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Nation’s Only River Certificate Program Propels 17 Students into River Management, Science and Stewardship Careers

The River Management Society (RMS) has announced 17 recipients of the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC), a unique program which gives university students the foundation of knowledge and experience required to pursue river-related careers. Each recipient has completed interdisciplinary coursework and a field-based practicum in river-based science, policy, conservation, education and recreation.

RSLC students at the pre-Symposium student trip to Canyon Lake, Texas. Photo by James Vonesh.

“Having met several RSLC students, I am excited by their passion and drive to explore careers in river management,” said RMS President Judy Culver. “As many professionals who were inspired to work on rivers in the 1980s and 1990s retire, we appreciate our educational partners for introducing these highly qualified and energetic students to careers in service to rivers and river communities across the nation.”

Recipients include:

  • Colorado Mesa University: Dalton Robberson
  • Northeastern State University: Juliane Perry, Emma Mills, Viktoria Stallings and Keegan Stallings
  • Northern Arizona University: Caitlin Brogan, Christian Fauser, Adam Bringhurst and Gabriel Baca
  • Utah State University: Kevin Chaves
  • Virginia Commonwealth University: Pat Reilly, Edward Lukas, Megan Black, Caleb Rivera, Toolen Meyer, Grace Lumsden-Cook and Rose Brown

A benefit of the program, RMS covered students’ expenses for the recent national River Management Symposium, where they presented their work and networked with industry leaders and hiring managers.

“I became comfortable venturing into the outdoors through the certificate program and fell in love with recreational paddling and freshwater conservation,” said certificate recipient Megan Black. “Attending the Symposium allowed me to meet student peers from other schools’ RSLC programs, engage professionals in the field I plan to work in, and learn even more about river conservation and access. I have never felt more excited, inspired or confident about my career aspirations.”

Many 2023 RSLC graduates have already begun river-based careers in positions such as fisheries technician, river ranger and microbiology researcher.

The River Management Society established the River Studies and Leadership Certificate in 2018 to underscore the multi-disciplinary nature of wise, holistic river management for students interested in river-related careers. For more information, contact Bekah Price at bekah(at)river-management.org.

Published June 19, 2023

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