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Talent Pathway Coordinator and ATF Special Agent and Business Marketing and Management graduate Freddie Summers speaks at event in March.
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A Partnership for Excellence in Law Enforcement Education

December 3, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) share a strong, ongoing partnership that enhances the academic and professional journeys of WIU students in the field of law enforcement. This collaboration provides students with direct pathways to careers within federal agencies and enables the exchange of expertise and resources between WIU's renowned School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) and the ATF, which protects the public from crimes involving firearms, explosives, arson, regulates lawful commerce in firearms and explosives and provides worldwide support to law enforcement, public safety and industry partners.

Through initiatives like the "Government to Graduate" project, the WIU-ATF partnership goes beyond typical educational alliances by offering students exposure to real-world career insights and federal recruitment opportunities. The relationship between WIU and ATF includes specialized programs, mentorships, internships and training that equip students with the knowledge and experience necessary for federal service.

"It was an honor to partner with ATF on the Government to Graduate project. The School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration at Western Illinois University has a strong heritage of training future public safety officers and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with ATF and all other federal law enforcement agencies," LEJA Professor Jamie Johnson said.

ATF has recognized WIU as an essential partner in developing future talent for its ranks; whether that be special agents, industry operations investigators, intelligence analysts or support staff. ATF's media department recently produced a video featuring WIU's role in the "Government to Graduate" project, emphasizing the value both organizations place on preparing students for impactful roles in federal law enforcement. WIU alumnus and ATF Special Agent Freddie Summers spearheaded this initiative, underscoring ATF's commitment to working with WIU on student outreach and professional development.

"The Graduate to Government Program spearheads ATF's commitment to the next generation of Criminal justice professionals by prioritizing partnerships with the top universities in the nation. The Graduate to Government Program provides students firsthand insight from mission-critical professionals from a variety of ATF careers. ATF's successful partnership with WIU will serve as a template for collaboration with other universities around the country," Summers said.

The ongoing collaboration between WIU and ATF underscores WIU's commitment to providing its students with high-caliber, career-focused opportunities, positioning them for success in competitive federal law enforcement roles.

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

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing