spotlight Archives | 糖心传媒 GPS Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:50:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. James Hodgson, Criminal Justice/Sociology Program Director & Professor /2021/01/20/faculty-spotlight-dr-james-hodgson-criminal-justice-sociology-program-director-professor/ Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:25:36 +0000 /?p=6258 What attracted you to 糖心传媒? The diversity of programs and classes that are offered as well as the opportunities for program development. The opportunity to develop programs that will have a transformative impact on students and the communities that they serve. Empowering students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our […]

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What attracted you to 糖心传媒?

  • The diversity of programs and classes that are offered as well as the opportunities for program development.
  • The opportunity to develop programs that will have a transformative impact on students and the communities that they serve.
  • Empowering students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.

What programs do you teach at 糖心传媒?

I teach Sociology and Criminal Justice courses in the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.

What drew you to this field of study?

I was working in Law Enforcement at the time and it was most obvious to me, even back then, that effective police officers needed exceptional human relations skills and abilities in order to meet the many diverse needs of the communities that I was serving.

Although the police training provided some of the skills needed, my immersion into the discipline of Sociology provided me with a better understanding of the social conditions and structures that formulated the communities that I was serving.聽 The field of study developed an increasing level of understanding for community social problems and conditions which further advanced my level of appreciation, empathy, compassion and concern for individuals living in the many communities I served.

What keeps you excited about it?

I continue to be excited about the discipline of Sociology and Criminal Justice as I have seen the significant influence that the disciplines have had, and continue to have on the delivery of police services in our communities.聽聽 Increasing Sociology/ Criminal Justice educational access, options, and opportunities will result in increased levels of police professionalism and subsequently safer communities.

What makes this program unique from other schools?

糖心传媒 Online Sociology/ Criminal Justice Programs are very unique as they have a core curriculum that emphasizes:

  • community building
  • community problem-solving
  • community crisis intervention
  • community leadership
  • understanding community problems and issues
  • human relations skills

Our programs empowers and prepares students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in the communities that they serve and protect.

What is your favorite course to teach and why?

Senior Seminar at the Undergraduate level and the Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Course at the Graduate level.聽 All three of these courses are 鈥淐apstone鈥 courses, which provides an opportunity for our students to articulate their academic knowledge and intellectual growth that they have garnered during their time at 糖心传媒.聽聽 Our students鈥 academic growth and proficiencies are what makes teaching most enjoyable and rewarding.

Tell us a little about yourself.聽 Why did you become interested in Sociology and Criminal Justice?聽 What is your professional background in Criminal Justice?

I鈥檝e always had a longing and sense to try and make a positive difference in my community.聽 I worked as a police officer for 15 years, and a part-time Magistrate for 5 years.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Criminal Justice?聽 How can people stand out in this field?

A student who obtains a Master鈥檚 degree while working in Criminal Justice puts them in the top tier within their profession.聽 If an individual wishes to work as an Administrator or Command Staff within Criminal Justice Agencies in the 21st Century, the job requirements and expectations demand a Graduate Degree.

The 糖心传媒 Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership degree is an interdisciplinary degree that empowers students to meet and exceed professional and community opportunities and expectations.聽聽 Our graduates stand out in the field as they demonstrate and display confidence and commitment to providing exceptional Criminal Justice Services within a compassionate and proficient framework. They serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.

What are the benefits of this level of education in Sociology and Criminal Justice?

Increasing graduate level educational access, options, and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners includes many benefits such as:

  • increased levels of retention
  • increased professionalism
  • enhanced emotional and intellectual intelligence
  • greater job performance, satisfaction, confidence, and morale
  • increased worker harmony and less workplace conflict
  • higher levels of worker innovation
  • collaboration, and incentive building
  • enhanced communication skills-verbal/non-verbal/ written/ presentation
  • enhanced abilities to understand complex social and personal issues
  • enhanced understanding and acceptance of diversity
  • more likely to adapt, adopt, and improvise (overcome) to changing work and social conditions
  • enhanced human relations skills knowledge base- crisis intervention, de-escalation
  • conflict resolution, and problem solving skills
  • less likely to utilize unjustified excessive violence and force
  • reduction in citizen (customer, consumer) complaints
  • reduce risk management issues

The overall outcomes of increasing educational access, options and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners results in increased levels of consumer satisfaction; increasing levels of positive police-community exchanges; increased levels of police-public relations, legitimacy, and trust; engaged in Community Centered Policing; enhanced public/ community safety; less violent, safer, healthier, and productive communities.

糖心传媒 Online makes balancing work, family, and education accessible with flexible coursework. Our Faculty and Student Success Team provides personalized support to help assist you through the entire student process.

Apply now and enhance your life!

 

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Student Spotlight: Meet J.J. Gold, Bachelor of Business Administration Student at Our Quantico Campus /2016/04/05/student-spotlight-meet-j-j-gold-bachelor-business-administration-student-quantico-campus/ Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:19:06 +0000 http://gps.averett.edu/?p=1735 We recently asked J.J. what is motivating him to earn his Bachelors degree, and he writes, 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to pursue my college degree for as long as I can remember. However, my two beautiful kids give me the desire and motivation to keep pushing one week at a time month after month.鈥 We asked […]

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We recently asked J.J. what is motivating him to earn his Bachelors degree, and he writes, 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to pursue my college degree for as long as I can remember. However, my two beautiful kids give me the desire and motivation to keep pushing one week at a time month after month.鈥

