University of Charleston

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston (UC) has launched a leadership certificate program for Emergency Management Service (EMS) professionals throughout West Virginia. The program is designed to enhance the leadership skills of first responders. It is part of West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s Emergency Management Services Initiative.

300 EMS professionals are enrolled in the program which began July 5, 2022. Over 21 weeks, participants will complete five, 7-week courses, earning an EMS Leadership Certificate and 15 college credits that can be applied to a leadership degree program. Participants are organized into regional cohorts that engage online with supportive and experienced industry faculty. The content is tailored for first responders and the delivery is flexible to meet the needs of working adults.

“This is the perfect opportunity to leverage UC’s deep expertise in leadership training to address the critical need for professional growth of the state’s first responders, on whom all of us rely every day,” said UC President Marty Roth. “We are honored to partner with the state on this initiative.”

The EMS Leadership Certificate Program is part of a broader statewide initiative to address West Virginia’s need to attract, develop, and retain emergency medical service professionals. The new “EMS WV: Answer the Call Program” is backed by CARES Act funds and will enhance the quality of services for people in need in communities throughout the state.

“We are excited to offer such a robust training program to EMS professionals at no cost to them individually or to their community offices,” shared Dr. Cynthia Persily, Vice Chancellor of Health Science for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.“The state is fortunate to have these resources available and to have such a valuable education partner in the University of Charleston.”

UC currently has over 1,500 working adults enrolled in leadership programs ranging from associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees. In addition, UC has extensive expertise designing and delivering custom leadership training for many organizations. “We proudly partner with Toyota Manufacturing, U.S. Navy Seals, U.S. Army Rangers, the state Department of Transportation, the West Virginia National Guard, and other national organizations on leadership programs,” according to the Dean of UC’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education, Dr. John Barnette. “Leadership skills are at the heart of every organization’s success.  Our applied learning approach helps individuals gain and refine the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively in the field and excel at leading teams and departments at every level.”