanced to her current role as a senior consultant and aims to continue her growth at Aon in the company鈥檚 Health Innovation practice. 

Purner has worked across business disciplines, including project management, operations, financial analysis, and innovation, with colleagues around the world. 鈥淥nline learning gave me great skills to be successful in the professional world,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 work with teams spread out across the globe, so we are always connecting and collaborating virtually.鈥� 

Her ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and innovations has been a cornerstone of her professional success. 鈥淢y 黑料正能量 degree prepared me to be comfortable with change and navigating new things without in-person support,鈥� she said.  
 

Purner encourages students to view online education as a unique advantage. She believes earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree online provides an opportunity to cultivate a valuable skillset not typically gained in traditional bachelor鈥檚 programs. 鈥淭ap into and highlight those strengths and skills as you transition to the professional world!鈥� she said. 

Purner joined local Gator organizations to connect with fellow UF alumni in the Chicago area. These connections led to both personal and professional development. 鈥淏eing a Florida Gator means leading the way and establishing new norms,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 believe the 黑料正能量 program is an example of that!鈥澛�

Read Purner鈥檚 first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 Bachelor鈥檚 in Business Administration degree program. 

What can I do with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire & Emergency Services?

In today鈥檚 world, emergency services continually require higher levels of education and certification to advance within the field. The University of Florida鈥檚 online Bachelor of Science degree program in fire and emergency services is designed to prepare emergency service personnel to take on a more advanced leadership role and perform managerial duties with knowledge and confidence. Please note that this degree program does not certify you as a firefighter or provide you with EMS certification but is intended to prepare you to strategically manage fire, EMS, or emergency management agencies. 

A career in fire and emergency services is rewarding in its own right, as it is your responsibility to create and enforce safety policies for private entities and sometimes for the general public. Many professions within fire and emergency services require effective leadership skills, as they work to protect the people by averting risks and minimizing danger. The goal of UF鈥檚 fire and emergency services degree is to provide students with the ability to effectively lead publicly or privately sectored emergency management. Students can customize their academic route within the program鈥檚 major by choosing one of the three specializations offered, including: 

• Fire Management  

• EMS Management 
• Emergency Management

What does an online education in Fire & Emergency Services look like?

The fire and emergency services bachelor鈥檚 online degree program at 黑料正能量 prepares graduates for advancement within the ranks of fire service, EMS, and emergency management. Graduates can also pursue careers at the local, state, and national levels within government, insurance companies, or security management. Students will learn about organizational problems associated with fire and emergency services, as well as proper use of comprehensive emergency management in major catastrophic incidents and legal application of safety, health, and environmental regulations at state and federal levels.

Skills gained in the fire and emergency services degree program include:

• Risk management/reduction
• Management of catastrophic incidents
• Disaster planning and recovery
• Incident investigation and analysis
• Personnel management for emergency services

鈥淥ur program is designed for career advancement for the working Emergency Services Personnel, as well as a general track for future Emergency Managers without experience,鈥� said Keith Collins, academic advisor for UF鈥檚 fire and emergency services program. 鈥淎ll of our faculty have frontline experience, relate well to our students, and are selected for their expertise in the industry. What sets UF apart is our top-down commitment to getting students the resources they need to perform, as well as our unanimous enthusiasm to remain accessible to each individual student.鈥�

What jobs and careers can you get with a 黑料正能量 degree in Fire & Emergency Services?

Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in fire and emergency services online requires dedication, effective leadership behavior, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Students will be prepared to manage all aspects of modern fire, EMS, and emergency management with courses tailored to fulfill all professional aspirations within the field.

We have compiled a list of several career paths that graduates can advance in after earning their online degree, as well as their average annual salaries and a brief description of what the job duties include. All of the pay data is based on publicly available information provided by .

Emergency Medical Service Manager 鈥� $53,000

During a disaster, it is the responsibility of the emergency medical service manager to oversee the application of resources. They work directly with leaders within the fields of medical, health and emergency services such as fire chiefs, police chiefs, public works directors, and medical service coordinators.

