WCSU - Why WestConn?

Jordan brings criminal justice expertise to classroom and role as commentator

Like a lot of students, Andres Ariza started his educational journey at a local community college. After graduating with an associate degree in liberal arts, Ariza started thinking about his future — especially as it related to finding a job. “I knew I wanted to get a bachelor’s degree,” he said. But in what … and from where?

I’ve seen Professor Jordan on CNN, TruTV and VH-1. I knew she knew her stuff,
but, wow!He consulted with family members to talk about his options. “Some of my relatives work for the FBI, and I sat down with them so they could tell me about what they do,” Ariza said. “That got me interested. I’d like to work for the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and I know it helps to have a degree in criminal justice.”

Ariza, who lives in Ridgefield, Conn., looked to WestConn for his bachelor’s degree because it was close to home. “I’d heard the faculty and students were great and the campus looked nice, too,” he explained.

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“Great faculty,” he would soon realize, turned out to be an understatement.

“At the beginning of my junior year, I had my first class with Professor of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) Casey Jordan. The class was Criminology,” Ariza said. “It was awesome. She is tough. You have to read the material. But she engages you and makes you want to give your opinion. There’s no dumb question: if you can support it, it’s a valid topic. The course taught me a lot about the criminal personality and provided theories about what leads to crime, giving me a better understanding of the justice system as it exists today.”

Jordan also offered Ariza his first opportunity to work in law enforcement. “I saw a poster on her door about internships,” Ariza said. Now, he’s working as an intern at the Bridgeport Police Department. “There’s a lot happening in Bridgeport, so I’m getting exposed to a lot of different sectors of policing,” Ariza said. “I’m thinking about applying to the Bridgeport Police Department’s Drug Task Force after graduation.”

Ariza’s mentor at the BPD is Deputy Chief of Investigative and Special Services Adam Radzimirski. “Casey Jordan had a great idea with this internship,” Radzimirski said. “Our department, because of its size, provides a real good opportunity for students to see the diverse responsibilities and aspects of modern-day policing. I’m very pleased with the quality of the interns we’ve received from WestConn,” he continued. “Andres is one of many students who represent the university well that have been through the program.”

The 22-year-old recalled a ”jaw-dropping” moment he had while watching CNN one day shortly after enrolling at WestConn. “There on the screen was his professor, providing expert commentary about a national crime story. “I think it’s one of the coolest things that she’s not only a respected member of the university, but also in society,” he said. “I’ve seen Professor Jordan on CNN, TruTV and VH-1. I knew she knew her stuff, but, wow! And I get to sit in her class and ask her for her opinions,” he said. “Her ideology is so well-respected, and yet she lets us in her head.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much WestConn has to offer,” Ariza said. “It seems I’ve gotten the better end of the stick than my peers who are studying at other schools. There are so many amazing resources here — plus, it’s affordable.”

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We have six great reasons to consider WestConn.

Reason No. 1:

Outstanding Faculty

Jordan brings criminal justice expertise to classroom and role as commentator
WestConn’s educators excel in their subject areas and disciplines, and are committed to excellence in teaching, ensuring student success and fostering a diverse academic community. Small class sizes taught by award-winning professors — including some Fulbright scholars — provide the best learning opportunities available.

Reason No. 2:

Location

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Capitalizing on our location in Danbury, Connecticut, a New England city characterized by its economic vibrancy and its diverse citizenry, as well as our proximity to the educational and cultural riches of New York City, WestConn has truly become a global university. Our students can be found exhibiting their art in Manhattan, performing theater on Broadway and in Scotland, visiting the United Nations and traveling to China, Spain, Puerto Rico and Vietnam for immersion programs.

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Reason No. 3:

Diverse University Community

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At WestConn, we value and affirm the unique contributions of our many constituent populations, recognizing the learning opportunities that differences can create. Workshops, roundtables and student organizations serve to explore and understand how best to combine the many unique talents within our student and faculty populations to foster discussion and understanding.

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Quality Academic Programs

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WestConn offers a range of quality academic offerings, including signature programs like our teacher education, music performance, nursing and science degrees, to our one-of-a-kind meteorology, professional writing and justice and law administration programs. There truly is something for everyone at WestConn.

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Reason No. 5:

Student-Centered Environment

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Our philosophy is simple: Foster a holistic approach to intellectual and social growth and development that prepares students to be productive citizens of the state of Connecticut and the world by developing their knowledge, experience, and critical thinking and by fostering life-long learning characterized by intellectual curiosity, imagination and creativity. In other words, if you can imagine it, you can achieve it at WestConn.

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Reason No. 6:

Affordability

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WestConn is proud to offer the affordability and access of a mid-sized public university while creating the quality experience of the best private institutions. Through private and corporate scholarships and endowments, the university continues to provide resources to students with academic achievement and financial need.

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Andres Ariza

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