Laura Shapland plans for the worst everyday – and loves it. Shapland is an analyst for VectorCommand, a company providing emergency management training simulations. She's also a graduate of American Military University's (AMU) Emergency and Disaster Management program. 

At VectorCommand, Shapland develops disaster scenarios for the private and public sectors. For example, she may develop a scenario detailing potential disasters for a particular area or the impact of a large-scale evacuation for a specific city. Her simulated story lines are used to train fire fighters, EMTs, and local, county and state employees to better plan for and respond to emergency situations.

“The knowledge I’ve gained from AMU has helped me in all aspects of my job, from researching to logistics, from politics to finances,” says Shapland. “I know first hand that having knowledgeable leaders and planners is imperative to pre-disaster planning and post disaster response.”

And Shapland wanted to learn from those who had just that kind of knowledge. For example, AMU professor Chris Reynolds is a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and a battalion fire chief. He has more than 26 years experience in fire rescue services. “Professor Reynolds has been a great resource for me both academically and professionally,” says Shapland, who has taken a number of Reynolds’ courses. “He brings what he sees in the field right into the classroom.”

Other AMU “real-world” professors include weapons of mass destruction specialists, emergency planners, mental health professionals and more. 

AMU’s online program provided the flexibility Shapland needed. Her husband is in the U.S. Air Force, and they have moved nine times in six years.  Distance learning was the best choice for Shapland. “Studying online requires dedication and self-motivation – exactly the skills I need in my career,” she says. “I know AMU is providing me with the expertise I need to be successful.”