A “learn it – use it” Perspective
Since graduating from Judson in 2003 with my degree in Criminal Justice Management, I was promoted to Lieutenant in 2006 and was recently promoted to Deputy Chief of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police. Earning my degree from Judson assisted me in these promotions in two ways. First, the promotional process for the ranks of Lieutenant and higher within the Sheriff’s Office allows for additional points to be received for obtaining a college degree. Second, the CJM curriculum helped in learning how to handle law enforcement issues because it is taught by experienced law enforcement officers. The instructors were practitioners that taught from a “learn it – use it” perspective. The curriculum was correlated to faculty experience, which made it alive and real. It made an impact. I knew I was performing better on the job and earning professional respect because of my college degree.
In the beginning, I thought to myself that there was no way that I would have the time or the patience to be in class for 18 months while working full-time and having time with my family. After the first few weeks, I realized that Judson was very understanding about my personal and professional life. My instructors, as well as the Judson staff, worked with the students to ensure that all of the necessary material was covered in a way that allowed me to have a life outside of the classroom. Sure, there were many assignments, and some of them were time consuming, but I never had a problem getting my assignments done on time.
It took me 10 years to complete my associate’s degree in a traditional program, it took me 18 months to complete my degree at Judson.
The Rockford campus made it quick and easy to get to class, along with avoiding traffic and high gas prices. I really liked having classes only one night per week, which allowed me time to complete my assignments while working a full-time job and spending time with my family. It took me 10 years to complete my associate’s degree in a traditional program, it took me 18 months to complete my degree at Judson.
My educational experience at Judson was unique. The cohort setting at Judson enhanced friendships and relationships that students had with fellow students and instructors. In addition, Judson is a Christian university, which allowed students and faculty to express themselves spiritually. This allowed for a much friendlier environment, while not promoting a “Holy Roller” atmosphere. I appreciated being able to reflect on why God put me here as well as the influence that God has on my educational, professional, and personal life.
The hardest thing is to make the initial commitment to start – Judson makes it easy to complete.
To this day, I still recommend Judson to all of my fiends and co-workers for an excellent educational experience. They often tell me that they will do it when the time is right. I continue to tell them that the time is right now. The hardest thing is to make the initial commitment to start – Judson makes it easy to complete.
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