What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I was motivated to become a Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) Ambassador because I deeply believe in the power of education and professional development in shaping effective, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders in law enforcement. The MS-LEPSL program challenged me to think critically, apply innovative leadership strategies, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of public safety.
Throughout my career in corrections and law enforcement, I’ve seen the importance of strong leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. The LEPSL program not only reinforced these principles but also provided me with practical tools to implement them in my daily work. As an ambassador, I hope to inspire others to pursue this opportunity, sharing my experiences and encouraging fellow professionals to invest in their growth.
Additionally, I appreciate the networking opportunities and mentorship that come with this role. I want to help others navigate their academic and career journeys, just as I was supported throughout mine. Ultimately, being an LEPSL ambassador allows me to give back to a program that has had a profound impact on my leadership development while helping shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) program because of its strong focus on modern leadership principles, ethical decision-making, and real-world application in law enforcement. Throughout my career in corrections and public safety, I’ve sought opportunities to grow as a leader and expand my understanding of strategic management, policy development, and organizational change. LEPSL provided the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical relevance, allowing me to immediately apply what I was learning to my current role.
What made LEPSL stand out compared to other programs was its faculty and curriculum. The instructors are not just academics but seasoned professionals with extensive law enforcement experience, providing invaluable insights into leadership, policy, and emerging challenges in public safety. The curriculum is designed to address real-world issues, ensuring that every assignment, discussion, and project directly relates to the challenges we face in the field.
Another key factor was the program’s flexibility. As a full-time law enforcement professional, I needed a program that was both challenging and accommodating of my demanding schedule. LEPSL’s online format provided the structure and support necessary to excel without compromising my professional responsibilities.
Finally, the networking opportunities within the LEPSL program were unparalleled. The cohort-based model fostered meaningful connections with law enforcement leaders across the country, allowing me to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build lasting professional relationships. This collaborative environment was invaluable in broadening my perspective and reinforcing my commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.
Ultimately, LEPSL was more than just a degree—it was an investment in my growth as a leader. It provided the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to take on greater responsibilities, mentor others, and contribute to positive change in law enforcement.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
Before starting my graduate program, I had a few concerns—time management, workload, and ensuring that the program would be truly beneficial for my career growth.
One of my biggest concerns was balancing a demanding full-time career in law enforcement with graduate-level coursework. Working in corrections means long shifts, unpredictable situations, and a significant mental and physical workload. I worried about whether I could dedicate enough time to my studies without sacrificing job performance or personal commitments.
Another concern was the academic rigor of the program. It had been some time since I was in an academic setting, and I wondered how challenging it would be to transition back into structured coursework, especially with writing-intensive assignments and research components. I questioned whether I would be able to keep up with the expectations and workload while also managing my professional responsibilities.
Additionally, I wanted to ensure that the investment of time and money was worthwhile. I needed a program that would enhance my leadership skills, provide practical applications for my work in law enforcement, and offer opportunities for professional growth. I didn’t want a degree just for the sake of having one—I wanted a program that would challenge me, push me to think critically, and provide real-world value.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
One of my primary goals has always been to grow as a leader and take on more responsibility within my agency. The LEPSL program equipped me with modern leadership strategies that I was able to apply in my daily work—whether it was managing personnel, handling critical incidents, or leading organizational change initiatives. The coursework reinforced my ability to make informed, ethical decisions and navigate complex challenges within a correctional setting.
Additionally, the program helped me develop my analytical and research skills, which have been instrumental in policy development, compliance tracking, and special projects within my department. I was able to take what I learned—whether it was data-driven decision-making, budgeting, or crisis communication—and apply it directly to my role, making me a more effective and well-rounded leader.
The networking opportunities provided by LEPSL were also invaluable. I connected with law enforcement professionals from across the country, gaining insight into best practices, emerging trends, and innovative solutions that I could bring back to my agency. These connections have helped me build a strong professional network that continues to support my career growth.