The duties of an emergency medical service manager can include inspecting vehicles for emergency response purposes and ensuring they comply with rules and regulations applicable to emergency services. In a nutshell, they work closely on a regular basis with all emergency response managers to prepare communities for emergencies. The average person probably only thinks of emergency management in terms of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes. However, it is important to note that emergency management personnel also respond to man-made disasters such as hazardous material spills, major transportation accidents, large fires, and terrorist attacks. In the event of a man-made or natural disaster, they work in a timely manner to ensure synergy and organization among community emergency service leaders to minimize structural loss and casualties.

If a career in EMS management interests you, it is important to note that the abilities required for this position include strong interpersonal communication skills, analytical problem-solving, attention to detail, and the capacity to remain calm and empathetic under high-pressure situations.

Fire Inspector 鈥� $69,000

Whenever a building is constructed, there are certain fire safety protocols and regulations that must be met before it can be occupied. It is the role of a fire inspector to detect potential fire hazards and ensure that all federal, state, and local fire codes are met.

A fire inspector conducts inspections of new and existing buildings and certifies compliance with fire and safety codes. They have an extensive knowledge of codes, ordinances, construction materials, and alarm systems. It is their responsibility to keep buildings as safe as possible. Fire inspectors are involved from the beginning of a building鈥檚 lifespan, reviewing building plans with developers, conducting fire safety and emergency evacuation plans, inspecting storage tanks and air compressors, maintaining fire inspection files, and conducting follow-up visits to make sure violations do not occur.

A fire inspector works to keep their communities safe. As such it is very important for them to be highly skilled within their field and to be attentive to details. Fire inspectors must have strong skills in communication and collaboration to do their job effectively. Ideally, they will also display very strong leadership and critical thinking abilities, as they need to gain the understanding and trust of the building owners and occupants.

Homeland Security Officer 鈥� $78,000

Homeland security workers are known for being the core of U.S. protection services from domestic and international threats. They aim to reduce the risk of security threats (such as acts of terrorism or natural disasters) and respond to any attacks on our nation. Their primary goal is to ensure the safety of the general public by maintaining a strong defensive tactical plan of action.

Many important responsibilities fall into the hands of homeland security officers, as they are trusted with protecting the nation鈥檚 borders and stopping any threats of terrorism. They aim to facilitate legal immigration while being alert towards illegal immigration. The responsibilities of this role are integral to society鈥檚 infrastructure as they plan and initiate emergency responses for everything from natural disasters to cybersecurity threats. While the specific daily tasks of a homeland security officer may vary, something that all industry professionals will have in common is their commitment to ensuring the safety of our country and the general public.

Much like many professions within the realm of national security, becoming a homeland security officer requires excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Working alongside other relief agencies means it is important for you to empathize with others as part of a team while also being able to think quickly and analytically. This is a profession that requires officers to think ahead by formulating potential motives for security crimes and to effectively come up with new solutions to all kinds of threats.

骋别辞驳谤补辫丑别谤&苍产蝉辫;鈥�&苍产蝉辫;$73,000

It is the role of a geographer to study the land we inhabit, from the physical features of a biome to the inhabitants and their cultural behaviors. This information is gathered and used alongside government and humanitarian entities to develop detailed plans to improve and sustain an environment, aiding everything from building new homes and roads to responding to natural disasters.

A geographer works to interpret interactions of both physical and cultural phenomena. This can mean conducting research on the implications of human activities within a specific area, studying social and economic characteristics, and even using geographical information software to develop and modify maps and graphs based on an area鈥檚 longitude, latitude, topography, and accessibility. Traveling is a significant part of a geographer鈥檚 role, as their research often leads them to the geographical region of the world they are studying. Their specific tasks will often include gathering data via field observations, surveys, focus groups, satellite imaging, and census records. They will then analyze and integrate useful data to improve the overall quality of life regarding the economic, environmental, and social aspects of a region.

