Michael White became the first graduate of Lee University’s online Emergency Management program, earning a Bachelor of Science during the university’s summer commencement ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The Lee Online Emergency Management program, established in 2024, equips students with knowledge and skills in risk assessment, disaster response coordination, emergency planning, and community resilience.

A maintenance technician and plumber in Lee University’s Physical Plant, White completed the degree while working full time and raising his son.

Before beginning his studies at Lee, White earned his GED and completed an associate degree in liberal arts and general studies through the University of Maryland Global Campus while serving in the U.S. Army. During his nine years of military service, White served two deployments to Afghanistan as a CH-47 helicopter mechanic.

“My military background and my interest in helping people during emergencies inspired me to pursue emergency management through Lee Online,” said White. “I wanted a degree that would allow me to make a difference by helping organizations prepare before emergencies happen instead of just reacting after they occur. The program fit my goals and gave me the knowledge and skills to do that.”

The Emergency Management program provides students with an interdisciplinary education in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. Through coursework in areas such as disaster response, logistics, emergency planning, and team leadership, students develop the skills needed to serve communities locally, nationally, and globally.

“Michael has been an excellent representative of what we hope to develop in every emergency management student,” said Dr. Jake Fast, director of the Emergency Management program. “His determination and perseverance have been evident throughout his time in the program, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him.”

Fast said White’s achievement represents an important step in the continued growth of Lee Online’s Emergency Management program.

“It’s rewarding to see the vision we’ve worked toward become a reality,” said Fast. “This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting impact as we prepare professionals to serve their communities with knowledge, compassion, and integrity.”

For White, becoming the program’s first graduate carries special significance.

“I dropped out of high school and never had the opportunity to walk across a graduation stage,” said White. “Walking across the Conn Center stage as the first graduate of this program made the moment even more meaningful.”

White plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Lee while seeking opportunities in emergency management, where he hopes to help organizations strengthen preparedness, develop emergency action plans, and protect communities before disasters occur.

“Everything I do is to set an example for my son,” White said. “I want him to see that no matter where you start in life, hard work, determination, and perseverance can help you reach your goals. He is my biggest motivation, and every accomplishment I achieve is as much for him as it is for me.”

To learn more about Lee Online and the Emergency Management program, visit leeuniversity.edu/online/undergraduate.