After nearly two decades of working in coal mines, Joshua Vereen knows the meaning of hard work. As an online student at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), he’s turning that experience into leadership, helping shape safer workplaces for the next generation of miners. 

“The coal mining industry has long been a part of Appalachia’s economy, and through our flexible degree programs, we’re empowering professionals to lead safer operations, strengthen communities and make a lasting impact,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “EKU’s Occupational Safety and Health program reflects our deep commitment to protecting and supporting the region’s workforce.”

Vereen currently works in West Virginia as a safety representative and mine rescue team member for Alpha Metallurgical Resources. He’s responsible for ensuring compliance with Mine Safety and Health Administration and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations to maintain a safe and productive mining environment. He conducts safety inspections, leads training sessions and assists with accident investigations.

When considering his education, Vereen wanted a university that combined strong academic standards with real-world application. EKU’s Occupational Safety and Health program offered him just that, keeping him involved through engaging course discussions, safety-related projects and networking with classmates and professors. He gets to share his real-world experience with his classmates while hearing their stories and learning from them. 

“After seeing firsthand how vital safety leadership is in the mining industry, I knew this major was the right path to help me make a bigger impact protecting workers and improving safety culture,” said Vereen.

EKU’s online program allows him to balance his full-time job, coursework and raising his son. 

“I want to set an example for my son, showing him that through hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your goals no matter the challenges,” said Vereen, a single father. 

With professors and staff as his biggest supporters, they connect online learning with safety and mine rescue operations, keeping him motivated and engaged. Courses like safety ethics and industrial hygiene provide him with a deeper understanding of safety systems, equipping him for his current and future roles in the industry. 

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he plans to advance into a safety director or corporate safety manager position. He is also working toward becoming a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), which provides expertise in identifying and evaluating hazards, investigating incidents and developing emergency response plans. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the demand for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians to grow by 12% through 2034 and reported $78,900 as the median pay in 2024. EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety, offered online or on campus, sets the foundation for a career in safety leadership. 

By Christina Rannells