Samantha Krekel

First woman of many 

Samantha Krekel completed the Homeland Security Emphasis in the Criminal Justice Degree program during the Fall semester of 2020. In order to complete the emphasis, students take courses in homeland security, terrorism and emergency management.

Briar Cliff is the only university in the area that offers this emphasis. Samantha learned about the opportunity from her professor, Patricia Feese, and knew she wanted to be a part of it.

"I plan to go into a government agency in the future and having this emphasis gives me a boost compared to my future peers," Samantha says.

With classes like First Response and Emergency Management, students are well prepared upon completion of this emphasis.

"This is a great emphasis to be in and consider if anyone is planning on majoring in criminology or criminal justice," Samantha says. "I am proud to be the first woman to complete this at BCU, but I hope I am nowhere close to the last."

Samantha Krekel | Criminal Justice and Psychology '22 | Sun Prairie, WI