Finding the Fit: A Fire Captain's Journey to the Master of Public Safety Program
For Captain Ryan Hutchison, who works with the Charlotte Fire Department, pursuing an advanced degree wasn’t always a long-term goal. "As a late bloomer in high school, I never saw myself pursuing a graduate degree," he admitted. Yet ambition took root and lead him to explore various options nationwide. His quest eventually brought him to familiar ground: Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.
Captain Hutchison grew up in Charlottesville while his parents worked at the University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, but he'd never envisioned returning as a student. With a smile, he said, "I never imagined I would have the honor of studying at such a prestigious institution." But an ad for the Master of Public Safety program caught his eye.
Still, even after an informational session, Captain Hutchison still had questions, particularly given his fire service background. Hutchison recalled asking, "Are there many people who are not affiliated with law enforcement?" Learning the instructors and cohort were predominantly from police backgrounds could have been a barrier, but Hutchison recognized an opportunity. "I realized that it would probably be beneficial to gain an outside perspective from my normal world."
Embracing Diverse Perspectives and Real-World Application
The curriculum’s focus wasn’t just tactics, but "public safety holistically, and that's where it just all kind of clicked. I was like, 'Yeah, this is for me.'" Captain Hutchison valued learning from experienced "pracademics"—instructors who connected theory to extensive practical applications.
"You can't put a price tag on that,” he noted. “That's invaluable." Equally important was the virtual classroom experience: Captain Hutchison was surrounded by peers from varied public safety roles nationwide, all of whom shared unique viewpoints.
However, it was the degree’s real-world relevance that proved especially striking. When Hurricane Helene ravaged western North Carolina, Captain Hutchison relied on his recent studies in an emergency preparedness class. "The learning outcomes and objectives of the MPS program have provided me with applicable knowledge that I lean on daily,” he said, “but the department and ultimately the citizens we serve will reap the benefits of what it has been provided to me." This knowledge empowered him to contribute more effectively as a professional public safety leader.
Balancing Act: Investment, Confidence, and Future Growth
Now a member of the 2025 graduating class, Captain Hutchison added, "I've thoroughly enjoyed it, because it has provided me with perspectives from professionals outside of the fire service where much of my education and development has come. It's been good for me." For Hutchison and so many others, the Master of Public Safety program offered a path to enhanced leadership that enriches professional development for everyone involved.
Hutchison called the degree a crucial investment. His advice to anyone on the fence about such an opportunity? “Anytime that you have the opportunity to invest in yourself, take it."