NSU’s Jason Junkens accepted to FEMA’s Leadership Academy

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--On Oct. 14Jason Junkens, emergency manager for Northeastern State University was accepted to FEMAs Leadership Academy, a program offered through the Emergency Management Institute.

According to FEMAs website, The National Emergency Management Leaders Academy reinforces the qualities needed to lead emergency management programs, provides relevant management theories and concepts, and utilizes appropriate case studies. By working within their cohort, Leaders Academy participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of peers.

The Leadership Academy has an open application process each year, and participants are chosen based on experience level and answers to a list of application questions.

Once selected, individuals will participate in four four-day long courses spread out over a year with homework assignments in between.

Junkens will participate in E0451 Leadership I, An Overview of Leadership in Emergency Management, E0452 Leadership II, Application of Personal Leadership in Emergency Management, E0453 Leadership III, Leadership in the Emergency Management Organization, and E0454 Leadership IV, Emergency Management Leadership in the Community and Profession.Each course will take place at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MA.

Junkens explained that his desire to continually challenge himself and expand his knowledge of Emergency Management was what pushed him to apply.

I want to be a leader within my profession, Junkens said. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of my profession, and learn best practices gained from peers and tools to overcome some of the obstacles I face.

The Emergency Management Institution offers various types of learning environment catered to the field of work an individual is in. Accompanying the Leadership Academy, EMI is continually offering on-site courses and free online courses.

Junkens believes that upon completion of the Academy he will be better equipped as both NSUs Emergency Manager and as an adjunct professor.

To me, staying up-to-date and relevant on the issues covered in this course keeps the fire and passion for my profession continually burning inside of me. It helps me ensure that I am passing on the most current information to my students, and it ensures that I am continually developing plans, exercises and training that are truly best practice and relevant.