By Erika Neldner
Employees with the Cherokee Marshal’s Office (CMO) have a new educational opportunity thanks to a partnership between CMO and Reinhardt University.
Cherokee Board of Commission Chairman Harry Johnston and Reinhardt Provost Mark Roberts signed the Educational Pathway agreement May 7, following the approval by the Board of Commissioners. The agreement with the marshal’s office is much like similar agreements for Cherokee County government employees and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office employees.
“It’s a great opportunity with a great institution like Reinhardt,” Chief Marshal Ron Hunton said. “It provides an outstanding opportunity for employees to continue their education. It should prove most valuable for those involved.”
The agreement allows for part-time and full-time employees of the Marshal’s Office, as well as its emergency management volunteers, to receive discounted tuition and the opportunity for scholarships.
Programs available as part of the agreement for CMO employees in good standing include the Associate of Science in criminal justice (online or with the Police Academy option), the Bachelor of Organizational Management & Leadership and the Executive Command and Leadership Program, which includes command level Peace Officer Standards and Training credits and a Master of Public Administration.
Trey Drawdy, director of Reinhardt’s Public Safety Institute and interim dean of the School of Professional Studies, said the Educational Pathway agreement with the Cherokee Marshal’s Office was a natural decision given the success of a similar agreement originally signed last year with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. Eleven Cherokee Sheriff’s Office employees have taken advantage of the agreement and have enrolled in one of the three programs offered.
“We want to be able to serve those who are serving our community,” Drawdy said. “We are thankful to be able to execute these Educational Pathway agreements, giving our local law enforcement officers the opportunities to further their education and advance their careers, all the while serving the citizens of Cherokee County.”
