51³Ô¹Ï

51³Ô¹Ï celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the 51³Ô¹Ï–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at Noon at the Pacer Statue on 51³Ô¹Ï’s campus.

Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from 51³Ô¹Ï President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., 51³Ô¹Ï Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement.

“This is a great opportunity for the University and the department, and I hope that students and troopers alike can take advantage of this program,” said David Kuzmick, Pennsylvania State Police trooper and 51³Ô¹Ï graduate.

The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment.

Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training.

“Students who are in 51³Ô¹Ï’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.”

President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a 51³Ô¹Ï education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.”

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at 51³Ô¹Ï
• Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy
• Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application
• Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements
• Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy

Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.