Rob Goodwin: Lifelong Learner

By Mike McKibbin

As the deputy fire chief for the Carbondale Fire District, Rob Goodwin taught emergency medical technician classes for many years and estimated having completed between 20-25 classes “at least” over the last three decades as a non-traditional student.

“As you might guess, I love CMC,” he said. “It’s such a great and valuable resource to have in our communities to have the ability to expand your knowledge base; it’s affordable, they have online courses, traditional and hybrid classes. And it’s easy to do, if you’re willing to do the work.”

He started taking classes “in earnest” in January 2015 to finish his associate degree in fire science. Since the spring semester 2016, Goodwin took between 9 to 14 credits – “mostly hybrid courses” – and earned his degree. Now, Goodwin is working on a bachelors degree in public administration, which he hopes helps him continue to progress in his career as a firefighter and EMT.

“I’ve always believed in being a lifelong learner,” Goodwin said. “And it also helps me develop personally as well as professionally.” Along with fire science and his bachelor’s degree classes at CMC, Goodwin has completed aviation ground school and earned his real estate brokers license, both through CMC. Goodwin called CMC “truly dedicated to helping people expand their horizons.”

Along with new knowledge and skills, Goodwin said he relearned new ways to do things he has done as a firefighter and EMT for years.
“For me, taking that load of classes each semester was not easy,” he added. “When you have a career and family, it’s a lot of work. But the instructors are all top notch and they helped me a lot, especially as an adult learner.”