MURFREESBORO, NC – The Criminal Justice Club at Chowan University is comprised of students who are full of energy and ready to learn and give back to their community. Advised by Pamela Woodard, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, club members stay busy gathering experiences outside of the classroom.

On October 13th Retired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Brad Worrell visited Chowan University and spoke to Criminal Justice Students about his 20+ years as an undercover agent.  Worrell has traveled all over the world training officers and is still teaching courses in El Salvador on occasion. He presented videos highlighting the practical, academic and weapon training that agents endure as well as many cases of overseas drug operations that were brought down by the DEA.  Students were able to ask questions and Worrell stayed after his presentation to speak and offer words of advice. 

Three Criminal Justice Club members and Woodard visited Hertford County Middle School to speak with students about maintaining a drug free life on October 24th.  The entire week was "Red Ribbon Week" for the school and it was dedicated to drug awareness. Chowan students Jasmine Miles, Troy Cummings and Bryce Steele each gave a personal statement and testimony about their life and the importance of staying drug free. The students were receptive and enjoyed seeing college students tell them facts about the importance of staying drug free so college and careers can be a possibility. 

A large crowd showed up in the courtyard of McDowell Columns Hall for the 2nd annual K-9 Presentation held Thursday, Oct. 27th.  Officer Bryan Johnson from the Murfreesboro Police Department brought his K-9 "Kira" and Officer Busching from Southampton County Sheriff's Department brought "Molly".  Molly is trained to track lost children, elderly people who suffer from dementia and wander off as well as track scents of people who are suspected of committing a crime.  Kira is trained to retrieve articles and drugs.  When Kira finds an article that is sought after she lays down beside it and when she finds any illegal drug she sits.  When Molly is tracking the scent of an individual and finds it she automatically lays down and waits for praise from her trainer.  Both K-9's are extremely skilled in their training and the students enjoyed watching them work.

Chowan University encourages its students to get involved in various clubs and organizations on campus for enriched learning experiences. Not only is the University growing physically, but so are the minds of its students as clubs like the Criminal Justice Club continue to have a zeal to learn and give back.