July 8, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted
After serving 20 years in the Army, Barton graduate Timothy Sifuentes was ready for the next chapter of his life, and Barton Community College at Grandview Plaza’s program helped him on his journey to complete OSHA certifications and an associate degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security.
While already employed as a safety professional, Sifuentes wanted to take his credentials and knowledge base to another level.
“I felt obligated to continue my studies, and my focus on a career in the safety field worked out well for me as Barton offers OSHA classes and an Emergency Management/Homeland Security degree,” he said.
The Fort Riley LSEC program was also a benefit to him as he was able to complete most general education classes for the degree at no cost.
“The Fort Riley community is supported by Barton’s excellent professors and fantastic timetable,” he said.
Sifuentes received his associate of applied science in Emergency Management/Homeland Security in December, and he credits Barton’s Grandview Plaza program, which offers select OSHA classes for active-duty soldiers, their dependents, veterans, and Department of Defense employees at no cost, with getting him certifications as well as mitigating elective credit hours for the EMHS degree.
While Barton’s location at Grandview Plaza is a satellite campus there is also a site on-base at Fort Riley. Sifuentes said the whole team of support staff on base and at Grandview Plaza was a great benefit to him.
“My advisor was one of the best academic advisors I have ever worked with, in my honest opinion,” he said.
Sifuentes has no plans of stopping. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security.
“I work in the safety industry currently, and I want to expand my experience, education, and skill set,” he said. “My ultimate objective is to pass my Certified Safety Professional exam and submit my application to the Board of CSPs.”
Sifuentes encourages others eligible to take advantage of Barton’s opportunities.
“For people who want to advance their careers and professional growth, Barton is a fantastic place to start,” he said.
Visit FR.bartonccc.edu or hmesti.bartonccc.edu/ for more information about Barton’s many programs and services to the public and soldiers at its Fort Riley and Grandview Plaza campuses.