By Javier Chagoya

National Preparedness Directorate Assistant Administrator Kathleen McDonald Fox with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stands outside a Center for Homeland Defense Security (CHDS) classroom in Watkins Hall, July 20. Fox, along with FEMA Deputy Administrator Timothy Manning, are checking the pulse of the CHDS program during a campus visit.

"[This] preeminent academic program reaches leaders and first responders from every region and community in the country," said Fox. "The critical thinking skills you get out of the CHDS master's program are significant."

Manning also sat down with CHDS students to discuss the current homeland security landscape and how their work at NPS will make them better homeland security professionals.

"It's extremely important to me in my role and capacity to engage with the students and tell them why they are here. I impress upon them that we are creating the future of the homeland security profession," said Manning.

The CHDS Master's Program has been educating security professionals since 2003. Students spend two weeks per quarter at the NPS campus while completing the 18-month-long distance learning program.

CHDS partners with FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate to develop the strategies, policies and organizational elements needed to respond to future emergency preparedness needs.