View Academic Emergency Services directory
John Fisher

Faculty Member

Dr. John Fisher

Biography

Dr. John R. Fisher is a professor in the Department of Emergency Services at Utah Valley University. Before coming to UVU, he taught management and communications at Northwest Missouri State University, Boise State University, Athabasca University, and the University of Alberta. John began his career as a newspaper reporter/photographer, reporting the court and police beats and covering emergency services. For eight years, he was a public administrator in the Alberta government, working in policy analysis, public information, and legislative affairs. As a disaster team member and PIO for the Red Cross, he has been deployed to several national disasters. He has a BA and an MA from Brigham Young University and a PhD from the University of Alberta. His principal areas of research are mass media coverage of disaster public policy, disaster preparedness and community resilience, and applied learning online for adult learners. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Kosovo at the Kosovo Academy of Public Safety in 2018-2019.

Education

PhD, University of Alberta, 1988

Major: Educational Administration

Instructor Certificate , Lethbridge Community College, 1983

Major: Education

MA, Brigham Young University, 1975

Major: Communications

BA, Brigham Young Universitry, 1972

Major: French/Journalism

Teaching

ESMG 4300

Disaster Recovery and Hazard Mitigation, Spring 2025

ESMG 4300

Disaster Recovery and Hazard Mitigation, Spring 2025

ESMG 481R

Emergency Services Internship, Spring 2025

ESMG 481R

Emergency Services Internship, Spring 2025

ESMG 425G

Humanitarian Management and Operations GI, Spring 2025

HLTH 1100

Personal Health and Wellness, Spring 2025

ESMG 3150

Principles of Management for the Emergency Services, Spring 2025

ESMG 3150

Principles of Management for the Emergency Services WE, Spring 2025

ESMG 3150

Principles of Management for the Emergency Services WE, Spring 2025

ESMG 489R

Special Topics in Emergency Management, Spring 2025

Presentations

Fisher, John (Presenter & Author), Mittelman, Margaret (Co-Author), Best Business Practices in the Wake of AI Revolution, "AI INTEGRATION IN UNIVERSITY STUDIES", International Academy for Business Disciplines (IABD), Oelando, Florida. (April 4, 2025)
Falk, Louis (Discussant), Goralski, Margaret (Discussant), Fisher, John (Discussant), Best Business Practices in the Wake of AI Revolution, "All Academy Session_ Using Artificial Intelligence to Make Your Academic Life Easier", International Academy of Business , Orlando, Florida. (April 3, 2025)
Falk, Louis (Presenter & Author), Fisher, John (Presenter & Author), Best Business Practices in the Wake of AI Revolution, "Using AI for Teaching in a University Setting", International Academy of Business , Orlando, Florida. (April 3, 2025)
Fisher, John , Conference on Applied learning in Higher Education (CALHE), "Open-Ended Questions_ Enhancing Writing and Learning Processes", Missouri Western University, St. Joseph, Missouri. (March 7, 2025)
Lindquist, Chris (Presenter & Author), Fisher, John (Presenter & Author), Teaching for Learning (T4L), " Bridging and Enhancing Student Learning through Applied Learning", UVU Office of Teaching and Learning, Utah Valley University . (February 27, 2025)
Fisher, John , Mittelman, Margaret , Teaching for Learning (T4L), "Exploring Healthcare Students’ Perceptions of AI_ Preparing for Future Careers", UVU Office of Teaching and Learning, Utah Valley University. (February 27, 2025)

Scholarly/Creative Works

Bennett, Mary , Newman, Jordan , Fisher, John , (2024) "Evacuation Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Utah" (vol. 12). International Public Safety Association Journal. https://www.joinipsa.org/IPSA-Journal
Fisher, John , Bela, Muhaedin , Keqmezi Rexhepi, Zijavere , (2024) "Infrastructure protection and risk management_ Policy recommendations from the Turkey 2023 earthquake. " (Issue: 43). Skopje: Visions - International Journal of Social Sciences . https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jCBeXVRD8AGo7t5jP941FNmhuwRfxFXu/view
Fisher, John , Bennett, Mary , (2024) "Undergraduate Research As Applied Learning_ Exploring Evacuation Preparedness" (vol. 10). United States: https_//doi.org/10.57186/jalhe_2024_v10a1p5-16
Dayberry, Lee , Fisher, John R., (2023) "APPLIED LEARNING ON A STUDY ABROAD_ TEACHING COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN THE BALKANS " (Issue: Fall 2023, vol. 9). St. Joseph, Missouri: Journal of Applied Learning in Higher Education. https://www.missouriwestern.edu/appliedlearning/wp-content/uploads/sites/116/2023/12/JALHE_2023_V9.pdf
KEQMEZI REXHEPI, Zijavere , Bela, Muhaedin , Fisher, John , (2023) "EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND MENTORING_ RESEARCH IN KOSOVO" (vol. IV). Vushtrri: Kosovo Academy. of Public Safety/ OSCE Kosovo Mission. https://aksp-ks.net/repository/docs/Conference_Book_THE_IMPACT_OF_COVID-19_PANDEMIC_ON_THE_INTEGRITY_OF_THE_SECTOR_OF_ORDER_AND_PUBLIC_SAFETY_-_ENG.pdf
Fisher, John R., Bela, Muhaedin , Keqmezi Rexhepi, Zijavere , (2023) "INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO TURKEY 2023 EARTHQUAKE_ A POLICY ANALYSIS" (Issue: 1, vol. 60). Skopje, North Macedonia: Knowledge - International Journal . https://ikm.mk/ojs/index.php/kij/article/view/6338

Awards

Best Conference Paper Award

EAE Research Institute for Business Trends (Barcelona) - October 20, 2023

Fisher, J. R., EAE Research Institute for Business Trends, "Best Conference Paper Award "HOW AI CAN IMPROVE DISASTER RESPONSE AND HELP KEEP PEOPLE SAFE"," EAE Business School, Barcelona. (October 20, 2023).
Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance disaster response by expediting damage assessment, monitoring social media for prompt aid delivery, and improving the efficiency of aid distribution. AI can also help prepare the public for emergencies and improve community resilience during recovery following a disaster. Public information is the key to successful individual and community preparedness and resilience. In this study, we interviewed emergency managers and public information officers in USA and Kosovo to determine how they are using artificial intelligence and get their views about the future of AI in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery and public safety protection from all forms of hazards. AI has been used for several years in disaster response, but it is only now being considered for public awareness and preparedness.

Appreciation

University Surgery Hospital, Skopje, North Macedonia - October 14, 2023

In cooperation with the Balkans Emergency Preparedness Agency and LDS Charities, I assisted in obtaining grants for the purchase of equipment and other hospital supplies and materials. The award says, "With our greatest appreciation for your generosity, which has left an indelible mark on our hospital and the lives it services, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and for making a difference for so many of our patients."

Service Award

Tarkio College - September 12, 2020

Assisted in the establishment of technical and trade programs and the state certification of the Tarkio Technology Institute.

Fulbright Scholar

U.S. State Department - November 7, 2018

In 2018-2019, Dr. John Fisher participated in the Fulbright Scholar Program at the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety in Kosovo, Southeastern Europe, where he taught and researched police communication with minority populations.

Faculty Senate Excellence Award

Utah Valley University

Recognition of contributions to course development, teaching, service and scholarship in the College of Health and Professional Services.

Doctoral Fellowship

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada - June, 1985

Doctoral research was funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Fellowship over 3 years from 1985-1988. Additional fellowship was provided by University of Alberta. Fellowship totaled about $35,000 annually.