KWU Students intern for KEMA

Three Kansas Wesleyan University students attended the Kansas Emergency Management Conference (KEMA) in Manhattan, Kansas, from September 9-12. 

More on available internships KWU offers is on the KWU Student media: Column: Athletic Communications Intern.

Aiden Kendall is a senior Emergency Management major from Newton, Kansas. Merissa Bailey Rios, a junior Emergency Management major from Salina, Kansas. Reese Kimmi is a junior Criminal Justice and Sociology major from Salina, Kansas. All represented KWU at the conference.

2024 KEMA Awards

At the conference, the interns worked the registration table, providing attendees with their badges and banquet tickets. During the nightly social hours, they had ample opportunities to network with attendees and board members. In addition, interns also learned about upcoming job opportunities and internships that will be available in Summer 2025.

Students Perspective

• Reese Kimmi, a Criminal Justice and Sociology major, found the conference to be a valuable networking experience. “It was a great opportunity to connect with local officials in Kansas and discover potential resources as I complete my college education,” she said.

Kimmi plans to attend law school after graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University in Spring 2026.

• Senior Aiden Kendall attended the conference with the goal of finding job and internship opportunities in emergency management within Kansas.

As he prepares to graduate in the spring, the conference helped in envisioning his future career.  Aiden Kendall and Merissa Bailey Rios both had successful interactions with emergency management officials from Johnson County.

“Going to the conference strengthened my connections within the Emergency Management field. I got insight into the practical applications of being an Emergency Manager.” 

Above all, Kendall is considering a full-time job with the county, while Bailey plans to apply for their summer internship. After graduation, Kendall hopes to secure a position with an emergency management agency in Kansas.

• Merissa Bailey Rios plans to pursue a career in emergency management in the Kansas City metropolitan area after graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University in Spring 2026. After she intends to earn a graduate degree in Public Administration.

KWU interns with KEMA President Jillian Rodrigue

KWU Emergency Management

Kansas Wesleyan University is the only college in Kanas offering an Emergency Management major, available on campus, online, or as a hybrid program. Graduates of the program can find careers in federal or local emergency management, fire service, law enforcement, and public health.

Bernie Botson, Professor of Emergency Management AND Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Emergency Management at KWU, encourages students to attend conferences and internships to gain valuable experience in the field. He specifically recommends internships with Saline County Emergency Management and other nearby agencies.

KEMA

The Kansas Emergency Management Association (KEMA) is a statewide organization that brings together emergency managers from across the state.

The conference features a vendor day, allowing EM’s to explore available resources, and daily seminars on leadership, community building, and managing the stress and trauma associated with this challenging profession.

The KEMA conference provided Kansas Wesleyan University students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the field of emergency management. By attending the conference, students were able to connect with local officials, explore potential job and internship opportunities, and learn about the challenges and rewards of a career in emergency management. The experience has undoubtedly prepared these students for their future endeavors and solidified Kansas Wesleyan University’s reputation as a leader in emergency management education.