As research and interpreting scientific findings are key aspects of the profession, an effective geographer will be able to write and present reports based on research findings. Several key skills needed to become an effective geographer also include using geographic information system (GIS) technology to collect and display data, conducting surveys and focus groups, and collecting data on physical characteristics of an area such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation.

Disaster relief ignites a career change

Ebrahim鈥檚 father had a career in the Air Force, which meant he was surrounded by all things airplanes from a young age. 鈥淚 loved aviation, anything that had to do with airplanes. I went to college and earned my associate degree in aviation mechanics,鈥� said Ebrahim. His first professional role involved flying to carry out maintenance requests in airports. These travels took Ebrahim to places like India and the Middle East, which is where he got a first-hand look at what nature can do.

Witnessing these events gave Ebrahim specifications to consider when selecting an American bachelor鈥檚 degree program. 鈥淲hen it comes to resiliency and facing natural disasters, Florida is a pioneer. Watching on the news how Floridians face multiple hurricanes, lose their homes, and then rebuild again. I鈥檝e never seen people like this before,鈥� said Ebrahim on deciding to attend the University of Florida via 黑料正能量.

Helping others through an online degree

After seven years of working in aviation, Ebrahim wanted to do more to help citizens suffering from emergencies. As he describes the deciding moment, 鈥淚 got this rare chance to experience the crisis from the perspective of the victims, not just reading about it or seeing it on television.鈥� Ebrahim then decided to join the local fire department, where he remained for seven years. In July of 2021 he became a correspondence specialist with the Abu Dhabi Crisis Management Center.

Knowing he would need an accredited college degree to continue his professional advancement, Ebrahim found an affordable program at 黑料正能量. 鈥淭he UAE is so selective when it comes to online degree programs. My country only formally recognizes 25 American universities. Just 25. Fortunately for me, UF was among them. Getting an education from such a special group of people is something very unique for me,鈥� said Ebrahim.

Broadening perspectives around the world

Flexibility is a big advantage offered by online degree programs, but other aspects were a bit more surprising to Ebrahim. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a course that talks about terrorism, and there was a major focus on terrorism that originated from the Middle East. I was concerned, maybe because I鈥檓 from this region, but I was pleasantly surprised. The course itself, the instructor, the students, everything was so objective. My instructor, Christopher Reynolds, even stated that terrorism has no religion or nationality. It鈥檚 individualistic,鈥� explained Ebrahim when crediting his professor鈥檚 lessons.

Ebrahim will soon utilize his UF bachelor鈥檚 degree to transfer to the technical side of his profession. 鈥淚f I want to be an emergency manager or to work in the field, I need this degree. It鈥檚 a requirement. That鈥檚 where I want to go. That鈥檚 where I plan to be.鈥�

黑料正能量 proudly celebrates Gators like Ebrahim who take the initiative to make educational advancements to progress professionally. Earning a degree is commendable on its own, but it鈥檚 that much more special knowing the selfless path that has led to Ebrahim鈥檚 journey. From everyone at 黑料正能量, we thank Ebrahim for contributing to our mission of building a reputable online education program.

Becoming a firefighter and Florida Gator

Brian discovered his passion for fire and emergency services when he was a young adult exploring various career paths. 鈥淚 had a couple of friends whose fathers were firefighters in different departments and one inspired me and persuaded me to go to a fire academy,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淎fter fire academy, I got hired really quickly.鈥�

When he first started his degree journey at 黑料正能量 in January of 2019, Brian was already a 7-year Lieutenant in fire services. He decided to pursue his Fire & Emergency Services degree to advance his career and set an example for his son. 鈥淲hen my son was born, it inspired me to go back to school,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淚 always wanted my four-year degree. I didn鈥檛 want my son to have an excuse like 鈥榙ad doesn鈥檛 have it.鈥欌��

While researching and comparing different fire and emergency programs, Brian鈥檚 dream of becoming a Florida Gator was reignited. 鈥淚 grew up a Gator fan and I always wanted to attend UF,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淭hen I found out it鈥檚 the #1 school for the program I鈥檓 attending, so I thought that was just another benefit.鈥� With graduation now in sight, Brian emphasized he has 鈥渘o regrets鈥� regarding his decision to enter the fire and emergency services field and pursue his degree at the University of Florida.

