NATCHITOCHES – Fifteen years ago Mitch Trahan made a commitment to earn a bachelor’s degree. On Thursday, he will fulfill that commitment when he receives a degree in unified public safety administration from Northwestern State University.
Trahan, who is from New Iberia, has had a successful career with Acadian Ambulance, the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office and for the past nine years at Total Safety. But he knew a bachelor’s degree could help him in many ways.
“I decided to earn a bachelor’s degree to expand my leadership abilities, strengthen my knowledge base and create more opportunities to make a greater impact, both professionally and personally,” said Trahan. “Working in emergency services, safety and operational leadership showed me that field experience is critical but combining it with formal education provides a stronger foundation for strategic decision-making, organizational leadership and long-term growth.”
Due to work, family commitments and other obligations, Trahan was only able to take one or two classes a semester, so he knew earning a degree would be time consuming and demand sacrifices.”
“When I started, I knew it would be challenging, but I do not think I fully realized everything I would be up against,” said Trahan. “Balancing a demanding career, leadership responsibilities, family life and school required a level of discipline, time management and sacrifice that was greater than I expected. However, those challenges helped me grow personally and professionally, making this goal even more meaningful.”
Trahan said earning the degree was important to him personally because it demonstrated perseverance and the value of lifelong learning.
“Balancing education with demanding professional responsibilities reinforced discipline, resilience and the importance of setting an example for my children, my employees and others pursuing their own goals,” said Trahan.
Trahan admits he sometimes wanted to give up on his goal.
“There were times I wanted to give up, especially while balancing work, leadership responsibilities, personal commitments and school,” he said. “However, the support and encouragement from my wife inspired me to keep pushing forward and not wanting my kids to see me give up motivated me to stay focused on my goals. Those challenges ultimately strengthened my discipline, resilience and determination to finish what I started.”
Trahan is director of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Training (EHST) for Total Safety. HIs responsibilities include supporting operational growth, developing safety and emergency response programs, overseeing training initiatives and helping drive business development and strategic planning across multiple service lines, including medical, safety, training, fire brigade, technical rescue, industrial hygiene and industrial emergency response services.
“Many of the concepts I learned in class have helped me professionally, especially in leadership, communication, organizational management and strategic planning,” said Trahan. “I’ve been able to apply what I learned to improve operations, support team development and make more informed decisions in high-pressure environments.”
Trahan thinks Thursday’s ceremonies will be “a very rewarding and humbling moment.”
“It represents years of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and personal growth while balancing career and life responsibilities,” said Trahan. “Holding my diploma will be a reminder that dedication and determination can turn long-term goals into accomplishments.”
Trahan will receive his diploma in ceremonies which begin at 10 a.m. in Prather Coliseum and will include graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College. Graduates from the College of Business and Technology, the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development and the College of Nursing and Allied Health will receive their diplomas on Wednesday.
Ceremonies can be viewed online at nsula.edu.