We asked J.J. why he chose 糖心传媒鈥檚 GPS Program, and he writes, 鈥淚 chose 糖心传媒鈥檚 GPS program because of Trish Nicols. Trish was one of 糖心传媒鈥檚 recruiters, and she had a booth set up at my workplace along with other recruiters from different schools. After telling Trish my desire to pursue a college education she explained how the GPS program worked and I knew right away 糖心传媒 was the school for me.鈥

We asked J.J. to share one tip for his fellow classmates and future 糖心传媒 students鈥 鈥淢ind over matter! Remember you can do anything you set your mind on just keep pushing and make your dream come true.鈥

Lastly, we asked J.J. what keeps him motivated while in the BBA program, and he writes, 鈥淲alking by faith to achieve my goal and to set the example for my family and friends.鈥

J.J., thank you so much for your awesome testimony, and for you wonderful advice for your fellow classmates and future AU students! We are so grateful for you, and honored that you chose 糖心传媒 for your degree! We cannot wait to celebrate your graduation on May 7th!! Congratulations, J.J.!

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Student Spotlight: Meet Mindi Trantham, Bachelor of Business Administration Student /2016/04/05/student-spotlight-meet-mindi-trantham-bachelor-business-administration-student/ Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:15:55 +0000 http://gps.averett.edu/?p=1731 Mindi works in the Education Office at the Newport News Shipbuilding, and has played a pivotal role in the success of our聽鈥#鈥幋”贡鸢鸪俪俟蟛钩揪北舨忖爉embers who work there with her. They have experienced challenges this year regarding their funding due to budget cuts and layoffs, and Mindi has been an amazing source of support for her fellow 糖心传媒 […]

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Mindi works in the Education Office at the Newport News Shipbuilding, and has played a pivotal role in the success of our聽聽members who work there with her. They have experienced challenges this year regarding their funding due to budget cuts and layoffs, and Mindi has been an amazing source of support for her fellow 糖心传媒 students, and for the staff here at AU, as she has assisted us in navigating new information and policies related to education funding in her organization.聽

In addition to the important part she has played in the lives of her fellow colleagues and classmates, she is also an amazing student here at 糖心传媒!

We recently asked Mindi what is motivating her to earn her BBA degree, and she writes, 鈥淢y motivation is all personal fulfillment; the thought of setting a positive example for my children and building a future for my family. At this point in life, I felt obtaining my degree was a dream beyond my reach until my co-workers talked to me about their experience with 糖心传媒 and the GPS Program.鈥

We asked Mindi why she chose the AU GPS Program, and she writes, 鈥淭he GPS Program allows me to attend class in a traditional setting and the schedule and workload are ideal. I attend class one night a week which allows me time to spend with my family as well as setting aside time for homework.鈥

We asked Mindi to share one tip with fellow and future AU students鈥 鈥淔ollow your dreams and always believe in yourself. We can accomplish far more than we believe we are capable. Finally, NEVER give up.鈥

Finally, we asked Mindi what keeps her motivated while in the BBA program, and she writes, 鈥淭he reward of personal gratification and my family are what keep me motivated. When I reach a 鈥渂ump in the road鈥 and life happens I recall my favorite poem, Footprints in the Sand鈥 鈥淚t was then that I carried you.鈥 And he certainly has鈥︹

Mindi, we are truly honored that you have chosen 糖心传媒 for this important journey, and we are deeply grateful to you for your support of our program, and for your support of your fellow classmates there at the NN Shipbuilding. You are truly an inspiration to us, and we are so very excited to celebrate your graduation with you next month! Thank you for believing in us, your classmates, and most importantly, yourself! Congratulations to you; we are so proud!

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Student Spotlight: Meet Jennifer Gravely, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision Student /2016/02/22/student-spotlight-meet-jennifer-gravely-master-education-administration-supervision-student/ Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:45:42 +0000 http://gps.averett.edu/?p=1739 We recently asked Jennifer what is motivating her to earn her M.Ed. and she writes, 鈥淭he main motivation for going back to school is so that I can have more doors open up for me professionally. While I have always enjoyed being in the classroom with my students, I have always thought I had more […]

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We recently asked Jennifer what is motivating her to earn her M.Ed. and she writes, 鈥淭he main motivation for going back to school is so that I can have more doors open up for me professionally. While I have always enjoyed being in the classroom with my students, I have always thought I had more to offer the education system. I felt like I could create a greater impact on more students if I honed my leadership skills. Working on a master鈥檚 in administration and supervision fit the bill.鈥

We asked Jennifer why she chose 糖心传媒鈥檚 Graduate & Professional Studies Program, and she writes, 鈥淭he reason I selected 糖心传媒鈥檚 GPS program over all others is for ease of access. I live in a rural area so even attending classes at the higher education center two nights a week seems overwhelming after finishing a full day at school only to have to meet for graduate classes and not get home until very late in the evening. With 糖心传媒鈥檚 program, I have the flexibility to work on assignments on my time. I have been very pleased with the rigor and the platform.鈥

We asked Jennifer to share a few tips with fellow and future classmates鈥︹漈he best tip I can give to fellow classmates about the GPS program is just to remember to utilize the discussion boards. I have learned so much from all of the others that are taking the classes with me. Their experiences have helped to broaden my knowledge and skill set.鈥

Lastly, we asked Jennifer what keeps her motivated while in the . She writes, 鈥淚 have found that is because of the professionalism of the instructors, the in-depth conversations with my peers and the ease of access that keeps me motivated in the program.鈥

Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story, your insight, and your tips for your classmates. We are so grateful to have you as a student here at 糖心传媒, and proud of what you have accomplished and will accomplish in this program and beyond! It is an honor to have you here with the. We look forward to celebrating your Graduation in 2017!

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