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CMU Off-Campus Success Stories
Ned Pettus, likes to put out fires – literally and figuratively.
Ned, who earned his Master of Science in Administration degree in 2006, is
the current Fire Chief for the city of Columbus, Ohio. He said he knew early
on that a degree would help him make more positive changes that would affect
his associates, as well as the city.
Ned chose CMU because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of other local
professionals who also took advantage of the accelerated programs CMU
offered. Continuing adult education is very important to Ned and he realized
that the next step to higher achievements was through formal education at
recognized institutions of higher learning. In 2001, he received his
bachelor’s degree from Capital University in Columbus and decided to earn
his master’s degree a few years later in 2006.
The decision to return to school came when Ned began to move up the ranks at
the fire department. Ned said that in order to keep up in today’s society,
adults have an obligation to perpetually upgrade their skills and
participate in continuous education.
Everyday, Ned integrates the skills he learned at CMU into his tasks at the
fire department. Whether it’s strategic planning and leadership,
communication and presentation approaches or research techniques, Ned
acknowledges CMU and the MSA degree program for giving him the understanding
and skills he needs to succeed as chief of the Columbus Fire Department.
Ned said his experience at CMU is one he won’t soon forget. Staff members
sat down with him and discussed all of the program’s available options. He
needed help in identifying exactly what area he wanted his degree in and the
staff at CMU’s Columbus Center was more than helpful. Staff members referred
him to many industry professionals who might be able to give guidance which
would be relative to Ned’s professional needs. He said his community and his
organization (the fire department) he serves has benefited from the
experience he had at CMU.
“My confidence level increased dramatically because I was a more informed
professional than I was before receiving that educational experience. It
made me a better Fire Chief,” Ned said.
Ned urges students to take full advantage of the opportunities offered at
CMU, noting that following the program through to completion will definitely
pay off in the end.
“It will pay dividends because the knowledge you gain has current –
practical applications. CMU’s reputation is highly respected, and your hard
work is rewarded with a degree that has recognized/proven value. I can
personally attest to this,” Ned said.
Written by
Amber Crago, CMU Journalism Intern
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