The Davey Tree Expert Company and Kent State University at Trumbull are jointly offering a program that will allow Davey employees to earn an Associate of Technical Study in Environment Management degree through a combination of Davey in-house training and academic coursework.

Davey employees will benefit from the
new program.

The Davey Tree Expert Company, (www.davey.com), with U.S. and Canadian operations in 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree services, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey is employee-owned and has more than 7,000 employees.

R.J. Laverne, Davey's manager of education and training, calls the program an opportunity for Davey employees to further their professional development utilizing the resources of Davey's training as a foundation. "We have a strong history of employee education at Davey, and this is the next step," he says. "This program will allow employees to earn credentials from the university by building on their work-related training."

"This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to get up to 30 college credits for the professional development they receive in the Davey Tree apprenticeship program," says Dr. Wanda Thomas, dean for Kent State Trumbull. "These credits can be applied toward the associate degree emphasizing coursework in management and supervision. The associate degree credits can then be applied to a bachelor's degree. It is an outstanding example of a partnership between business and the university that addresses the ongoing professional development skills that employees need in the 21st century."

The Kent State Trumbull portion of the program requires the completion of 32 credits earned in a mix of general studies and management-based courses. The additional 30 credits required can be earned by completing Davey training such as extension lessons or attendance at the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences. The Davey certificate is earned in conjunction with an apprenticeship program.

Employees with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for the program, portions of which are available online. Davey employees interested in learning more may contact Sarah Helmick, assistant director, Enrollment Management and Student Services at Kent State Trumbull at 330-675-8961.

By Robb King