Nation's response to pandemic led grad to seek emergency management career

'I would like to work ... to better prepare, plan and defend our nation's assets and resources in emergency situations'


November 30, 2021

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2021 graduates.

As COVID-19 first began its assault on the nation’s health in early 2020, Rachel Henderson observed how those in charge dealt with the oncoming pandemic. Rachel Henderson, Interdisciplinary Programs, fall 2021, outstanding graduate Rachel Henderson, fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate, Interdisciplinary Programs, and her daughter Leia. Download Full Image

“I watched many in leadership positions struggle as to what actions and decisions would be best for the health and safety of our nation as it faced an emergency pandemic,” said Henderson, who is receiving a Master of Arts degree in emergency management and homeland security. She is the fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate in Interdisciplinary Programs in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

“I knew it was my duty to be better prepared and educated when faced with an unknown enemy for my military career. So I researched and found ASU’s emergency management and homeland security degree program that fit best,” said Henderson, a captain in the United States Army military police stationed in Glendale, Arizona.

Arizona State University’s emergency management and homeland security program offers a degree with an excellent reputation, she said. Henderson was able to complete the degree online while working full time and becoming a new mom. She and her husband, Maurice, have a 6-month-old daughter, Leia.

Henderson also earned a bachelor’s degree in law and society from Purdue University and a master’s degree in sociology from Auburn University.

During her time as an ASU student, Henderson said she was surprised to learn how many ways existed to build a resilient community beyond only following a provided guide or checklist.

“Through our group discussion boards and open debate forums, I learned plenty more from others’ experiences than I did from an assigned textbook,” said Henderson, whose hometown of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, is in the Philadelphia area.

Henderson said she plans to remain on active duty in the Army, where she has served 10 years, and use the knowledge from her degree program to enrich her critical decision-making choices.

“Following my military career, I would like to work with another role in the federal government that works to better prepare, plan and defend our nation’s assets and resources in emergency situations,” she said.  

Henderson advised those still in school to do their best to understand opposing viewpoints. “If you keep an open mind on topics that revolve around change, you can build upon ideas, and also help others around you do the same.”

Read on for more of what Henderson learned while pursuing her ASU degree:

Question: Which professor(s) taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

Answer: Professor Malcolm Goggin had the most interactive courses. His material, readings, assignments and discussion boards broadened my and classmates’ ideas and viewpoints. I thoroughly enjoyed his teaching.

Q: What was your favorite spot to study, meet friends or to just think about life?

A: My best place to study for exams and chapter-long readings was by my pool. I was fortunate enough to be feet away from air conditioning when it would get too hot, but the vitamin D from the Arizona sunshine gave me all the energy to enjoy learning while reading.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would tackle our nation’s health crisis. During the unknown days of the pandemic, people were waiting for the professionals on the news to tell them what and how to treat their own bodies to avoid the coronavirus. If average citizens were to listen and follow that same way on how to eat healthy, exercise regularly and care for our bodies, we would have a lot less of a high-risk population when the next pandemic hits. A serious push, through funding and information sharing, to recommend healthy lifestyles, would definitely be how I’d spend my $40 million.

Mark J. Scarp

Media Relations Officer, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

602-496-0001

A former hotel employee, grad changed major to tourism after browsing ASU website

'True story ... I love to travel, and my first job was as a pool attendant at the Wigwam Resort'


November 30, 2021

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2021 graduates.

Dana Rowitz spent her first semester at Arizona State University realizing that the field she initially chose wasn’t for her. But she didn’t have to go far to find her true calling. Dana Rowitz, School of Community Resources and Development, fall 2021, outstanding graduate Dana Rowitz, fall 2021 outstanding graduate, School of Community Resources and Development. Submitted photo Download Full Image

The then-elementary and special education major was browsing the university website one day — and there it was.

“True story,” Rowitz said. “I came across the tourism program. I love to travel, and my first job was as a pool attendant at the Wigwam Resort (in Litchfield Park, Arizona), so I decided to go for it.”

Rowitz, the fall 2021 Outstanding Graduate from the School of Community Resources and Development, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in tourism development and management with a focus in resort and hotel leadership.

The Surprise, Arizona, resident also earned certificates in special events management and in convention sales and meeting planning.

Rowitz said her decision to attend ASU didn’t involve vast amounts of research or tough decision-making. It simply was the only school she ever wanted to attend and the only one to which she applied.

“Choosing to go to ASU, at the time, didn’t seem like a huge deal. But what I didn’t know is that coming to ASU would change my life and open over a thousand doors for me,” Rowitz said. “I stayed at ASU for the duration of my undergraduate career because of the opportunities I had, the people I met and the positive atmosphere ASU has created. 

Rowitz said she experienced “an incredible amount of personal growth while at ASU."

"I held various leadership positions in my sorority, volunteered with Best Buddies Arizona, was a member of the Tourism Student Association and had a couple of part-time jobs,” she said.

As she looked back to that first semester, Rowitz said each experience since contributed to the growth of her perspectives, particularly about meeting others.

“I think the biggest thing I took from being at ASU is that everyone’s story is different and unique,” she said. “You can never judge a book by its cover.”

Read on to learn more about Rowitz’s ASU experience.

Question: Which professor(s) taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

Answer: The School of Community Resources and Development has some of the best faculty, but I want to highlight Claire McWilliams and Erin Schneiderman. Claire McWilliams was the first professor I met in my degree program and the reason I fell in love with the industry all over again. I will never forget my first day in TDM 205.

I cannot say thank you enough to these women for always believing in me and inspiring me to be the best version of myself every day. They have not only created engaging learning in the classroom, but have brought learning and professional development experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Get involved! I cannot stress enough the importance of putting yourself out there and making the best of your college experience. One of the best parts about college is being able to meet so many different types of people, and getting to experience things you might not have been able to before. My college experience would not have been the same without the organizations, volunteer opportunities, jobs or people I met these past three-and-a-half years.

Q: What was your favorite spot to study, meet friends or to just think about life?

A: The different study lounges and common areas of my dorm/apartments over the years. I met some of my closest friends through student living and have made some of the best memories in these settings.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I will be moving to New York City to attend New York University for graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in global hospitality management.    

The School of Community Resources and Development is part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Mark J. Scarp

Media Relations Officer, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

602-496-0001