4 minute read
Stay Near Go Far… Floyd Kezele, Associate Professor
STAY NEAR AND GO FAR…
Criminal Justice Division of Business and Applied Technology
By Floyd Kezele, Associate Professor
The above motto for UNM-Gallup is alive and well in the criminal justice department (CRJS). Since its inception in the fall of 1977, CRJS has graduated hundreds of students and police officers through its Academy. Many of those graduates are in second or third careers as they have already completed a career in governmental service and retired at a young age. Current CRJS graduates of UNM-Gallup hold positions such as: police officers, detectives, acting and deputy police chiefs, deputy sheriffs, state police officers, tribal officers, judges, advocates, probation officers, medical examiners, public administrators, security supervisors, owners of security services, substance abuse counselors, and correctional officers. Graduates actively employed with the City of Gallup, McKinley County, and the Navajo Tribe, generate over two million dollars a year in salaries for the local economy. Our graduates are, or have been, employed throughout New Mexico, as well as Arizona, Washington, Texas, Hawaii, and several Native American Tribes.
So, having stayed near, how do they go far? Our graduates go far physically, as you can see, but they also go far in their education. After receiving their criminal justice certificate (in past years) or their AA or AS degree in criminal justice, many of our students have matriculated to other universities with great success. Our students have used their foundational degree from UNM-G to obtain higher degrees from: UNM, NMSU, WNMU, ENMU, Arizona State, Penn State, NAU, and Trinity Washington University.
In terms of availability and convenience, WNMU may be the most attractive program. UNM-Gallup’s criminal justice director engaged in conversation with Curtis Hayes (formerly of WNMU and now Gallup’s city attorney) which progressed to the level of full matriculation of courses from UNMGallup with the BS in criminal justice from WNMU. In the past, our students were able to pursue their BS in Gallup in a mutually beneficial relationship that was totally
All photos provided by John Van’t Land
student-centered. Our students were able to take on-site CRJS courses as well as their general core, the former at WNMU and most of the latter at UNM-G.
Prior to WNMU’s departure from the local scene, over twenty students received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work.
In terms of degrees, the UNM-Gallup criminal justice program can proudly point to several individuals with advanced degrees at the master’s level, as well as a couple of Juris Doctorates. We also have many graduates involved in community service throughout the area, ranging from being a member of the Navajo Bar Examiners to Toys for Tots, the Junior Public Safety Academy, Autism Awareness, various fund-raising organizations, and board memberships.
Our graduates are eagerly sought after. Throughout the years they have been able to learn from professionals actively employed in the areas who teach: law enforcement, corrections, probation, the courts, substance abuse, tribal justice, etc. At UNM-Gallup you can indeed stay near and go far!
15th ANNUAL UFO FILM FESTIVAL POSTPONED
Due to the El Morro Theatre being under renovations.
For schedule updates: www.chuckwadeufo.com
Thank You!
To all our sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers, and the whole community who supported this year’s successful event. Thanks to you, more local kids will be matched with caring adult mentors, changing their lives for the better, forever.
Albatross Sponsors
Prize Donors
Arviso Construction Brett & Cindy Newberry Cracker Barrel Cellular One · Del Taco El Charrito · El Rancho El Sombrero Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Gallup Auto Detailing Gallup Coffee Company Gallup Lumber Gordo’s Cafe Indian Gallery Indian Touch of Gallup Jason Armstrong Jiffy Lube · La Carreta Joe DiGregorio Lowe’s Grocery Store Maria’s New Mexico Pottery Co Pep Boys · Railway Café Rafa Rodriguez Rent-A-Center The Rocket Café Sandra’s Place · Subway UNM-Gallup · Walgreens Zen Steak and Sushi
Eagle Sponsors
Advocate Law
Par Sponsors
Alliance of Gallup · Bubany Insurance Century 21 Action Realty Chee Montano- State Farm Insurance Dr. Andrade - Family Medicine Assoc. High Desert Cycles · Home Depot Mataya Construction · New Mexico Pottery Premier Distributing · Small Fry Dentistry Tony Gonzalez, CPA
Hole-In-One Sponsor: Gurley Motor Company
Bogey Sponsors
Birdie Sponsors
9th Annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake August 26, 2018
