Student Spotlight: Melissa Keeys
Name: Melissa Keeys
Transfer Student from: Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Major: Criminal Justice
Location: Prestonsburg
- Why did you choose to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University to complete your degree?
“I chose to transfer to Eastern Kentucky Regional Campuses to further my education.” “I loved the convenience of staying at home, the schedule, being able to graduate from a program that is nationally recognized.” “The transfer scholarship was the added bonus.”
*The program wants you to know that 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 (Corbin, Cumberland, Elizabethtown, Hazard, Manchester, Middlesboro, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Somerset, MECC-Virginia, and Whitesburg).
2. Can you describe the process of your transfer from (KCTCS, SCC, ECTC, MECC, etc.) to Eastern Kentucky University?
“The transfer transition and process were seamless.” I filled out my application, sent my transcripts and that was it.” “I met specific deadlines and my transfer scholarship was automatic.”
*The program wants you to know that 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.
3. Why did you select Criminal Justice/Police Studies?
“I chose Criminal Justice once I found out that the degree would allow me to obtain a career in social work.”
4. Are you aware that any credit hours at EKU above 12 are free (not including online only classes?) “I loved the idea of paying for 12 credit hours but receiving 18.” “This allows me to save money and time.”
*With this program, students can save about $2,600.00 each semester by taking two free classes! In addition, EKU Book Smart will be free to incoming undergraduates starting in the Fall 2021 semester.
5. Did you find the cjregional.eku.edu site helpful in your decision-making process?
“EKU’s Cjregional.eku.edu website gave me valuable information about the program.” “From there, I found information on required courses, careers, locations and resources.” “If I needed further assistance, I could use the contact info on their website”
6. Are you aware that EKU at RC&S offers two Nationally Recognized Criminal Justice Organizations?
“I am planning to join the student organization, Lambda Alpha Epsilon before graduation in Spring 2021.” “EKU also gives criminal justice students the opportunity to be a member of Alpha Phi Sigma.”
7. What are your educational/career goals?
“I have always wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree.” “I knew I eventually would, and the partnership with EKU’s CJ Prestonsburg site allowed me this opportunity.”
*Melissa Keeys currently works as EKU staff at the BSCTC Prestonsburg Site!
8. When will you begin your education at Eastern Kentucky University?
“I started EKU Prestonsburg in the Spring 2020.”
9. What advice would you give prospective students considering EKU and Criminal Justice/Police Studies?
“I would recommend anyone considering a degree in criminal justice to consider EKU’s Regional Program at Campus and Sites.” “It is convenient, budget friendly, and saves students time by allowing them to graduate earlier than normal.”
10. 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 have found the program to be enjoyable, educational, and accessible.” “The program is for the traditional and non-traditional student.” “You can have a full-time job, a family and still complete the program.” “I would advise anyone, who is thinking of continuing their education, to look in to EKU’s Criminal Justice Program at the Regional Campus locations.”
*If you have any questions regarding the CJ program, please click on the “Contact Us” tab, select your location and fill out the required information.
Published on May 19, 2021