Tracy L. Smith: Top Ranked Grad

If you see a first responder, chances are they're a Columbus State grad. And if you're in the City of Columbus, that goes all the way to top.

Tracy L. Smith, who is both a graduate of and an adjunct professor in Columbus State's Fire Science department, was recently named assistant chief for emergency services at the Columbus Division of Fire. Smith oversees 1,300 public safety employees, including all firefighters, EMS workers, the hazmat unit and the bomb squad.

In her current role as assistant chief, Smith is the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Columbus Division of Fire. She credits her position to her hard work and guidance from great leaders in the division. During her 22-year career, Smith has seen more women and minorities enter the profession, and as an instructor at Columbus State she's in a position to inspire even more to rise through the ranks.

“It’s not significant that it’s me. It’s significant that over the years, the city has changed in the opportunities it gives all people to succeed,” Smith said. “I hope this sends a message to young women everywhere that if they work hard and stay focused, they can do anything.”

Fire science

Live burn simulations are vital for firefighters in training

Until recently, students in Columbus State’s Fire Science program had to travel to the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg or to surrounding departments to get live burn training. Now, the department has its own two-story fire training lab simulator, located at the Southwest Regional Learning Cetner at Bolton Field.

The simulator is built from shipping containers and can accommodate up to 20 students. The Fire Science department conducts three live burn trainings every semester, allowing students to practice fighting fires fueled with natural materials as well as liquid ignition sources.

Helping people get back on track

Ashley Weaver knew she wanted to study Criminal Justice, but instead of wanting to punish people who break the law, she wanted to help them get their lives back on track.

The Pataskala native came to Columbus State in 2018 to take general courses and was inspired by a class with Professor Daniel Hare to pursue a career in the court system. She graduated in 2020 with a Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science, and her connections in the program helped her land an internship, then later a job with the Licking County Municipal Court.

Now, Ashley works as a Drug Court Probation Officer in Licking County, overseeing people who have been sentenced for drug crimes or are suffering from drug abuse problems.

“I really do love it. I work so closely with them, and I see a lot of change in their lives. It’s very rewarding,” she says. Read full story

Paralegal Program

Earn your associate degree at Columbus State, then your bachelor’s at Kent State

Paralegals form an important part of the legal profession. Under the supervision of lawyers, they conduct a variety of legal business, such as drafting documents and doing research. Whether you’re just entering the paralegal field or you’re an established professional looking to add to your credentials (and earning potential), the ABA-approved Paralegal Program at Columbus State prepares you for a great career.

Columbus State and Kent State have teamed up to offer the 3+1 Paralegal Studies program, allowing you to complete three years of study at Columbus State’s low tuition rate, then stay on Columbus State’s campus for the fourth year of Kent State courses to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Lauren Davis: Back to School

Lauren Davis says she was “scared and hesitant” to apply at Columbus State. At 27 years old, she had been out of school for a decade. However, she says, “With the support and encouragement of friends, I dove in.”

She started slow, taking only seven credit hours the first semester in 2018 as a part-time student. Working full-time in sales made it difficult to take more classes. But then Davis had an epiphany. “I realized the sales job was not my end goal,” she says. “So I left a job I loved and took a part-time job which allowed me to take hold of my education goals and be a full-time student.” Davis graduated magna cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree and will transfer to Ohio State-Newark to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education followed by a master’s degree in Psychology.

Early Childhood Aide Certificates

Program offers independence and a dream job

Two Licking County women are on the path to a rewarding career with Columbus State’s Early Childhood Aide Certificate, a program to train students with developmental disabilities to work with young children. Ellen Roudebush and Jordyn Hubert are carpooling together as they complete the yearlong program.

Students spend some time in the classroom, but also get hands-on experience at different childcare centers. The pair have learned to navigate college and use the resources Columbus State offers, such as getting a quiet place to take exams. “Working with children is my dream job,” Ellen said.

David Janning

David Janning is bringing the experience from two deployments fighting COVID-19 back to the classroom.

David Janning graduated Columbus State Community College with an associate degree in Emergency Medical Services/Fire Science in 2011, and has taught in that department for seven years. He's also currently a student in the RN Nursing Associate Degree program.

So, when the pandemic started, Janning knew that he had skills that could be useful. He reached out to a company recruiting for health care professionals to work in COVID-19 hot spots. Janning took a brief sabbatical from his studies and teaching and immediately went down South with 50 pounds of medical supplies for his first deployment.

“When we can say, ‘Not only are we are teaching this, we are living it,’ it makes teaching that much more effective,” Janning says.

Ambulance Simulators

Thanks to grant funding, Columbus State’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program has three new simulation rig ambulances. Known as “sim-rigs,” they are replicas of the back of an actual ambulance. They were constructed in a lab classroom where the EMS program is based.

Previously, students used what you might consider “make-believe” ambulance setups. For example, they would place a stretcher in an area surrounded by chairs to act as shelves for medical items that you would need in an ambulance. Staring with this semester, students will have an actual replica of the back of an ambulance.

State Rapid Grants provided nearly $28,000 for each of the three sim rigs. Additional grant funding provided just over $14,000 for the three stretchers and special equipment. They are used by students in the Emergency Medical Services Technology associate degree program, the Paramedic certification program, and the Emergency Medical Technician certification program.