鈥淚 have a sense of pride and joy that no one can ever take away from me,鈥� Brian described how it felt to attend 黑料正能量. 鈥淚鈥檓 getting chills right now just talking about it. I grew up loving the Gators and it makes me proud to be one.鈥�

Studying while protecting the community

As a parent and firefighter, Brian sought a degree program that offered the flexibility needed to juggle multiple responsibilities. 鈥淚 like how you can control it yourself and it鈥檚 self-paced,鈥� Brian described the benefits of online learning. Soon after beginning his studies at UF, his mentors encouraged him to take a competitive test that promoted him to Captain in October of 2019. 鈥淚 was really busy with my personal life. With a family, I had a lot going on and I wasn鈥檛 planning on testing.鈥� However, his educational and career goals aligned when he received several promotions that came with increased responsibility and leadership.

鈥淚鈥檝e always considered myself a natural leader,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淲hile taking the Leadership and Ethics course here at UF, I learned that some people do have that natural instinct to be a leader, but to be a good leader it actually takes a lot of work.鈥� While continuing his studies at UF, Brian became a Battalion Chief in October 2020, where he oversaw the crew and personnel that protected the community. 鈥淲hat keeps me motivated is doing what鈥檚 best for them and making sure they go home safe every night to their families.鈥�

鈥淭he Fire and Emergency profession is a profession where you never stop learning,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淵ou have to continually evolve and grow in your field. It鈥檚 important for professional development to continue education.鈥�

Advancing his career with a Fire & Emergency Services degree

Combining his years of service experience and his higher education, Brian was recently promoted to Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Bradenton. 鈥淚 think everything I鈥檝e done with this degree program helped me get to that Assistant Chief position,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very new but it鈥檚 exciting. I鈥檓 enjoying it.鈥� Brian also accredits 黑料正能量鈥檚 supportive faculty and staff for helping him enhance his career opportunities. 鈥淎ll the instructors and professors have been great,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淜eith Collins as an advisor has been awesome. He鈥檚 always available and responsive to help guide me on the right track.鈥�

Keith Collins was eager to assist Brian throughout his academic journey and took pride in his success. 鈥淸Brian] has excelled during his time here in all areas of his life; receiving 3 promotions, balancing his family time, and maintaining an excellent GPA in our rigorous curriculum,鈥� Keith said. 鈥淥ur program is designed for Career Advancement and Brian鈥檚 story is a testament to the success that awaits all future and current Fire & Emergency Services Gators!鈥�

鈥淚 think the fire service is moving in a direction where degrees will be required eventually, especially for officer positions,鈥� Brian said. 鈥淯F is the #1 program in the country for this degree program and it鈥檒l set them up to succeed. I highly recommend it.鈥�

With graduation just on the horizon, the University of Florida congratulates Brian on his upcoming graduation and recently accepting the position of Assistant Fire Chief at the City of Bradenton. The 黑料正能量 community celebrates his remarkable achievements in serving and protecting the community while furthering his education. We thank him for being a part of the Gator Nation and wish him success and happiness along his journey.

Choosing his own path to the University of Florida

Growing up in the small town of Okeechobee, Florida, Eric remembers how hard his family worked to make ends meet. After high school, Eric decided to serve the Navy since going to college was not financially feasible for his family.

During this time, Eric met his future wife and was soon a father himself. After seven years of active duty, he knew he wanted to spend more time at home to be with his wife and daughter, so he started exploring careers that would interest him and enable him to remain closer to home after leaving the military. While in the Navy, Eric gained a lot of fire experience, and had great interest in becoming a firefighter.

