McLean County High School
Major: Criminal Justice and Criminology
Accepted to Kentucky State Police Academy
Jonah Brawner has wanted to be a policeman since he was a child, and he is almost ready to don a uniform. He will begin training at the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Academy in Frankfort on May 12, and after completion of the 25-week program, he will be assigned to one of the Commonwealth’s 16 KSP posts.
“I’m excited and looking forward to it,” says Jonah. “My Wesleyan experience has been excellent, and I feel prepared for what’s ahead.”
He says he can describe Kentucky Wesleyan in one word – helpful. “I transferred from Owensboro Community and Technical College, and the Admissions staff at Wesleyan went out of their way to be helpful during the process,” he recalls. “They were friendly, and they made it easy.”
“My professors have been very helpful, too,” he recalls. “There was a great atmosphere in all my classes, and they taught me life skills and how to be successful. The small classes made a difference.”
Several classes required volunteering at St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. “This opened my eyes to how all kinds of people live and what they experience. It felt good to help others, too.”
A commuter from Calhoun, Jonah says he is fortunate that Wesleyan is close to home and offers a high quality program. “I got an excellent education here. It has been a good two years.”
Jonah describes the application process as a year-long effort that involved a written exam, physical, polygraph test and background check. “I was so happy that I made it, and I give a lot of credit to Kentucky Wesleyan for my success. My Granddad is retired from the Owensboro Police Department, and he is proud of me. That means a lot.”
Congratulations, Jonah! We are proud of you, too, and wish you the best.