College News

Barton at Grandview Plaza student discovers new passion after military career

man standing by helicopter
Courtesy photo submitted.

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 91快活林 at Grandview Plaza鈥檚 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.听

鈥淚 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,鈥 he said.听

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.

鈥淭he Fort Riley community is supported by Barton鈥檚 excellent professors and fantastic timetable,鈥 he said.

Sifuentes received his associate of applied science in Emergency Management/Homeland Security in December, and he credits Barton鈥檚 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鈥檚 location at Grandview Plaza is a satellite campus there is also a site on-base at Fort Riley. 听Sifuentes said the whole team of support staff on base and at Grandview Plaza was a great benefit to him.

鈥淢y advisor was one of the best academic advisors I have ever worked with, in my honest opinion,鈥 he said.

Sifuentes has no plans of stopping. He is currently working on his bachelor鈥檚 degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security.

鈥淚 work in the safety industry currently, and I want to expand my experience, education, and skill set,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y ultimate objective is to pass my Certified Safety Professional exam and submit my application to the Board of CSPs.鈥

Sifuentes encourages others eligible to take advantage of Barton鈥檚 opportunities.

鈥淔or people who want to advance their careers and professional growth, Barton is a fantastic place to start,鈥 he said.

Visit 听听or听 for more information about Barton鈥檚 many programs and services to the public and soldiers at its Fort Riley and Grandview Plaza campuses.