Preparing Professionals to Lead During Real-World Emergencies: Kimian Henry’s Story

For Kimian Henry, Emergency and Disaster Management is more than a degree program at Monroe and the lessons learned in the classroom  are more than just theoretical. With nearly two decades of service as a law enforcement officer in Saint Lucia, that's his reality.

As a police officer, Kimian’s duty is to uphold the law, but also to maintain order in high-pressure situations -- including natural disasters. Given the frequency of hurricanes and flooding across the Caribbean region, Kimian was excited when Monroe offered this new degree program, readily understanding how expanding his expertise in the field would be beneficial for his career and the people he serves.

“Police officers do assist during hurricanes and disasters, so I believe it was only natural that I gravitated towards the program,” he said.

Growing up near a police station, Kimian saw the law enforcement officers and admired their work from a young age. Coupled with his desire to make a positive change in the world, his career trajectory was mapped out for him early on.

“I have a love and passion for helping people,” Kimian said. “That’s why I decided to become a police officer and why I wanted to study Emergency and Disaster Management.”

Today, Kimian serves as a sergeant-in-charge of the prime minister’s detail, a role that demands constant vigilance, preparation, and sound judgment. The work requires the meticulousness and alertness that only years of experience can produce.

Kimian began the Emergency and Disaster Management program at Monroe University’s St. Lucia campus in January 2024 and was able to transfer credits from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force initial training. The government scholarship initiative in St. Lucia helps fund his education, and he continues to work while pursuing his degree.

“I love the program. The content, the way it’s presented, the professors,” he said. “They make it easier to understand, and I’d say the content is outlined clearly.”

Balancing his career, coursework, and family life is sometimes a struggle, but Kimian credits Monroe faculty and staff for always being supportive.

“They’ve assisted me tremendously. Their encouragement keeps me going,” he said. “Because it’s very difficult to balance my job and school."

Still, Kimian plans to continue his education after he earns his degree. Next, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in sustainable development and transition out of traditional law enforcement to work within St. Lucia’s national emergency management framework.

Monroe's Emergency and Disaster Management program welcomed its first students in the winter semester of 2025. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters at local, national, and global levels. The program emphasizes leadership, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills; the interconnected phases of emergency management; coordination with government agencies and stakeholders; and culturally responsive approaches that support vulnerable populations. Students also complete FEMA certifications, gaining practical credentials and hands-on knowledge needed to protect lives, reduce damage, and strengthen community resilience.

What began as a career in law enforcement for Henry is evolving into a lifelong commitment to protecting lives -- before, during, and after disaster strikes. We are proud and happy to have helped him in that journey!