I started my law enforcement journey in 2000. Over the years, I have served as a patrol officer, criminal investigator, and narcotics investigator before I started to ascend to mid-level and executive-level supervisory roles. As an organizational leader, I had the pleasure of providing guidance throughout the agency in a variety of assignments as a division commander; starting with patrol, then moving to investigations, and finally the administrative division commander. It was this role as Administrative Commander that opened my eyes to a divergent perspective on law enforcement operations and all the effort that goes into sustaining and progressing the organization. It was this role that prepared me to compete on a national level for the vacant Police Chief’s position within my own agency. I was subsequently promoted, and I have been the Chief of Police for the Town of Elon since 2019.
I have engaged my community as well as the law enforcement profession by establishing membership or serving as a board member with a number of organizations. I served on the NC Basic Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, Crisis Intervention Training Steering Committee, Neighborhood Coalition of Elon, Community Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, North Carolina Police Executives Association, North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, Executive Board member of the United Way of Alamance County, International Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Police Standards, Ethics, and Image committee.
It is also important to note that I am a lifelong adult learner. Like so many others in my profession, I obtained all my formal degrees while working full-time. It was a labor of love and an investment. An investment in my career, my organization, and above all myself. I received an associate’s degree in 2014 and a Bachelor’s degree in 2016. A few years into my role as Chief, I was compelled to continue my education journey, so after a lot of research, I enrolled in the University of San Diego’s online graduate program in 2021. I graduated with my Master’s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership in 2022.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I loved the practical and immediate impact these courses had on my career. The material was relevant to modern law enforcement and the issues we face today as leaders. The program director takes great care to ensure the LEPSL curriculum is continuously updated to provide insight, knowledge, and tactics to help law enforcement leadership navigate an ever-changing landscape.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
The program is geared toward adult learners who are already established in the LE profession. The courses were designed to have practical applications in the real world. I was not interested in investing my time or money in another degree that focused on law enforcement theory; I wanted a program that would propel my skills.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
The time investment. I was a new Chief and worried I would become overwhelmed with the demands of the coursework.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
I was already a Chief, but the program helped me hone my writing, research, and presentation skills. It made me a more confident and better-prepared leader. Also, the networking with LE professionals I met in class from across the US has been unmatched and a huge benefit.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Invest in yourself. If you are “thinking” about joining the program, just do it. I learned more about modern policing and myself in the year at LEPSL than I ever thought possible. This program was actually enjoyable. I looked forward to working on the assignments and found many of them were relevant to issues facing my agency. I was able to lean on the experience of others in my classes and their ideas helped me devise plans/policies/procedures to resolve those situations.
What was your favorite LEPSL course?
There was not a single class that I didn’t enjoy. If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be Contemporary Issues and the Capstone.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I was the new Chief, barely a year in the door. The death of George Floyd was still fresh, along with community outrage and discontentment aimed at all police. Civil protests were becoming a common strain on resources, and my team and I were dealing with state legislation changes for police reform. Not to mention, we were still in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, and dealing with massive staffing issues resulting from all of the above.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I had to remind myself that I was worth the investment. I was working to be the best version of myself and in the end, it would have lasting benefits for me, my staff, my family, and my community. It was my duty.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2022