{"id":916,"date":"2018-06-28T10:58:33","date_gmt":"2018-06-28T17:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/?p=916"},"modified":"2024-04-02T14:24:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T21:24:07","slug":"evan-huegel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/evan-huegel\/","title":{"rendered":"Out of the park and into the woods"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Evan

Ecampus fisheries and wildlife sciences alum Evan Huegel was hired as a law enforcement officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources after graduating from Oregon State, and he couldn’t be happier. “Every day I am excited to go to work and can\u2019t wait for what I may experience next, because it can be anything day to day,” he says.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Jenna Jarvis
\nJune 28, 2018<\/em><\/p>\n

Finding your dream job feels like hitting a home run. But if you keep waiting for that perfect pitch, you might miss out on unexpected opportunities.<\/p>\n

Evan Huegel wanted nothing else but to play professional baseball, but when he realized that might not be feasible, he had to get real about what his next step would be after high school.<\/p>\n

He joined the United States Navy and quickly discovered that the military experience he never saw coming would lead him down a new path in life.<\/p>\n

\"Evan

Petty Officer 1st Class Evan Huegel joined the Navy in 2007 as an operations specialist on a guided-missile destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), before quickly moving up in the ranks.<\/p><\/div>\n

While he did get to fulfill his passion for baseball by playing on the All-Navy Men’s Softball team in 2012, he also expanded his options much further, including serving as an operations specialist, a search and rescue swimmer, an instructor for search and rescue swimmer school, and then a certified personal trainer. These were not jobs he envisioned having back in high school, but he always kept an open mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike any opportunity or job in the Navy, nothing lasts forever. My only option after those three years was going back to a ship or deploying for a year. Nothing seemed too appealing and now having a family, I didn\u2019t want to be gone from home for such extended periods of time. I thought about what else could make me happy,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Aside from sports, Evan\u2019s other passion was exploring the great outdoors. He grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on a 10,000-acre preserve his dad managed.<\/p>\n

When he started job hunting after the Navy, he set his sights on becoming a game warden. The only obstacle in his way was finding a school where he could earn an appropriate degree for this field while he was still active duty military.<\/p>\n

Evan chose Oregon State University because of the national prestige of its online fisheries and wildlife sciences<\/a> bachelor\u2019s degree program.<\/p>\n

“<\/span>Getting my degree was by no means \u2018easy,\u2019 as it shouldn\u2019t be. However, going to Oregon State made it an enjoyable and academically challenging experience. After graduating, it is safe to say I was fully prepared to take on whatever the real world had to throw at me.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And even though he was learning from a distance through Oregon State Ecampus, Evan says he received a high level of engagement and personal interaction.<\/p>\n

\"Oregon

As an avid outdoorsman his whole life, Evan was drawn to Oregon State\u2019s fisheries and wildlife sciences program online.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cGetting my degree was by no means \u2018easy,\u2019 as it shouldn\u2019t be,\u201d Evan says. \u201cHowever, going to Oregon State made it an enjoyable and academically challenging experience. After graduating, it is safe to say I was fully prepared to take on whatever the real world had to throw at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evan\u2019s experience with Ecampus opened the door to his first natural resources job with his local county park district. Oregon State\u2019s fisheries and wildlife program requires two internships, and Evan\u2019s full-time job with the county park district counted as one of them. He fulfilled his second internship by volunteering and teaching wildlife education at a camp for kids where he still helps out in the summer.<\/p>\n

Two years after he was employed by the park district, Evan was hired as a law enforcement officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and he couldn\u2019t be happier.<\/p>\n

This is not the future Evan saw for himself in high school, but thanks to his open mind and enthusiasm for new adventures, he found a career where every day feels like he knocked the ball out of the park.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, I am 30 years old, I have over 11 years of U.S. naval service, and am now living my dream,\u201d he says. \u201cI have been with the department for about a year and a half now and there is no doubt that it will be a lifelong career. Every day I am excited to go to work and can\u2019t wait for what I may experience next, because it can be anything day to day.<\/p>\n

