B.S., Criminal Justice
Current Profession:
Captain, North Carolina State Highway Patrol. As a Captain, I serve as the Troop Commander
for Troop H in Monroe, NC. In this position, I oversee Highway Patrol enforcement
and support operations in nine piedmont counties.
Why Western?
I was an adult, already involved with my career, when it became obvious that I needed
to return to school to obtain my degree. Frankly, there weren’t many options for me
because of my schedule and the demands of my job. Western Carolina’s online criminal
justice program was tailor-made for working professionals like me.
Your Western experience:
During my time at Western, I had the opportunity to meet and work with other practicing
professionals from within my career field. I also found the faculty to be professionals
who brought their real life experiences into the classes and created a learning environment
which benefited everyone. The interaction between these groups made for a learning
experience unlike anything I had ever had been a part of. In fact, it changed the
way I looked at many of my daily work problems.
How did your studies contribute to your career choice?
I had made my career choice many years ago, but Western reinforced that I was doing
the right thing with my life. I only wish I would have had my education when I started
my career, because it clearly could have made my path easier.
Advice for students:
My advice to anyone thinking about educational opportunities at Western is simple:
start! Many people I talk with tell me they don’t think they could spend the time
needed to finish a degree. If you never start on your educational journey, you’ll
never finish. The truth is you’ll be surprised how quick you can finish with the degree
you want with Western’s help.
Into the future:
Currently, I am scheduled to finish my Master’s Degree in Public Administration from
UNCP in May of 2008. Beyond that, I don’t know where the future will lead, but I’m
positive that no matter where I find myself, the reason I will be there is because
of the opportunities that Western Carolina and my education have given me.
Degree: B.S., Criminal Justice Current Profession:
Captain, North Carolina State Highway Patrol. As a Captain, I serve as the Troop Commander for Troop H in Monroe, NC. In this position, I oversee Highway Patrol enforcement and support operations in nine piedmont counties.
Why Western?
I was an adult, already involved with my career, when it became obvious that I needed to return to school to obtain my degree. Frankly, there weren’t many options for me because of my schedule and the demands of my job. Western Carolina’s online criminal justice program was tailor-made for working professionals like me. Your Western experience:
During my time at Western, I had the opportunity to meet and work with other practicing professionals from within my career field. I also found the faculty to be professionals who brought their real life experiences into the classes and created a learning environment which benefited everyone. The interaction between these groups made for a learning experience unlike anything I had ever had been a part of. In fact, it changed the way I looked at many of my daily work problems.
How did your studies contribute to your career choice?
I had made my career choice many years ago, but Western reinforced that I was doing the right thing with my life. I only wish I would have had my education when I started my career, because it clearly could have made my path easier. Advice for students:
My advice to anyone thinking about educational opportunities at Western is simple: start! Many people I talk with tell me they don’t think they could spend the time needed to finish a degree. If you never start on your educational journey, you’ll never finish. The truth is you’ll be surprised how quick you can finish with the degree you want with Western’s help.
Into the future:
Currently, I am scheduled to finish my Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UNCP in May of 2008. Beyond that, I don’t know where the future will lead, but I’m positive that no matter where I find myself, the reason I will be there is because of the opportunities that Western Carolina and my education have given me.