Becky Siceloff, C'06 & GC'10

By Shelby Longland, ‘13

Becky Siceloff, C’06 & GC’10, dreamed of returning to school to earn an advanced college degree. Finally, after a twenty-year stint working in the insurance industry, she decided it was time for a career change.

Siceloff, a volunteer first responder, found passion and inspiration in her emergency services experience, so she decided to pursue an education in this field. With encouragement from her daughter, Siceloff researched and enrolled in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies Bachelor of Applied Studies program in Emergency Services Management with minor in Homeland Defense.

Siceloff was impressed and inspired by the undergraduate program. Her classes forced her and her classmates to “approach challenging problems as critical thinkers.” Siceloff also recognized the effectiveness of the program’s professors and their focus on instilling “core values in their instructional techniques.” Specifically, she recalls that they inspired “integrity, teamwork, respect, empowerment and accountability.”

Among the most influential advice Siceloff received was from Dr. Bill Lowe, who told his class that “individuals should make a lifelong commitment to increase their knowledge and improve their skills through training or professional education.” Siceloff took this advice to heart and decided to continue with her education.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Siceloff decided to pursue a Master of Disaster Science degree at Richmond. The School’s Emergency Services Management program kindled and shaped Siceloff’s passion, and she resolved to dedicate her life’s work and career to the subject. Through the program, Siceloff was able to develop her interests into important knowledge and skills, which gave her the courage to continue learning and improving in pursuit of her dream job.

After leaving Richmond, Siceloff earned a doctorate in business administration with an emphasis in quality systems management. She now works in Washington, D.C., as a Section Chief in the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Preparedness Directorate. Her job is to provide expertise for national preparedness plans. She ensures that proper training and precautions have occurred in cases of emergency.

Using the academic foundation she laid at the University of Richmond, Siceloff is able to help the country prepare for and prevent disasters.

Although she now has her dream job, Siceloff admits that it is very difficult to make a midlife career switch. The inspiration and encouragement from everyone she encountered at Richmond made the transition easier. Just a few years ago, Siceloff was merely think about returning to school to earn an undergraduate degree. Nearly ten years later, she boasts three college degrees and a job vital to national security—all part of her lifelong commitment to continuing education that started at Richmond.