International Women’s Month The Wesleyan Way-Dr. Cheryl (Arnold) Purdy ’76

Dr. Cheryl (Arnold) Purdy ’76 is a distinguished digital forensic examiner and cybersecurity educator, whose work in law enforcement and academia has had a significant impact on the field of digital forensics. After graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan with a degree in mathematics, she began her career in education and later transitioned into law enforcement.

Dr. Purdy is the lead digital forensic examiner/analyst for the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, where she has worked for over 13 years. During this time, she has conducted hundreds of forensic examinations, many of which have led to convictions in both state and federal cases. In addition to her law enforcement role, Dr. Purdy serves as an adjunct professor at the University of the Cumberlands, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville, teaching courses in malware analysis, digital forensics, and network security.

Dr. Purdy holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology with a focus on digital forensics. She has received specialized training from organizations such as the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, the National White Collar Crime Center, the National Computer Forensics Institute, and the American Academy of Applied Forensics. Her exceptional contributions to the field have earned her several accolades, including being named the 2021 National Sheriff’s Association Reserve Deputy of the Year, the 2021 Owensboro Noon Optimist Respect for Law Award, and the 2021 New Beginnings Voice for Change Award.

In 2024, Dr. Purdy was selected for the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program, and she traveled to Iceland to assist the University of Akureyri in developing a cybercrime education program for law enforcement.

Dr. Purdy is also a proud wife, mother, and grandmother, enjoying time with her two daughters and her 9-year-old and 2-year-old grandchildren. Her husband, Robert, a 1981 KWC graduate, shares her deep connection to Kentucky Wesleyan College. Her work continues to inspire future generations of digital forensics professionals.”

Keep an eye out as we continue highlighting more amazing KWC alumnae throughout #WomensHistoryMonth! This year, we honor nearly 135 years of female alumnae, as KWC was one of the first co-ed higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, welcoming female students since the early 1890s.