Overall, LEPSL gave me the confidence, knowledge, and leadership foundation to pursue new opportunities and further my career in law enforcement. It reinforced my passion for mentorship, strategic leadership, and policy development, all of which align with my long-term career goals of continuing to lead, mentor, and eventually teach in the field.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Leadership in law enforcement is about more than just authority and decision-making—it’s about influence, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. Through my career and experiences, I’ve learned that the most effective leaders share a few key qualities:
- Lead by Example – Your actions set the tone for your team. If you want professionalism, accountability, and dedication from others, you have to demonstrate those qualities consistently.
- Be Adaptable – Law enforcement is ever-changing, and leaders must be flexible and open to new ideas. The ability to pivot, embrace change, and learn from challenges is what separates good leaders from great ones.
- Communicate with Purpose – Clear and concise communication—whether in reports, briefings, or one-on-one conversations—helps build trust and ensures everyone is on the same page. Active listening is just as important as speaking.
- Invest in People – The best leaders focus on developing others. Whether through mentorship, training, or just being approachable, helping your team grow will ultimately strengthen the organization as a whole.
- Stay Grounded in Your Ethics – Leadership comes with tough decisions, and sometimes, doing the right thing isn’t the easiest option. Holding yourself and others accountable while maintaining fairness and integrity is non-negotiable
- Never Stop Learning – Leadership is a continuous journey. Seeking education, training, and mentorship—like I did through the LEPSL program—has been key in broadening my perspective and improving my decision-making. The most effective leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers, but they’re always willing to learn, grow, and improve.
Ultimately, leadership is about influence, not just rank. Whether you’re supervising a team or inspiring change from within, the impact you have on others is what defines your success as a leader.
The LEPSL program is known for its faculty. Does a particular faculty member stand out to you as a favorite?
Throughout my time in the LEPSL program, I had the opportunity to learn from several incredible instructors, but Professor Fritsvold stood out as my favorite. His passion for leadership, deep understanding of law enforcement challenges, and ability to connect theory with real-world application made his courses both engaging and impactful.
What I appreciated most about Professor Fritsvold was his approach to leadership and critical thinking. He encouraged students to challenge assumptions, analyze policy from multiple perspectives, and think strategically about the evolving landscape of law enforcement. His feedback was always thoughtful and pushed me to refine my leadership approach, strengthening my ability to make informed, ethical decisions in my career.
Beyond the coursework, Professor Fritsvold fostered an environment of collaboration and professional growth. He recognized the unique experiences each student brought to the program and encouraged meaningful discussions that extended beyond the classroom. His ability to blend academic research with practical leadership skills made his courses some of the most valuable in the program.
Overall, Professor Fritsvold’s teaching style, expertise, and mentorship made a lasting impact on my professional development, and I’m grateful for the knowledge and leadership insights I gained from his courses.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
During my time in the LEPSL program, I was balancing multiple responsibilities—a demanding full-time career in law enforcement, professional development opportunities, mentorship, and personal commitments.
As a law enforcement professional working 12-hour shifts in a high-stress environment, I had to carefully manage my time to ensure I could stay on top of coursework while maintaining my responsibilities at work. My role often required me to respond to emergency situations, oversee training initiatives, and handle policy compliance projects, which meant I had to be disciplined and intentional with my schedule to succeed academically.
Beyond work and school, I was also involved in mentoring newer deputies, preparing for promotional opportunities, and continuing specialized training in leadership and tactical skills. These commitments made it crucial for me to stay organized, prioritize effectively, and remain adaptable in order to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to class discussions.
On a personal level, I had to ensure that I was also making time for rest, family, and personal well-being. The LEPSL program was rigorous, but it also reinforced the importance of time management, resilience, and strategic thinking—skills that benefited me not just academically, but in my professional and personal life as well.
Despite these challenges, the program’s structure and support system made it possible to balance everything successfully. The flexibility of the online format, along with the engaging coursework and practical application of leadership concepts, allowed me to immediately implement what I was learning into my career.
Looking back, the experience of balancing work, school, and life in the LEPSL program strengthened my ability to handle high-pressure situations, lead effectively, and continue growing as a professional—all of which have contributed to my career advancement and long-term goals.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
Initially, I saw the LEPSL program as something I needed to do to further my career. As I went through the journey, I realized that I began to enjoy the classes, and the subjects we talked about started to transform my views on my work every day.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2026