March 1, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at GRCC and go anywhere! Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC – or Grand Rapids Junior College – gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours!
Where do you go after you have a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration?
If you’re Michelle LaJoye-Young, you go to GRCC’s Police Academy.
“At the time I attended GRCC, I had already received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from MSU and a master’s in public administration from WMU, but I lacked a certification that would allow me to reach my full potential in my field,” she said. “GRCC was local and of such great quality, it perfectly filled my need.”
LaJoye-Young was already working full time for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and needed to get her Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards certification through a program that fit her schedule.
“It was well done and flexible for someone who was working full time,” she said. “The quality was very comparable to my other undergraduate work at MSU.”
LaJoye-Young, who also graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, has filled many roles since joining the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in 1989, in communications, support services and as chief deputy and undersheriff. She was appointed sheriff in 2018 and was elected to a four-year term in November.
She also serves on local, state and federal boards, including for the Children’s Advocacy Center, the YWCA, the Boys and Girls Club, and GRCC and Grand Valley State University Police Academy advisory boards. Three Michigan governors have appointed her to boards, and she has advised FBI committees and task forces.
“GRCC, along with a lot of very hard work, allowed me to have the qualifications to meet my aspirations and serve my community to my fullest capabilities,” she said.
Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.
And tell us your story here: grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory