The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) has awarded two scholarships to students in the EKU Online Fire Science Program. Sarah Guynup and Derrick Meis will each receive $1,000 to continue their education. Both are earning bachelor’s degrees in the fully online fire protection and safety engineering technology program at Eastern Kentucky University.
In 2020-2021, the FSSA Educational Foundation awarded 11 scholarships to students continuing their education in the fire protection industry or a related field. Decisions are based on factors including but not limited to academic performance, financial need and special interests or abilities.
Sarah Guynup, of New York, works as a junior engineer. She’s also a volunteer firefighter for Johnsonville Fire-Rescue & EMS Company. She wants to advance her career in fire protection and EMS. She’s working on her NYS EMT-B certification while she finishes her degree.
What are the key factors to her success? The first is good time management. She uses a dry erase board and the calendar on her phone to keep up with her assignments. She also relies on support from her fellow students and her EKU instructors.
“Knowing when you need help with something and searching for that help, whether it be from your teacher or a study group, is another key factor,” she shared with EKU. “There is no harm in asking for help when you need it.”
Her dedication has paid off. She’s made the Dean’s List and is a member of Omega Nu Lambda, a national honors society for online students.
Derrick Meis lives in Colorado. He has worked as a firefighter/EMT, and also has experience in construction as a field systems integrator – installing security systems, fire alarms and other safety devices. These combined interests led him to choose a career path in fire protection.
‘I am a first generation college student, and I’m pursuing this program to work {my way} into the field as a Professional Fire Protection Engineer,” he explained. He could also see himself working as a fire marshal.
EKU students Ethan Fowlie and Colby Costa also won 2020-2021 FSSA scholarships. They are enrolled in on-campus fire science degree programs at the university.
Eastern Kentucky University offers online bachelor’s degree programs in fire, arson and explosion investigation; fire protection and safety engineering technology; and fire protection administration. A certificate program in industrial fire protection is also available. For information, contact EKU Online Advisor Lauren Seaman at Lauren.Seaman@eku.edu or 859-622-7964.
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