What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
The decision to pursue an MPA degree for me was easy. I originally had started my MPA degree at UNCG while working as a patrol officer at the Winston-Salem Police Department. Due to the various work related reasons, I was unable to complete the program. Later when there ASU program, it was more conducive to my work schedule since classes would be held in Winston-Salem., I believed an MPA degree would provide me with more opportunities for career advancement within the Winston-Salem Police Department and also a foundation for private sector jobs due to the inherent danger and risk associated with being a police office, should there ever become a reason that I was unable to perform my job as a police officer.
Can you tell me about your career path and current position?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 1999. I received a federal Police Corps Scholarship upon graduation. Police Corps was a federal program which offered scholarship assistance to students and also the agency participating in the program, who sponsored the student received $40,000 for accepting the candidate who agreed to serve 4 years in law enforcement upon graduation. I began with the Winston-Salem Police Department in December of 1999 as a patrol officer. After a couple years, I was transferred to the Street Crimes unit which focused on street level drugs and community engagement. I served on Street Crimes for 1 year and then was assigned to the Special Investigations Division/ Vice & Narcotics Unit. As a Narcotics Detective, I performed undercover operations and was in charge of protection stings throughout the City. I was later assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Force officer for 3 years prior to being promoted to Sergeant in 2008. After being promoted to Sergeant, I returned to patrol as a street Sergeant. In 2008, I moved to the Support Services Bureau as the Administrative Services Sergeant where I supervised the following units: Fleet, Telcom, Court Services and Warrant Squad. In 2010, I returned to the Field Services Bureau as a patrol Sergeant and was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2018. In January 2019, I recently was assigned to the investigative Services Bureau in the Criminal Investigations Division as a Lieutenant over the following units: Burglary, Fraud, Arson, and Victim Assistance.
In what ways has the App State MPA program helped you?
The MPA Program really broadened my perspective, both personally and professionally, I developed a deeper understanding of many of the concepts and theories in management in the public sector. I also developed relationships with others in the field that have served as resources later on in my career.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
I would tell anyone considering the program, it is one of the best. The professors were supportive and encouraging, especially for working professionals in the program. Based on my assignment as a detective at the time, the professors were also very supportive of the need to balance both at times, which was challenging. I would also tell those considering the program, it will serve you well in the future and allow you to network with other professionals in the field. It was a great experience that provided me with a solid foundation to build on in my career in public service.