UCCS alum Christian Jacobs’ path from soldier to respected fire service leader and educator began long before he arrived at the university. He joined the Army immediately after high school, and in 1993 his military assignments brought him to Fort Carson, where he would build a career and eventually embark on the academic journey that became central to his development.
“At the time, UCCS had just merged with the Beth-El College of Nursing,” he said. “I was headed for paramedic school but wanted the accompanying degree. UCCS was the only place that I was aware of that did that, at the time.”
In 1998, Christian enrolled at UCCS in what he describes as “the brave step” into higher education. He completed a BS in Health Care Services in 2002 and an MA in Public Administration in 2009.
“I did my entire time at UCCS on VA Vocational Rehabilitation, similar to the GI Bill, and student loans, which I paid off using the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program,” Christian said.
Christian’s academic experience was shaped by a small but influential circle of professors and mentors. He remembers several instructors vividly including Fred Coolidge, Ph.D., the Psychology Department chair who taught his first-year psychology course; Jon Pigage, Ph.D., in anatomy and physiology; and paramedic instructor Scott Bourn. The mentor who left the most enduring mark, however, was Don Klingner, Ph.D. Their friendship continues today.
“Dr. Klingner challenged me in ways and in directions that I didn’t fully understand at the time but enabled me to grow as both a person and as a professional,” he said.
Zug Standing Bear, Ph.D., and Virginia (Red Hawk) Lynch also contributed meaningful guidance throughout Christian’s UCCS studies.
While completing his degrees, Christian was also deeply involved in the fire service. His teaching career began around that time, too. He started part time at Pikes Peak Community College in 2004, balancing instruction with his work at the USAFA Fire Department.
Though education was not his field of study, Christian considers his UCCS experience foundational to his development as an instructor.
“As much as I learned about the many subjects at UCCS, I also learned how to teach…Scott Bourn and Dr. Klingner were instrumental in teaching me how to teach even though that was not their intent at the time,” he explained.
His career spanned nearly three decades with the Department of Defense, culminating in a role as Assistant Fire Chief. Along the way, he earned the Chief Ray Picard Award, achieved credentialing as a Chief Fire Officer, and received multiple commendations recognizing both leadership and technical expertise. Christian’s devotion to public service also included roles in fire inspection and prevention, where responsibilities ranged from public fire education to code compliance and managing accreditation and prevention programs. These roles underscore his belief that “every firefighter is a teacher by nature,” a philosophy that would later guide his full-time shift into education.
After retiring from the Department of Defense in 2023, Christian transitioned to teaching fire science full time at Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Career Academy. There, he leads a program designed to expose high school students to firefighting and EMS pathways, building certifications and practical skills that mirror the same hands‑on, mentorship‑driven instruction that shaped his own career.
Away from the classroom and fireground, Christian’s life is anchored by family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they share seven children and three grandchildren. He finds joy in woodworking, helping in the family garden and caring for their six rescue cats and three chickens, quiet reminders of his steady, service‑oriented nature.
Looking back on his UCCS years, Christian describes them as transformative not only for the knowledge he gained but for the mentors who shaped the way he now teaches. His advice to today’s UCCS students remains straightforward and encouraging.
“Your degree path is a long road; a marathon, not a sprint,” Christian said. “Consistency and persistence will get you across the stage.”