by Bethel University
Gregory Robinson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police at Tennessee State University (TSU), has led a successful career in law enforcement for over 35 years. Throughout those years, Robinson has been recognized for his professional achievements on various occasions. To date, Robinson has added two additional honors to his résumé in the year 2019. Even more impressive, Robinson has earned these awards while also managing his responsibilities as a student in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program at Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies.
The first award presented to Robinson in 2019 was the Service Learning and Civic Engagement Award from his employer, TSU. This annual award is given to university faculty, staff members, or administrators commemorating their efforts in community service and service-learning.
The second, very prestigious award presented to Robinson this year was the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA)Award for Administrative Excellence. The award recognizes those who have implemented new ideas, cost-saving procedures, or management techniques within their departments. Robinson attributes his selection as the IACLEA Award winner primarily to his creation and implementation of an officer retention plan. The tactics incorporated in the retention plan assist in making officers feel appreciated and valued which, according to Robinson, has positively affected job performance. Additionally, there has been a 36% decrease in crime on the TSU campus since Robinson began his role at the university.
As Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police, Robinson has an immensely demanding career. He knew it would be nearly impossible to remain in his professional role and attend weekly classes due to his professional responsibilities and time restraints. The flexibility of the online MSCJ program provides a means for students, like Robinson, to continue working full-time while earning a degree simultaneously. The program provides professionals with practical tools and skills that can be incorporated into the workplace “on a daily basis” according to Robinson.
“A lot of things that I have gained in my classes, I’ve used in my workplace,” Robinson stated. “For example, the material that I learned in one of my classes allowed me to put together a statistical presentation for our board, which provided a visual representation of the success that the department has had in crime reduction.” The MSCJ program is designed for law enforcement professionals, as well as those who are interested in furthering their careers in criminal justice and can be completed in as little as 19-23 months.
Robinson is projected to graduate from the MSCJ program in November of 2020. After graduating from Bethel University, he plans to continue his education by pursuing a doctoral degree.
For more information about the IACLEA Administrative Excellence Award, visit the IACLEA website at https://www.iaclea.org/adminis... or someone you know is interested in pursuing higher education while working full time, contact Lance Tasker at taskerl@bethelu.edu or (931) 444-9864, or visit www.bethelu.edu.