Jessica Jensen, associate professor and department head of emergency management, was honored with the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education. She was presented the award June 5 at the FEMA Higher Education Symposium in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The award is named in honor of the person who is responsible for the growth and expansion of emergency management higher education in the United States as leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Education Program. It is the longest standing, most prestigious award in emergency management higher education. 

Jensen was recognized for her innovative efforts to build the program at NDSU, her collaboration with various partners in practice settings and her leadership in emergency management higher education nationally.

“Any efforts I have undertaken to build the field through our program here at NDSU, regionally and nationally and any success I have enjoyed are due to my many teachers and collaborators in academia and practice,” Jensen said. “I am humbled by receipt of this award and will forever endeavor to earn it.”

Jensen joined the NDSU faculty in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree at California State University-Northridge and her master’s degree and doctorate in emergency management from NDSU.

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