University of Central Missouri Practicums in Crisis and Disaster Management Greatly Benefit Students and Employers

By Janice Phelan, September 12, 2024

            Luke Ekstrand, a spring 2024 graduate of the University of Central Missouri’s Crisis and Disaster Management (CDM) program, gained a number of valuable experiences in his practicum with the City of Independence ranging from assisting with community outreach at the Missouri State Fair to participating in a family and friends reunification exercise in Kansas City.

 

            Ekstrand, who is now working as the deputy director of emergency management for Johnson County (Mo.), earned a bachelor’s degree in Crisis and Disaster Management with a minor in Earth Science from UCM. The CDM degree program was a factor in his decision to attend UCM along with its proximity to his home and the Legacy Scholarship he received as the son of UCM graduates.

 

            The recent graduate’s supervisor at the City of Independence was Janelle Scofield, the city’s assistant emergency manager. As Ekstrand began his 300-hour practicum, the two worked together to determine what he wanted to accomplish before graduation.

 

            Scofield called the practicum experience a win-win situation for both students and employers.

 

            “We gain a sometimes younger perspective from someone that hasn't been in the profession so these fresh eyes and fresh ideas are so welcome,” she shared. “For the students, we offer networking with emergency managers throughout the Kansas City region. Getting these students face to face with prospective bosses was paramount for us.”

            Ekstrand added that he especially appreciated the networking and interactions.

 

            “One of the biggest benefits I gained from UCM and the CDM program was connecting with like-minded individuals,” he said. “My practicum further benefited me by introducing me to emergency managers in our region. I had the opportunity to network with professionals from both Kansas and Missouri through numerous meetings. Now, as I work in the field, I continue to collaborate with some of those individuals.”

 

            Much of the work in emergency management can be tedious, and Scofield said it is important for students to see the value in this aspect of the job.

            “Writing plans and attending meetings are important but they lack disaster response glory so it can be eye-opening for someone to see how much office and networking work is involved,” she said. “Mostly, I truly believe that we are able to bridge that gap between what students learn in textbooks and the day-to-day ‘in real life’ aspects.”

 

            Scofield added that the City of Independence looks forward to working with additional UCM students in the future. In fact, she is returning to UCM this fall to complete her CDM bachelor’s degree and will graduate in May 2025.

 

Both Ekstrand and Scofield appreciated the opportunity to work together, especially since the two are long-time family friends.

 

“The opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because Independence is my former hometown,” Ekstrand said.   

 

Coincidentally, when Ekstrand was graduating from high school he met with Scofield to discuss his career plans and emergency management.

 

“We spoke about his strengths and interests and I felt like emergency management was a perfect fit for his skill set,” she said. “Fast forward a few years and one pandemic later, I was thrilled when I had the chance to have him in our office for his practicum.”

 

For more information about UCM’s Crisis and Disaster Management program, visit thewebpage..