Story by Ashley Plys, a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a SOM student marketing assistant.

UAF alumnus Tyler Loudermilk graduated in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in homeland security and emergency management. With all of his classes online, Tyler was able to earn his degree remotely. He currently works as an emergency services coordinator for the County of San Luis Obispo. We recently spoke with Tyler to get his perspective on his School of Management experience.

Top Left: Tyler Loudermilk on the job for the San Luis Obispo County.
Top Right: Tyler takes work to the beach.
Bottom: Tyler makes a new furry friend in the field.

As Tyler researched universities, he visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website and discovered UAF was listed under FEMA’s Higher Education College list. It was important to him to attend an accredited program with experienced instructors. With UAF’s small student-to-instructor ratio, Tyler knew this would be a good opportunity to connect with his instructors.

“There are many great HSEM programs out there," Tyler said, "but for me, UAF was a clear choice.”

Although Tyler said that he gained valuable information from every UAF instructor, he felt Sean McGee was excellent in Intro to Emergency Management, Principles of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Current Topics in Public Safety. Sean provided expertise in the subject matter and was easily accessible.

Sean is also the faculty advisor for the UAF student chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers.

“Tyler was already working as a first responder while he took classes at UAF,” said HSEM program director Sean McGee. “Tyler participated in our student chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers. Even as an online student, he was an active member in the association.”

Tyler admits he was nervous about pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Being married with three kids under the age of 10, working full time in the fire and emergency services fields in California, and having a passion for surfing, he wasn’t sure how he would succeed. With a nationally-ranked online degree program, UAF provided the freedom and flexibility to work on assignments at his own pace, on his own schedule.

Top: Tyler walks the beach with his son Finley and daughter Hanalei
Bottom Left: Tyler rides a wave in between classes
Bottom Right: The whole Loudermilk Family shows their Nanook pride

“At times, I did have to miss a few surf sessions to write a paper,” said Tyler.  “Looking back, it was a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain.”

The availability of staff and faculty outside traditional hours contributed to Tyler’s success as a Nanook. Tyler said that the HSEM program also gave him the confidence to work with stakeholders and community members to execute mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery activities during high-pressure situations.

“I felt like Tyler knew how to focus his efforts within the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Program,” Sean McGee said. “He didn’t sweat the small stuff, and as a result he stayed focused on those things that were instrumental to his success in the program.”

Another standout instructor for Tyler was Catherine Chatfield, who taught All-Hazards Risk Analysis. With a job in public safety, Tyler often had to work weekends and nights. As he reached out for additional help, Catherine made herself available during evening hours, which Tyler said shows that HSEM instructors care about the success of their students.

“I would recommend UAF to anyone who desires to receive a top-notch education in homeland security and emergency management," Tyler said. "I now work in my dream profession, where I have the opportunity to put my skills to use every day. I can attest that UAF is the real deal.”