\u201cI owe OSU many thanks for that.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/span> 4<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span>\u201cGetting my degree was by no means \u2018easy,\u2019 as it shouldn\u2019t be,\u201d says fisheries and wildlife sciences alum Evan Huegel. \u201cHowever, going to Oregon State made it an enjoyable and academically challenging experience. After graduating, it is safe to say I was fully prepared to take on whatever the real world had to throw at me.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[673],"tags":[638,206,120,40],"class_list":["post-916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","tag-conservation-and-natural-sciences","tag-fisheries-wildlife-and-conservation-sciences","tag-military","tag-military-students"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Evan-Huegel-Main.jpg?fit=744%2C478&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-eM","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1519,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/fisheries-wildlife-scholarship\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":0},"title":"Ecampus student 1 of 7 at OSU to earn study abroad scholarship","author":"Steve Lundeberg","date":"August 19, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Esmeralda Sanchez, an OSU Ecampus student in fisheries and wildlife sciences, will participate in a forest conservation program in Malaysian Borneo after being awarded a\u00a0Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship\u00a0to study internationally during the 2020-21 academic year. It's part of a congressionally funded program designed to broaden U.S. participation in education\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"An aerial photo of a rainforest in Borneo. Online fisheries and wildlife","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/borneo-forest-online-fisheries-wildlife.jpg?fit=744%2C419&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/borneo-forest-online-fisheries-wildlife.jpg?fit=744%2C419&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/borneo-forest-online-fisheries-wildlife.jpg?fit=744%2C419&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/borneo-forest-online-fisheries-wildlife.jpg?fit=744%2C419&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2557,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/explore-3-online-degrees-focused-on-animal-science-and-conservation\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":1},"title":"Which online animal science or conservation degree should I choose?","author":"Elena Moffet","date":"November 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State offers several bachelor's programs in conservation and animal sciences that you can earn online. Learn what makes each unique and the different skills you'll gain.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A grey heron stands in shallow water with a captured fish in its beak, reflected on the water\u2019s surface.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1032,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/jordan-levi-fisheries-wildlife-online\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":2},"title":"Experiential learning led to flourishing career prospects for fisheries, wildlife and conservation sciences alumna","author":"Julie Cooper","date":"October 17, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"New textbooks, classmates from all over the world, the cover of the forest, calls from birds unseen, the fresh smell of soil (and sometimes fish). These are all the well-known staples of a college classroom. At least, that\u2019s what Jordan Levi came to expect of her learning environments while enrolled\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Archives"","block_context":{"text":"Archives","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/archives\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Fisheries and wildlife sciences alumna Jordan walks outdoors and carries a tablet in the bend of her left arm.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/jordan-levi-main.jpg?fit=744%2C478&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/jordan-levi-main.jpg?fit=744%2C478&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/jordan-levi-main.jpg?fit=744%2C478&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/jordan-levi-main.jpg?fit=744%2C478&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":442,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/military-students\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":3},"title":"After the Army, Ecampus student focused on doing what he loves","author":"Heather Doherty","date":"November 3, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"There was a pit in Bryan Zacher\u2019s stomach as his 22-year Army career came to a close in 2013. He hadn\u2019t put much thought into life after the military, so he jotted down a list of his hobbies: Fishing. Hunting. The great outdoors. Then he had an idea that changed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Archives"","block_context":{"text":"Archives","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/archives\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Fisheries and wildlife sciences alumnus Bryan Zacher stands in front of a lake's boat ramp with his boat on a trailer.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Bryan-Zacher-FW-thumbnail.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Bryan-Zacher-FW-thumbnail.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Bryan-Zacher-FW-thumbnail.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Bryan-Zacher-FW-thumbnail.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Bryan-Zacher-FW-thumbnail.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1292,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/fisheries-and-wildlife-program-earns-award\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":4},"title":"Oregon State\u2019s fisheries and wildlife online program earns prestigious national award","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"November 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"A track record of student success and faculty satisfaction have helped an Oregon State University online bachelor\u2019s degree program be honored as one of the nation\u2019s best. OSU\u2019s fisheries and wildlife sciences bachelor\u2019s program on Tuesday won the Online Learning Consortium\u2019s John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award at a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A graphic with a trophy icon above the words fisheries and wildlife sciences, John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award, set above the Online Learning Consortium's logo","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/olc-fisheries-award-graphic.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/olc-fisheries-award-graphic.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/olc-fisheries-award-graphic.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/olc-fisheries-award-graphic.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2180,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/jane-vinesky-fisheries-wildlife-conservation-sciences\/","url_meta":{"origin":916,"position":5},"title":"Oregon State Everywhere: Finding community and support from all points on the map","author":"Jane Vinesky","date":"December 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"\"Faculty made time to tutor me, teach me, counsel me, write recommendations and discuss professional opportunities. Although I was an Ecampus student, the Oregon State community is so strong that I felt its support from wherever I was in the world.\" \u2014 Jane Vinesky, fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences graduate","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Jane Vinesky","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Jane-Vinesky-800x450-221201.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Jane-Vinesky-800x450-221201.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Jane-Vinesky-800x450-221201.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Jane-Vinesky-800x450-221201.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=916"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/916\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}