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How It Paid Off: From Patrolman to Faculty Member

One alumnus discovers the value of being a scholar-practitioner.

John McCauley

Dr. John McCauley.

NAME: Dr. John McCauley ’11

DEGREE: PhD in Public Policy and Administration

TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Patrolman in Eastlake, Ohio, and adjunct faculty member at Mountain State University, Everest College, and Excelsior College

TITLES AFTER MY DEGREE: Head of the graduate criminal justice administration program at Mountain State University in Beckley, W.Va.; adjunct faculty member at five universities; and full-time police officer

HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME MAKE A LARGER IMPACT: I primarily teach students who are cops. We have a rapport; they know I’m out on the streets as a law enforcement officer and a scholar-practitioner. Having a Ph.D. shows them how seriously I take scholarship and research. My experience on the force helps me relate to the course content—and, most importantly, to the work my students do every day. 

BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: My faculty members at Walden were great models because they make students their priority. They stuck with me and supported me. I want to pay that forward. Seeing my students succeed is worth much more than the paycheck.

How did earning your degree change your career? Share your story at [email protected].

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