Like many of their classmates, Jess Henson and Payton Fletcher celebrated with family and friends as part of graduation ceremonies at EKU in May 2021. However, not many other classmates spend time inspecting the grounds shared by a herd of elephants or pride of lions. For Jess and Payton, this is their workplace!
Jess is now a graduate of the EKU Master of Science in Safety, Security and Emergency Management program. Her professional title is Director of Risk and Safety for the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and her days are spent conducting a variety of activities such as hazard assessments and safety training for new employees.
Payton spends her time as a Seasonal Guest Service Supervisor at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky where she applies what she learned as part of the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree program. She oversees daily operations with a focus on zoo guest safety and security – responding to incidents, providing first aid, managing crowds and traffic, and conducting inspections of rides and attractions, among others.
These and other zoos across the county attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As such, they join aquariums, amusements parks, and other recreational, educational, and cultural venues as part of the Nation’s critical infrastructure.
According to Jess, “there is always a new opportunity to think innovatively and contribute to the safety and wellness of the zoo. The biggest reward is to see the safety process working and to be able to give people the opportunity to learn about the animals in a safe environment.” Payton added, “there is no set routine, so every day brings new and unexpected challenges, good or bad.” Of course, there is the added benefit of being able to take breaks in view of amazing animals like giraffes. “The biggest challenge has been dealing with COVID requirements for ensuring animal safety and that we have the most up to date information for human safety,” noted Jess.
Payton attributes both confidence and knowledge to her degree program at EKU. “I started at the zoo my freshman year of college and as I’ve gone through my degree, I’ve had the opportunity to bring what I’ve learned in the classroom to the zoo – from risk assessments and workplace policies to the emergency medical training,” said Payton.
Jess noted, “the professors have challenged me over the last two years to think more about safety and emergency management in new ways…thanks to the education I have received at EKU I know that I have the right tools for the job and the network of colleagues to ask for help when I need it.”
Contributed by Chad Foster
Published on 5/18/2021