Southwestern Adventist
University (SWAU) is introducing a new fire science program for Fall 2014 with
the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges, the regional accreditation body.

The program will consist
of an Associate of Applied Science degree, with firefighter, EMT, and fire
inspector certifications awarded by the State of Texas. The curriculum is
offered through collaboration with Training Division, an emergency services
training company in Crowley, Texas, and will be provided by the SWAU Department
of Kinesiology. Chad Hutchinson, assistant kinesiology professor, will coordinate
the program.

The new curriculum
reflects SWAU’s dedication to educate individuals for Christian service and
promotes the goals and mission of the Kinesiology Department. It also provides
more career options for students and meets the needs of a growing population of
students who seek two-year occupational degrees. “The development of the
program and the collaboration with Training Division lays the groundwork for
potential expansion of programs of this type, while giving SWAU access to
material, logistical, and technical equipment,” explains Amy Rosenthal, vice
president for academic administration.

The program is also unique
among Adventist colleges and universities. Students will graduate not only with
a degree, but several technical certifications that will allow them to become
employed by fire departments around the U.S. “We are thrilled to offer this new
program,” says Vesa Naukkarinen, Kinesiology Department chair. “It provides new
opportunities for our kinesiology majors and opens our doors even wider to our
local community.”