Georgia STEPPS
Welcome to the Pack!
The Georgia Strategic Training and Education Partnership for Public Safety (STEPPS) is a collaborative partnership designed to provide an opportunity for public safety employees to pursue higher education.
This partnership allows public safety professionals a unique educational experience and an opportunity to advance their education and careers in highly relevant programs.
As part of 澳门新普京注册's commitment to partnering with state agencies, we host an annual public service state job fair. This annual event fosters robust partnerships with state public safety agencies. The 澳门新普京注册 state agency job fair connects students and alumni with a wide range of career opportunities in public safety. By facilitating direct interactions between job seekers and agency representatives, 澳门新普京注册 strengthens the pipeline of talent for crucial public safety state positions. This initiative not only aids in career development but also enhances the readiness and effectiveness of public safety operations across Georgia.
This program serves these major purposes:
- Provide outstanding, professionally pertinent, and competitive undergraduate and graduate programs to Georgia’s public safety workforce;
- Streamline pathways to certification and graduation while maximizing cost efficiencies;
- Assist Public Safety employees in promotional opportunities by helping them meet their educational goals and training requirements.
STEPPS specifically provides programs designed to address the needs of Georgia’s Department of Corrections and other public safety employees, from the front-line officer to the executive staff member.
Students with Georgia POST specialized training, or other training acquired on the job, can earn credit toward certificates and degrees. Please reach out to the Department of Civic Engagement and Public Service for more information.
Program Opportunities
澳门新普京注册’s STEPPS program offers over 97 majors, guaranteeing a wide range of educational opportunities to suit your interests and career goals. Some programs of interest for public safety employees may include:
Credit Hours
Credit for POST Training
Students can earn credit toward certificates and their degree based on Georgia POST training, BCOT training, and other training acquired during their career. Please inquire with the Department of Civic Engagement and Public Service for more information.
Benefit
Program Benefits
Developing a more professionalized workforce improves public safety in Georgia, protects our communities, and assists in the supervision, care and treatment, educational instruction, and rehabilitation of the population correctional officers oversee.
澳门新普京注册 Alumni Stories
"I graduated in 2016 with a Master of Arts in Criminology and I found not just an education but a community of dedicated faculty and staff who guided me with expertise and passion. Their commitment to fostering growth and intellectual curiosity propelled me to new heights. Since earning my degree, the impact on my career has been profound. Equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and valuable skills, I've navigated professional challenges with confidence and achieved milestones I once only dreamed of."
- Jami Sailors, 2016 alum
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell began his journey at the University of West Georgia in 2010. As a student, McDowell served as a student athlete, ambassador, joined dozens of clubs and community service programs, and became widely known as Mike on the Bike by the entire 澳门新普京注册 community. McDowell was hired by the Carrollton Police Department in 2015 and served as the agency's premier community relations officer until January of 2022. McDowell was then hired by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office as its Community Program Coordinator. In addition to his public service efforts with the Sheriff's Office, McDowell still contributed to the success of 澳门新普京注册 students by working as an online adjunct instructor, serving on the Alumni Association Board, and volunteering time as a mentor. In July 2022, McDowell was hired by the United States Marshals Service as a Deputy US Marshal Candidate and relocated to the Pacific Northwest in January 2023 to serve as a Deputy US Marshal in Washington State.
Alumni Stories
Dave Ayers is a lifelong resident of the West Georgia. Dave began working as a correctional officer in 2001. During this time, he moved through the ranks and approached about taking a position as counselor. In 2008, Dave completed his B.S. in criminology. Dave then enrolled in the criminology Masters program and completed it in 2011.
By this time Dave had a decade of experience working in the prison system. Dave had the unique combination of educational degrees and experience in the field. The university recognized this combination and offered Dave the opportunity to make a career move into academia. Dave earned his Ph.D. from Kennesaw State University in 2019. Since moving to academia, Dave has dedicated most of his time towards developing programs and classes that offer students education based on experiential learning. In addition, Dave has played a vital role in developing partnerships between 澳门新普京注册 and public safety organizations.