HAMMOND — A Southeastern Louisiana University junior majoring in occupational safety, health and environment has been awarded a national scholarship from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Mallory Picard of Baton Rouge received the $5,000 award based upon her cumulative grade point average, a submitted essay on why she entered the program, and her commitment to obtaining professional certification upon her graduation.
“Being selected as one of the recipients for this scholarship has truly been an honor,” Picard said. “The financial support and affirmation this award have given me is something for which I am extremely grateful.”
Picard worked at a local hospital in the emergency room, followed by an outpatient physical therapy clinic for a little over a year.
“Throughout my experience in health care, I worked with numerous patients who suffered from varying degrees of work related injuries – some life altering,” she explained. “Seeing first-hand what these workers endured after an accident, I knew that I wanted to be a part of safety. Taking care of people is what I thrive on, and pursuing a career in health and safety allows me to do just that. It is a job that is simply dedicated to making sure that we all return home safe to our families.”
After graduation, Picard plans to eventually become a certified safety professional.
The Southeastern OSH&E program was recently ranked among the top 20 best values in OSHE programs in the country by the website collegevaluesonline.com. 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 website valuecolleges.com also ranked the program among the top 25 in the country in best value occupational safety and health degrees. The ranking is based on reputation, based on “U.S. News & World Report;” return on investment, based on payscale data; and cost, based on online tuition as reported to IPEDS.
The OSH&E program is nationally accredited by the Applied and Natural 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 who reported a significant need for safety, health and environmental professionals. The program prepares students for a variety of positions, including roles of environmental safety and health specialists and safety supervisors.