Gov. JB Pritzker Announces New Partnerships, to Include SIUE, that will Expand Education for Illinois State Police Troopers and Officers
SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor Extols the Value of the Pathway Program and Shares the University’s Commitment
Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, alongside representatives from public Illinois universities, recently announced new partnerships that advance educational opportunities for troopers and officers and build an even stronger law enforcement agency. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University and Western Illinois University will offer credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree for troopers and officers who graduate from the ISP Academy.
“Investing in our Illinois State Police officers is not only the right thing to do – it is one of the most important things we can do for public safety,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce a new initiative that recognizes their dedication and supports their continued growth. Through partnerships with our state’s public universities, ISP cadet graduates will now earn college credit toward a degree for their rigorous training – an investment that equips our officers with the tools they need to succeed.”
These partnerships with public universities make Illinois’ program one of the most comprehensive in the nation, providing ISP Academy graduates with some of the highest credit hours toward a degree.
At SIUE, ISP cadet graduates can earn eight hours toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or liberal studies.
“This program represents a continuation of SIUE’s partnership with ISP by providing degree pathways for smart and dedicated cadets, giving them an opportunity to advance their careers,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. “These students will have opportunities to complete their degree requirements on-line or in-person, while receiving credit for their military service, prior coursework, and for cadet academy training.”
SIUE Criminal Justice undergraduates are helping ISP with cold case backlogs as a part of their coursework. SIUE is also partnering with ISP to offer a master’s degree in forensic science delivered at the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus in Belleville. It is the only Forensic Science program in Southern Illinois and the only master’s level program outside of Chicago.
“The most important tools of our Illinois State Police officers are not their badges, or guns, or handcuffs, but their hearts, minds, and souls,” said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “Partnering with these academic institutions strengthens their minds, their careers, and their ability to protect the people of Illinois.”
Photo:
SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, speaks at a press conference (convened by Gov. JB Pritzker’s office) about the partnerships between the Illinois State Police and public Illinois universities.
