Student Wildlife Society Receives Donation in Honor of Student

Andrea Byerly
Monday, May 1, 2023 12:00 AM
Academics, Press Releases, All, Community

^{Pictured above: Robert Brewer and Krystal Enlow}

The Cleveland State Student Wildlife Society recently received a $500 donation from the East Tennessee Retriever Club (ETRC) in honor of Cleveland State student Krystal Enlow. A critical care paramedic, Enlow helped an ETRC member during an event at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge last month.

On the second day of the retriever dog trials, a club member tripped over a stump and fell. Enlow immediately checked on her and helped her up. Ten minutes later, the club member called to Enlow and said that she didn’t feel well. Enlow realized the woman now had a dangerously low heart rate. Enlow stayed with her, kept her quiet and warm, and advised the club on when to call an ambulance after her heart rate did not recover.

Karen Edwards, ETRC Secretary/Treasurer, said, “Krystal could not possibly have been more professional and kind, and we are very grateful that the situation did not become critical.”

A Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries (FWF) major and a Tennessee Reconnect student, Enlow will graduate in May with an associate degree. She has worked as a critical care paramedic in Rhea County for six years.

Enlow grew up wanting to be a doctor and decided to become a paramedic to get patient contact experience. When asked why she changed from the medical field to FWF, Enlow said, “There is a lot of mental stress that comes with a healthcare career. Being outdoors is my release. That’s where that passion comes in – wanting to preserve nature. I know what nature did for me; I want future generations to have that same peace and solitude.”

After graduation, Enlow plans to transfer into a Wildlife Law Enforcement program at a four-year university. After working a boating incident with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), she found out that TWRA has a rescue side. “If I can merge these two worlds, I would be in heaven,” said Enlow.

When asked why she chose Cleveland State, Enlow said, “Initially, I chose Cleveland State because it was the closest school that offered this major, but I have fallen in love with this school. The biggest part of my interaction is with Mr. Brewer. He really invests in his students and their futures. He teaches with passion, and his passion is contagious. If I could stay here for the next two years, I would.”

Robert Brewer, Associate Professor and Director of the Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation, said, "Krystal has been heavily involved with the Cleveland State Wildlife Society, logging almost 100 hours of community service. During that time, I have had nothing other than rave reviews of her performance. She is dedicated and hard working. I have no doubt she will excel at whatever she chooses to do after she graduates from Cleveland State.”