Student Spotlight - Scott King
Introduce yourself
My name is Scott King. I grew up near Keyser, West Virginia, and studied at West Virginia University and Columbia College in South Carolina. I majored in Biology at West Virginia University and majored in Disaster Emergency Management of Fire Science at Columbia College.
Tell us about your career
I am currently working for the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of the State Fire Marshal as a Bureau Chief. I have worked in public safety including fire, emergency management and homeland security at the local, state and federal levels for 34 years. I have spent the last 15 years working in senior management roles with the state of Ohio including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Commerce.
Why did you choose the Voinovich School, specifically the Executive MPA program?
The Executive MPA program through the Voinovich School offered a comprehensive, leadership management curriculum that appealed to my current interests and future ambitions. I have spent much of my career in public leadership and management. The EMPA was an instant fit due to the caliber of individuals that I graciously get the opportunity to work with and learn from along the way. The flexibility of the in-person Saturday classes and online learning fits into my hectic life schedule allowing for a continued learning path forward.
How have you integrated what you've learned in your coursework into your career or daily job responsibilities?
Even though I have a long career in the public sector, the coursework allows me to increase my knowledge base in fundamentals and policy. It further enhances the applied and evaluated leadership insights that I can implore for my teams, myself and the citizens I serve.
What's the best piece of leadership advice you've ever received?
The ability of a leader to empower an organization comes with the understanding that people and their individual and collective actions are what make the organization function. In addition, it is the contribution of every team member that if aligned with the organization’s goals will lead to delivering the mission to its customers. The team is people doing their job in a manner that keeps the organization functioning properly and keeps it on a path that leads to success or failure. It starts with a team! Always be humble, build trust and do not be afraid to take responsibility.
Which class has been your favorite so far, and what made it stand out to you?
My favorite class so far has been Measuring Outcomes in the Public and Nonprofit Organizations. Dr Caver brings a wealth of knowledge to this area of study, and it sets the stage for how measuring outcomes can be extremely effective.
What aspects of your program do you appreciate the most?
I have enjoyed getting to know other students from many diverse backgrounds. It is great to see what others are doing in the public administration field. Being able to continue to build the network is key for future success and development in the public sector.
Tell us about your future career goals
In the immediate near term, I am looking to finish up my two master's degrees (MPA and Executive Fire Administration/Occupational Health and Safety). From there, in terms of career aspirations, I am hoping to continue furthering my career in the fire administration, emergency management and homeland security fields into executive management either at the state or federal level.
What advice would you give someone just starting the interested in the Executive MPA program?
It took me nearly 28 years to finally take time to advance my educational experience. Do not worry if it is too late. Plan for it and make it happen! It is never too late to pursue your next level of education. The experience and the possibilities can take you anywhere.