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Why did you choose the School of Continuing Studies to earn your degree?
I chose Tulane because of its excellent reputation and because it is in New Orleans, where I live with my family.
In addition, my wife and many members of her family have earned degrees from Tulane. When I decided to return to college
following a 20-year hiatus, I considered continuing with my original major—Latin American Studies. Since this program
was not offered through SCS, I opted for the Homeland Security Program (HMLS). Given my prior military experience and longtime
interest in matters of national intelligence, the program is a great fit for my background and interests.
What made you settle on Homeland Security as a major?
I had an initial discussion with Captain Keith Amacker. By telling me about the tremendous potential
career opportunities that could follow graduation from the program, Captain Amacker convinced me that
this was the right path for me.
What is your occupational/career goal after you earn the degree?
Upon completion of the HMLS degree, I am considering pursuing a master's degree in Latin American Studies
at Tulane's Stone Center for Latin American Studies. In the master's program, I would focus on security issues
confronting Latin American countries and how these issues affect United States security.
What particularly stands out in your memory about your experience at SCS
What stands out most is having to learn “the system,” meaning I had to learn how to choose courses
in the manner most efficient to earning my degree.
How would you describe your interactions and communications with your teachers and advisors?
I have had a fabulous educational experience at SCS. I have gotten to know instructors who in their “real lives”
are practitioners of their respective trades. They know the course subject matter intimately, because they live it
in their daily lives.
The program is innovative and progressive: How do you feel it has helped
you shape your career plans?
I am fortunate to have been granted the very first “internship” from the HMLS program to the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS.) Following a six-month internship with DHS, I accepted a paid position
as Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security, Colonel Terry J. Ebbert. I believe that this
real-world work experience in the field of Homeland Security will be very beneficial to my future career plans.
Homeland Security is a relatively new discipline: Do you anticipate more colleges
and universities will offer degrees in this discipline?
I believe that we are in the “One Hundred-Year War” of our generation. It is critically important
that this nation develop more professionals in the area of Homeland Security. As evidence that our higher
educational system recognizes this need, universities across the nation are developing HMLS programs.
What separates Tulane from some other programs are its affiliations with institutions such as the Naval
Post Graduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, its ability to draw on nationally recognized security
and intelligence individuals and the deep contacts that course instructors have within the federal, state,
and local governments. I believe that Tulane’s rapidly growing HMLS program will grow into a major
national player in the field of Homeland Security.
What else would you like prospective Homeland Security majors to know about this program?
I think it imperative that all students of HMLS, know that with earning this degree, they will gain a great deal of hands-on practical
experience which will help to develop their skills and marketability. At the close of each semester, hiring personnel is on campus
searching for the right fit for their agency or company. There are many jobs to be had. If a student wants to explore
the “sexier” side of Homeland Security, it is important to learn a foreign language, which increases one's marketability.
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