Student Spotlight: Jenna Stevens
Name: Jenna Stevens
Transfer Student from: Bluegrass Community and Technical College (KCTCS)
Major: Criminal Justice
Location: Regional Campus- Pikeville
- Why did you choose to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University to complete your degree?
From the moment I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted it to be at EKU. I have heard many people speak highly of the Criminal Justice program. EKU has one of the top 10 Criminal Justice Degree programs’ in the United States and you can complete your entire Criminal Justice or Police Studies Degree from any of their Regional Campuses or Sites (list all 11 locations).
When I first decided that I wanted to pursue my bachelor’s degree at EKU, I was local to the main Richmond campus. However, I ended up moving back to my hometown in Pikeville. I didn’t have to worry about picking a different school or driving to EKU’s main campus because EKU allowed me to take my classes at my local KCTCS campus in Pikeville.
- Can you describe the process of your transfer from (KCTCS, SCC, ECTC, MECC, etc.) to Eastern Kentucky University?
My transfer from KCTCS to EKU was simple. I started by simply requesting additional information on the program on the cjregional.eku.edu site. From here I was contacted by email with information on the program and how to apply. After I turned in my application, I simply had to have my previous undergrad credits transferred from KCTCS to EKU. Shortly after EKU received my transcripts they provided me with my admission decision.
- Did you know EKU has a Transfer Scholarship for students transferring from a KCTCS college?
Yes! The Transfer Scholarship award is up to $2,000.00 a semester based on your GPA and EKU receiving your KCTCS Transcripts before these yearly deadline dates (fall admissions by June 15th, for spring admissions by November 15th and for Summer admissions by March 15th). The Transfer Scholarship is in addition to the free classes too! I saved $4,600.00 each semester I was at EKU. * Free classes and Transfer Scholarship is not available in eCampus (100 percent online programs or if students take any online classes.Free courses and Transfer Scholarship is only available to students taking in-person classes in Richmond or at any of EKU’s Regional Campuses & Sites locations.
- Why did you select Criminal Justice/Police Studies?
I have always believed that no matter what career you choose in criminal justice, you will be changing lives. This was an important factor for me because I knew I wanted to spend my life doing something important and meaningful. With criminal justice you have the opportunity to help others, save lives, and contribute to your community and society. Also, I grew up in the foster system when I was younger and faced a lot of adversity. I knew that these experiences equipped me with certain knowledge, empathy, and traits that would be beneficial to a career in criminal justice. Lastly, it was important to me that criminal justice opens the door to many career paths.
- Are you aware that any credit hours at EKU above 12 are free (not including online only classes?)
Yes! Many students struggle to pay for classes, and do not receive enough aid or scholarships.I was able to save about $2,600.00 each semester by taking two free classes!
- Did you find the cjregional.eku.edu site helpful in your decision-making process?
The cjregional.eku.edu site was very helpful for me in my decision making process. It was one of the first places I visited when I wanted to learn more about EKU’s criminal justice program. It gave a lot of helpful information about the program and requirements. When I wanted to be contacted about the program in order to discuss it further, I was able to simply click the “request information” tab and someone promptly contacted me directly by email.
- Are you aware that EKU at RC&S offers two Nationally Recognized Criminal Justice Organizations?
I wasn’t prior to coming to EKU, but my EKU advisor (Stephen Kappeler) and the faculty explain the organizations and all the benefits of joining… and I joined!
- What are your educational and/or career goals?
My primary educational goal has always been to do my absolute best and maintain good grades through hard work and dedication to my studies. As I finish my bachelor’s degree with EKU this fall of 2020 and start my graduate degree at EKU in the Spring of 2021, my goal is to continue building on my knowledge by pursuing my master’s degree in Justice, Policy, and Leadership. As for career, I would like to potentially have a career within the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the United States Marshals Service.
- When will you begin your education at Eastern Kentucky University?
I began my education with EKU after I finished my Associate in Applied Science degree with KCTCS. I began my first semester at EKU during the Fall 2019 semester. Furthermore, I will begin pursuing my Graduate degree with EKU in the Spring of 2021.
- What advice would you give prospective students considering EKU and Criminal Justice/Police Studies?
If you truly want to make a difference in the world, serve your community, or conduct related research and you feel like criminal justice or police studies might be for you, give it a try. There is no shame in changing your major if it isn’t right for you. If you decide to take the steps towards pursuing criminal justice/police studies, EKU is a great place to be. I truly believe that EKU has one of the best criminal justice/police studies programs. I know personally that the curriculum for the criminal justice program at EKU is designed to challenge you. It isn’t just about memorizing books and statistics and busy work. This was a huge factor for me in making my decision. The professors make you think for yourself, form your own opinions and challenge the ones you have already made. This is extremely important for personal and professional growth. EKU and its incredible professors will set you up for success with its criminal justice/police studies program.
- Is there any specific advice you want to offer your (KCTCS, SCC, ECTC, MECC, etc.) colleagues who might be interested in transferring to EKU to complete their degree?
I would recommend EKU to anyone. I personally feel like they have a program to offer everyone. It doesn’t just have to be the Criminal Justice path that I chose. There are a lot of things that go into picking a college to pursue your degree. Obviously, you should do your research and make sure it fits your educational, personal, and financial needs. If you’re unsure, take advantage of EKU’s website and request additional information on your program of interest. You can also talk to current and former students and learn more about their experiences at EKU.
Published on March 30, 2021