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John Wood Community College president, Bryan Renfro, and WIU Interim President, Kristi Mindrup, shake hands after establishing a transfer pathway for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice/law enforcement.
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At today's signing were John Wood Community College Criminal Justice Instructor, Nick Hiland, JWCC Dean of Student Affairs and Criminal Justice Instructor, Rachel Hansen, JWCC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Shelley Barkley, JWCC president Dr. Bryan Renfro, WIU Interim President Kristi Mindrup, Interim Provost and Academic Vice President, Mark Mossman, and Assistant Director of the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Jamie Johnson.
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Western Illinois University and John Wood Community College Sign Articulation Agreement for Criminal Justice Pathway

November 18, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University (WIU) and John Wood Community College (JWCC) signed a significant articulation agreement today (Nov. 18), establishing a transfer pathway for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice/law enforcement. WIU Interim President Kristi Mindrup, Interim Provost, Academic Vice President Mark Mossman and School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Assistant Director Jamie Johnson traveled to JWCC to meet with JWCC President Bryan Renfro and criminal justice faculty and students to formally sign the agreement.

This agreement maps out a clear academic pathway from JWCC's associate degree in criminal justice to a bachelor's degree in law enforcement at WIU, ensuring that students can transfer efficiently with credits that align directly with their academic goals at WIU. As an articulation pathway, rather than a strict "2+2" program, the agreement offers JWCC students flexibility in achieving their degree goals, with a recommended plan but without a rigid timeline. This flexibility acknowledges the diverse educational journeys that transfer students often experience and provides guidance for degree completion in the most efficient manner possible.

"Our goal at John Wood Community College is to help students find their career path and complete their degrees with efficiency in both time and cost. We're excited to expand our partnership with Western Illinois University, especially for our criminal justice students who are committed to serving the public through various career pathways," Renfro said.

"The WIU Law Enforcement and Justice Administration program is an excellent step for students pursuing high-demand roles in the field. This agreement creates a seamless transfer
experience from JWCC to WIU, preparing graduates to meet workforce needs regionally and beyond," Mindrup added.

For more information on WIU's School of LEJA, visit wiu.edu/leja.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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