A Rising Leader in Fire Service
When Kayleigh Eastman walked across the stage to receive her diploma in 2025, she was the first female to graduate with a bachelor's in fire service administration from UNH. Her diploma represented a professional accomplishment that started years earlier with mentors who changed her life.
Kayleigh was just a junior at Berlin High School when she joined her local fire department’s explorer post, which is an extension of the Boy Scouts that allows young people to participate in fire and EMS training. It was an experience that sparked her interest in emergency services.
That early exposure led her to pursue an associate degree in fire science at Lakes Region Community College. As a live-in student at a local fire station, she gained hands-on experience that would further shape her career. Soon after, she joined the Lebanon Fire Department, whose vision statement emphasizes public safety through professionalism, adequately trained and equipped personnel, and leveraging new technology. Kayleigh aligned well with the department’s commitment to lifelong learning. She attended paramedic school at the New England EMS Institute, adding advanced medical skills to her toolkit.
Kayleigh set her sights on earning a bachelor's degree to expand her leadership potential. Along the way, she earned multiple certifications through the New Hampshire Fire Academy, building expertise and meaningful connections.
Family and community support
Kayleigh credits her family for unwavering support. “Early on, my parents never pushed my siblings and me toward a specific path. They supported us in whatever we chose,” she reflects. “And my fiancé continuously provided encouragement. In different ways, both gave me the confidence to pursue a demanding career and higher education.”
Kayleigh’s community also played a pivotal role. As a teenager, Kayleigh attended Camp Fully Involved, a program for young women interested in firefighting. There, she met mentors who inspired her to aim higher, including Jess Wyman, the camp’s founder. While Jess passed away from occupational cancer in 2023, her legacy of excellence and commitment to education left a lasting impression. When Kayleigh graduated, she honored Jess by wearing a tie-dye helmet shield bearing her initials as a symbol of her mentorship. As she describes, “She inspired me to raise the bar in every aspect of my life and education.
Academic impact and professional growth
Courses in communication proved transformative for Kayleigh. Professionally, they strengthened her ability to collaborate with outside agencies and with her colleagues. Personally, the courses helped her manage complex projects, including serving as the general contractor for her new home.
Her capstone project was a challenging but rewarding experience. With guidance from her professor, Ian Emmons, she produced a research report that broadened her perspective.
Kayleigh states, “The capstone class was a valuable challenge at the end of my degree. The project required communication with fire chiefs across New Hampshire, data collection, statistical analysis, and the compilation of a report of the survey results.”
Advice for others
Kayleigh sees herself as an informal leader within her department and is preparing for formal leadership roles through continuous education and certifications. She admires qualities such as versatility, passion, honesty, and compassion and strives to model them. Her advice to aspiring firefighters and adult learners in the fire service administration program:
“Work hard. It will be worth it. Most challenges can be overcome with perseverance. And keep moving forward. Even when it feels like a long process, it’s worth it in the end.”
Looking ahead
The most rewarding part of Kayleigh’s career has been learning from mentors. It has been crucial for learning vital skills, building trust, and gaining support through high-stress situations. She remains committed to mentoring others to ensure that the next generation of female firefighters has the same support and inspiration. And while she has already accomplished so much, her journey is just beginning.
Interested in advancing your career in the fire service?
Explore UNH’s online Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Administration and take the next step toward leadership.