Captions Magazine - Bethel University

ps Fulfill A Dream
Q. Tell about the master's degree you received.
A. A major hurdle that kept me from getting my
master's degree for many years was the challenges
of my job which puts me in charge of
900,000 acres from Memphis, Tenn., to Mountain
City, Tenn., and responsible for the safety
of 18 million visitors to state parks and natural
areas each year.
With this demand there was no way I could
attend a traditional program in the college setting,
however, Bethel presented to be the only
way I would ever be able to return to school.
There are many weeks I would be called
to several areas of the state on emergencies
for days or weeks at a time which would have
certainly forced me to drop out of any traditional
program because of my absenteeism. There were
many nights or early mornings I struggled to
find enough time to submit homework while performing
my job as chief, but that was the beauty
of the program in its ability to allow you to work
on your studies and submit it 24 hours a day.
Bethel was my choice of school because of
the strong leadership as well as its ability to accept
certain work and training classes for college
credit.
After graduation my degree has taught me
to be a better researcher on projects, and it has
opened my eyes to the vast law enforcement
world and its deep need for professional leaders.
Not only has my master's elevated my ability
to run my department but it has thrust several
job opportunities my way just from word of
mouth on Bethel's great program!
Many late nights had me questioning my
decision to go back to school. However, the support
from classmates and advisers from Bethel
made a dream come true -- a dream I encourage
anyone to achieve!
Setting up a landing zone
is one part of Petty’s job.
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