Indiana Sheriffs' Association partners with School of Professional Studies

Association members encouraged to take classes, earn degrees

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association recently named Trine University’s School of Professional Studies a “premier education partner.” The association will encourage its members to earn degrees, continue their educations and take classes at Trine’s branches throughout the state or online.

“It just seemed like a real good fit for both of us, especially with Trine’s criminal justice program and the online availability of courses,” said Stephen Luce, executive director of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association. “This year, we have 46 new sheriffs in the state of Indiana. At our meetings and conferences, this is one of the partnerships we will stress. We want our officers to continue or finish their educations.”

After hearing that other state sheriffs' associations partnered with colleges, Mike McClelland, retired Steuben County Sheriff and former board member of the National Sheriffs’ Association, approached Luce about collaborating with Trine. After officials met to discuss the details of a partnership, a plan was set into motion.

“Trine is the only school in Indiana with whom the sheriffs’ association is partnering,” David Wood, Dean School of Professional Studies said. “That’s pretty remarkable, and it speaks well for our program.”

Trine’s School of Professional Studies will offer discounted tuition for any association member who is an employee of an Indiana sheriff’s department, meets admission requirements and is seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

“We are proud to partner with the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. We appreciate their support of our nationally recognized award-winning criminal justice program,” said Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II. “We hope to be an asset and a resource for law enforcement officers and their families for years to come.”