鈥淚 kind of did everything backward compared to most people,鈥� Eric said. 鈥淚 had a kid and then I got married. I got a career path and then went to college.鈥�

Although Eric built a great career in the fire service, he still had educational goals that he wanted to accomplish. Eric started by attending the Florida State College of Jacksonville, earning his Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with the plan of continuing on to his bachelor鈥檚 degree. Being so busy, Eric needed an online bachelor鈥檚 program that would give him an unparalleled and highly-ranked education. When Eric came across 黑料正能量鈥檚 Fire & Emergency Services (FES) program, he knew this was the next step in his journey.

Making connections with Gators nation-wide

After his application was accepted at the University of Florida, Eric was eager to dive into his 黑料正能量 courses. While earning his degree didn鈥檛 happen overnight, the journey to achieving it was more than rewarding. Through the online FES program, Eric met a number of UF College of Design, Construction, and Planning faculty members and classmates that made his courses even more memorable and engaging.

鈥淚 met some really good people through the program. People I text with and continue to keep in contact with.鈥� Eric continued, 鈥淚鈥檝e made connections with students in places like Miami and found out they have a lot in common with me, such as being driven and having the same mindset.鈥�

One of the aspects Eric appreciates most about 黑料正能量鈥檚 FES program is that his professors made the courses very interactive, which allowed him not only to build relationships with classmates, but also the professors themselves. 鈥淚 found it encouraging that the professors put in a real effort to push us to do our best,鈥� Eric mentioned.

Eric credits Keith Collins, his 黑料正能量 academic advisor, for paving the way to graduation. Keith was always there to answer any questions, Eric says. Keith also recommended that Eric earn two certificates,  and , as part of his degree program. Eric acknowledges that were it not for Keith, he likely wouldn鈥檛 have known about the certificates. With Keith鈥檚 guidance, Eric also pursued and received an academic distinction, writing a thesis to later earn Eric a Summa Cum Laude distinction at graduation.

As a father himself, Keith was inspired by Eric鈥檚 determination and personal drive. Keith is thankful that programs like 黑料正能量 exist for student parents like Eric so they don鈥檛 have to choose between their child鈥檚 baseball game or driving to a night class. Keith went on to say, 鈥淚t is a pleasure of mine to work with students like Eric who balance many demands while remaining dedicated to their success in our rigorous program. Eric was an exceptional student, and his story inspires me and encourages many others.鈥�

Serving as an inspiration to his family and colleagues

At the end of the day, the most important thing to Eric is his family. Now, as a Gator graduate, Eric shares his advice to parents like him who want to finish their degree. His most important tip is having an excellent support system and managing time well.

鈥淚鈥檓 still a father at the end of the day, and my wife does help me out a lot. My wife would cook dinner, and I would help the kids get ready for bed. There were many late nights that I was sitting there doing school work after they went to bed.鈥� Eric emphasized, 鈥渏ust like anything, when you make a commitment, you have to stick with it. You just have to make managing your time a priority.鈥�

Eric mentions that there were times when he would have to step away from a gathering with friends or family to complete an assignment, but his loved ones were always supportive. Standing as an example to his children is most rewarding. Eric鈥檚 oldest daughter also has ambitions to attend UF after graduating high school and understands the hard work it takes to be a Gator grad.

鈥淚 already have about a half-dozen friends who I inspired to go back to school after they鈥檝e seen me at the station table every shift working on schoolwork in my off time. It did motivate a few of my colleagues to go back to school,鈥� Eric said.

Today and always, we celebrate student parents like Eric who balance multiple careers, life challenges, and continue supporting their families while working towards a degree. The work ethic and attention to detail that Eric learned from his father continues to push him towards his goals. We celebrate Eric鈥檚 accomplishments and are proud to see him continuing to set an example for other student parents. Happy Father鈥檚 day, Eric, and to all Gator Dads!