National Park College (NPC) Health and Safety Program Manager Jessica Ellis recently
completed FEMA’s National Emergency Basics Academy (NEMBA), a program designed to
provide foundational education in emergency management knowledge, skills and abilities.
To apply for NEMBA, Ellis completed 12 online independent study courses for a total
of 50.5 hours of training. NEMBA participants then completed five separate classes
in Arkadelphia from January to May for a total of 120 hours of in-person classroom
time.
“The information I learned throughout this process will benefit the College immensely,”
Ellis said. “I have gained tremendous insight into the most efficient use of resources
to accomplish the most effective planning, mitigation and response initiatives for
our college community.”
With this training, Ellis will work with NPC stakeholders to prioritize campus security
as part of the college’s strategic plan and integrated budget planning.
“The application of these elements to our campus has already begun as I begin to revamp
our emergency operations plans and procedures to be more cohesive and appropriate
to our current environment and needs,” Ellis said. “I am very excited to integrate
what I’ve learned into initiatives that will make NPC even safer and more secure while
maintaining our welcoming and open culture.”
Ellis joined NPC in August 2020 and has spearheaded the college’s COVID-19 response—communicating
with affected students and staff members, incorporating local, state and federal protocols
and reporting campus COVID-19 numbers internally and externally. Ellis also coordinates
NPC’s emergency management measures, which includes risk assessment and emergency
preparedness.
“Jessie is an invaluable member of our Health and Safety team at National Park College,”
NPC Director of Physical Plant Maintenance Brad Hopper said. “Her completion of FEMA
NEMBA will ensure NPC’s Emergency Operations Plans mirror the most up-to-date national
planning, mitigation and response plans. The safety of our students, faculty and staff
is paramount to NPC. Knowing Jessie’s determination to provide a safe, prepared campus
is comforting to me, personally, and should be to anyone on our campus.”
