University News

From L-R: WIU School of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Jamie Johnson, WIU instructor and retired Illinois State Police District Commander Glen Schwartz, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, WIU President Kristi Mindrup, and WIU Director of Governmental Relations Zach Messersmith.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Western Illinois University, along with Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, joined Governor JB Pritzker in Springfield to recognize a new partnership with the Illinois State Police, allowing state troopers to earn educational credits toward a degree.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU and Illinois State Police Create Partnership for Educational Credit

February 3, 2025

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University (WIU) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) have established a partnership that will allow Illinois State Police troopers to earn 12 educational credits towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA). An event celebrating the collaboration was held at the Illinois State Police training center Jan. 30.

In addition to WIU, three other state universities (Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville) were in attendance at the celebration event. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly were present, as well.

"Investing in our Illinois State Police officers is not only the right thing to do – it is one of the most important things we can do for public safety," said Pritzker. "Today, I am proud to announce a new initiative that recognizes their dedication and supports their continued growth. Through partnerships with our state's public universities, ISP cadet graduates will now earn college credit toward a degree for their rigorous training – an investment that equips our officers with the tools they need to succeed."

"The most important tools of our Illinois State Police officers are not their badges, or guns, or handcuffs, but their hearts, minds, and souls," said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. "Partnering with these academic institutions strengthens their minds, their careers and their ability to protect the people of Illinois."

On hand representing Western Illinois University were President Kristi Mindrup, Assistant Director of LEJA Jamie Johnson and WIU instructor and retired Illinois State Police District Commander Glen Schwartz.

"WIU is a nationally recognized leader in the delivery of Public Safety educational programs. As such, Western is well positioned to enhance the educational levels of the Illinois State Police workforce with a streamlined path for the completion of a degree," Mindrup said. "We thank Governor Pritzker and Director Kelly for their dedication to creating opportunities for our Illinois State Police."

Western Illinois University is the top ranked law enforcement program in the state of Illinois and is a top five national program that places graduates in law enforcement across the entire United States. To learn more about the WIU LEJA program, visit wiu.edu/leja.

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