What brought you to Evangel University?
I came to Evangel in the mid 90’s to attend college. I am from NY, so I didn’t know what to expect when I came here. At EU, I developed lifelong friendships and the Criminal Justice program helped prepare me for my career in law enforcement.
How did you know that the Criminal Justice program was your calling?
I took a Criminal Justice class in high school and absolutely loved it. I continued taking CJ classes at Evangel when they had just developed the program. After doing ridealongs during my SPD internship, I knew law enforcement was for me and I never looked back.
What impact has the department had on your life?
A career in policing has had a major impact on my life, and I am certainly not the person I was before I became an officer. I don’t regret the years of service at all, and I am honored to have served as an officer for almost 25 years. There are pros and cons to being a police officer, but my relationship with God has been key in guiding me along the way.
How would you best describe your time at Evangel?
My time at EU was great and I developed friendships that I still have today. EU was hard work, but I am proud to have graduated. EU definitely prepared me for my career in law enforcement.
How have you seen God present through your educational journey and career?
It is important for anyone entering a career in law enforcement to have a relationship with God. I truly believe it is the only thing that has gotten me through my career.
What would you say to a student considering coming to Evangel and pursuing a degree in criminal justice?
My advice would be that EU will help to prepare you for the police academy academically. I highly recommend to seek out internships at law enforcement agencies and to look for employment (while in college) that is service oriented. These things will help to prepare you even further.