Safety instructor wins state honor

Over the past eight years, Pat Flynn’s efforts to encourage utility workers to earn their degrees have helped nearly 100 Southeast Kansas students earn more education than they probably ever thought they would.

Because of that work, Flynn, a safety instructor in Pittsburg State University’s College of Technology, has been awarded a statewide honor.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently presented Flynn with the James L. Current Award at its annual Operator Training Conference at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The award, which honors the life and work of James Current, the first training officer of the KDHE, recognizes leaders who have provided or promoted education to those who work for Kansas utilities such as water, wastewater, and electric companies.

Flynn has been an integral part of the effort to get students enrolled in the two-year applied science in environmental technologies program at Fort Scott Community College. The program prepares students to finish their bachelor’s degrees in technology management at PSU. So far, about 70 students have completed their degrees at FCSS, and several are enrolled to complete their four-year degrees. Flynn says the program helps these workers primarily improve their supervisory skills.

Once a student of Current’s, Flynn said their friendship has made the award all the more special.

“He was around back in the days when there was zero education for a utilities profession, and I learned from him and got to know the quality of individual he was,” he said. “To be associated with his name, I couldn’t be any prouder.”

Photo: Pat Flynn accepts his award alongside his wife Gloria, an instructor in Special Services and Leadership Studies.

---Pitt State---