Southeastern student earns national OSH&E scholarship
Thursday, March 30, 2017 
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND - A Southeastern Louisiana University senior majoring in occupational safety,
health and environment has been awarded a national scholarship from the Board of Certified
Safety Professionals.
Richard B. Barnard of Mandeville received the $5,000 award based upon his cumulative
grade point average, a submitted essay on why he entered the program, and his commitment
to obtaining professional certification upon his graduation.
Barnard, who will graduate this spring, plans to pursue a career in the field
and eventually obtain his certified safety professional designation.
“Many things attracted me to the safety field,” he said, “but my experience working
in the inland towboat industry as a deckhand and later a tanker-man exposed me to
the realities of the necessity for safety in the workplace.”
The Southeastern OSH&E program last year was ranked 19th in the nation by the
website collegevaluesonline.com, and was the only institution in Louisiana to be recognized.
The ranking is based on quality of academics; value, which includes tuition affordability
and financial aid; and the calculated average return on investment data, a guide to
the success of students graduating from the program.
The program is nationally accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission
of ABET, Inc. The program grew from a two-year associate’s degree program to a four-year
bachelor of science program following considerable input from managers at area industries
that reported a significant need for safety, health and environmental professionals.
The program prepares students for a variety of positions, including roles of safety
engineers and safety supervisors.
