The University of Olivet is known for being accommodating. It is a place where students of diverse backgrounds feel welcome, included and valued. Todd Seipenko learned that this is true for our non-traditional students as well. After 25 years in law enforcement, he decided it was time to go back to school and earn his bachelor’s degree.
Growing up, Todd was surrounded by people in law enforcement. His father worked for 30 years with a law enforcement agency, his uncle worked at the same agency, and his brother also had a long career in the field. It was a natural career choice, and he said, “I enjoy problem-solving, making negative situations into a positive, and helping my fellow citizens. This profession is so rewarding with the personal satisfaction of doing the right thing and making a difference daily.”
When Todd heard about The University of Olivet’s Criminal Justice Adult Professional (CJP) program, he was ready to take the plunge. “I completed my associates in 1992 and knew it was time to complete my bachelor’s. Olivet reached out to Northville Township Police Department, and my chief provided me with Director Armstrong’s information,” said Todd. Dr. Regina Armstrong, director of the criminal justice program and professor of criminal justice, developed CJP to help make a bachelor’s degree possible for working professionals. It is fully online, so students can complete the course work as their schedules allow.
The CJP program was Todd’s first introduction to online learning, and while education has changed since 1992, he had a great experience with the online format. “I didn’t just sign up for this program to check a box. I began this process to learn, educate, build on my talents and open up to other opinions and ways of doing this job. I learned a ton from the faculty and other students of all ages.” Through this program, Todd feels better equipped for the goal of making tomorrow better than today.
Todd found that, “The most beneficial part of the program was building relationships with the professors and fellow students. We all had a passion for the field and could bounce stories and real-life examples off one another to benefit the group.” Since this program is for people already working in the field, it is helpful to come together and learn from each other.
Todd recommends this program to anyone looking to further their education in the criminal justice field. The professors are knowledgeable, proficient in the field and care about the success of their students. He said, “At 52 years of age, I completed a goal in my life that was only attainable through the actions of Director Armstrong and the Olivet program.” He knows he can serve his community well and said he is a better professional and person due to CJP.
Learn more about The University of Olivet and the Criminal Justice Adult Professional program by contacting Mike Lazusky, director of adult professional and graduate admissions at 269-749-6612 or mlazusky@olivetcollege.edu.