Leadership Studies Alumni Spotlight: Zachary Humber

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Leadership Studies Alumni Spotlight: Zachary Humber
Role: Fire Captain, Training Division, City of Montebello
Year Graduated: 2024

Why did you choose Cal Poly Humboldt for your degree?

I chose Cal Poly Humboldt because it offered a unique leadership-focused bachelor’s degree that aligned directly with my career in the fire service. It was the only program recognized and partnered with the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, which reinforced its credibility and relevance to my profession.

The curriculum fit perfectly with my goals and responsibilities as a fire captain, providing education that I could immediately apply in real-world situations. The knowledge and skills I gained through this program significantly improved my own leadership abilities and had a positive impact on the crews I supervise, ultimately helping me provide stronger, more effective leadership within the department.

What are your career goals?

My career goals are to remain a lifelong student of the fire service and to continually grow, learn, and contribute to the next generation of firefighters. Earning my bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt was a major milestone, and it has already expanded my career opportunities. It led to my appointment as the first full-time training captain at my agency — an assignment that allows me to shape training standards, mentor personnel, and elevate the overall professionalism of our department.

Looking forward, my goal is to continue advancing within the fire service, strengthening my leadership abilities, and making a lasting positive impact on the firefighters I am entrusted to guide.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

My advice to incoming students is to fully utilize the resources that Cal Poly Humboldt provides. Those tools were essential in helping me build a realistic and achievable academic plan, and they played a major role in my success.

For students in the fire service specifically — take advantage of the downtime we sometimes have at the station. Instead of turning on a movie, open your books, study, and stay disciplined. Just like raising a 35-foot extension ladder — the heaviest ladder we have — you raise it one rung at a time until it’s fully deployed. This program works the same way: you complete it one semester at a time, giving maximum effort to each step. If you stay committed and consistent, you will accomplish your goals.

How have you grown from this experience?

This experience has truly changed my life for the better. Being a student in the Leadership Studies program kept me organized, disciplined, and focused, both academically and professionally. It showed me firsthand how consistent academic effort translates into real career opportunities.

I’ve been able to apply the concepts, tools, and perspectives I learned from my professors directly into my role in the fire service. Doing so has strengthened my leadership abilities, improved how I manage and mentor crews, and contributed to the professional growth and success I’ve achieved within my department. This program didn’t just help me earn a degree — it elevated the way I lead, think, and serve.