MTSU cements partnership with Metro Nashville Police Department to graduate officers [+VIDEO]

Metro Nashville Assistant Police Chief Dwayne Greene, left, and John Burchfield, third from left, associate dean of MTSU University College, pose June 26 with the co-hosts of the WKRN News Local on 2 program at the station’s Nashville, Tenn., studios. They appeared to discuss the benefits of the university’s new public safety concentration geared toward helping working professionals like those on Metro Nashville’s police force earn their bachelor’s degree. Interviewing them was host Laura Schweizer, far right, and co-host Larissa Wohl, second from left. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Middle Tennessee State University is evolving its relationship with Metro Nashville Police Department by committing to assist more officers in graduating with bachelor’s degrees.

Last fall, MTSU announced a new public safety concentration, specifically designed for currently working public safety professionals.

Rick Sluder, dean of MTSU’s University College, says the program provides public safety officials with opportunities to acquire and enhance pivotal knowledge in key areas related to their work.

Dr. Rick Sluder, vice provost, Student Success; dean, University College — Dr. Richard Sluder

“This degree is focused on areas including organizational crisis communications, diversity in the workplace, ethical leadership, and leadership skills and development,” Sluder said. “Students will graduate from the program with the knowledge they need to be successful.”

Many of these students have experience, training and certifications that qualify them for Prior Learning Assessment credit. Through Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA, the program allows adult students to convert eligible prior work and training and certifications into college credit and use up to 48 credits toward electives. Students pay for the course but are not charged for the credits earned.

John Burchfield, second from left, associate dean of MTSU University College, appears with Metro Nashville Assistant Police Chief Dwayne Greene, far left, June 26 on the WKRN News Local on 2 program from the station’s Nashville, Tenn., studios to discuss the benefits of the university’s new public safety concentration geared toward helping working professionals earn their bachelor’s degree. They are being interviewed by Local on 2 host Larissa Wohl, second from right, and co-host Laura Schweizer. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

For Metro Nashville Police, Assistant Police Chief Dwayne Greene said the partnership with MTSU is helping his officers become better equipped, more well-rounded professionals.

“Those enrolled in this program have enjoyed their time in class,” Greene said. “We know the graduates of this program will serve as an inspiration to other officers who are looking to grow in their careers.”

Greene joined University College Associate Dean John Burchfield in discussing the new public safety concentration on the WKRN News Local on 2 program at the studios of WKRN, Nashville’s ABC television affiliate. Watch their segment below:

The program features courses in management, sociology, communications and health. The public safety concentration is designed for those in law enforcement, public safety, first responders and other service professionals at the local, state and federal levels.

Learn more about the program at www.mtsu.edu/programs/public-safety/.

— Hunter Patterson (Hunter.Patterson@mtsu.edu)