University of Maryland University College professor Betty Jo Mayeske received the 2008 Lasting Achievement Award from the National Fire Academy’s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Program. UMUC received an institutional 2008 Lasting Achievement Award for delivering its program to thousands of fire service personnel for almost 30 years. UMUC was one of seven institutions to receive the award.

Sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the program, now known as the Degrees at a Distance Program, was established to enable thousands of firefighters and officers to earn degrees through independent study, in conjunction with seven regional institutions.

Mayeske, who has taught at UMUC for more than 35 years, helped develop an upper-level set of courses in fire administration and prevention that led to the foundation of the FESHE bachelor’s curriculum. FESHE is a national program created to establish an organization of post-secondary institutions that would expand recognition of the fire and emergency services to reduce loss of life and property.

“Betty Jo Mayeske has made significant contributions to UMUC and the Fire Science Program for more than 35 years,” said Susan C. Aldridge, president of UMUC. “This award is truly deserved and a testament to Dr. Mayeske’s commitment and dedication to expanding the accessibility of higher education for students in the fire science field.”

UMUC’s fire science programs provide highly relevant, broad-based training for tomorrow’s fire science leaders. The fire science program curriculum encompasses all areas of fire and emergency services administration, fire prevention, emergency response and operations, disaster response and operations and hazardous materials management.