Criminal Justice Students Dominate National Competition

Fairmont State University Criminal Justice students recently took several top honors at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences/Alpha Phi Sigma National Conference in Dallas.

“Our Fairmont State students can compete with any students anywhere. They don’t just compete, they win. Our students who participate in events like this national conference are better prepared to enter the workplace and for graduate school. Our Criminal Justice students know they have the skills they need to succeed when they graduate from Fairmont State’s undergraduate and graduate level programs,” said Dr. Deanna Shields, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and advisor to FSU’s Epsilon Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

For the second consecutive year, FSU’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma took first place in the Crime Scene Competition. Brittany Schumate of Coal City served as team captain. Other participating students were Nicole Allison of New Cumberland, Kaitlyn Antolock of Fairmont, Amy Bess of Hughestown, Logan Fletcher of Mount Clare, Michele Howard of Fairmont and Marshal Sherry of Farmington. As part of the competition, the students investigated a mock homicide scene set up in a hotel room. The team was allowed into the area for a limited amount of time, and then team members worked through the night to determine the details of the case and identify the killer.

Kaitlyn Antolock of Fairmont was elected for a two-year term as national Vice President for Alpha Phi Sigma. Running for office required her to present two speeches, and her campaign slogan was “Roll with Antolock.” She handed out pepperoni rolls as part of her campaign and shared the story of their creation in Fairmont. As part of her duties, Antolock will help plan next year’s conference. Because of her election, Shields will serve as advisor to the national group.

Nicole Allison of New Cumberland won first place in the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Knowledge Exam. The 100-question multiple-choice test covers the entire Criminal Justice field – Alpha Phi Sigma history, law enforcement, corrections and courts.

In addition, three students and three faculty members presented papers at the conference. Amanda Algee, a graduate student, presented a paper at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Conference. Antolock, an undergraduate student, and Fletcher, a graduate student, presented papers at the Alpha Phi Sigma student panel.

“Participating in this national conference helps students develop leadership and networking skills and build cultural awareness by visiting different parts of the country. Many create friendships that last a lifetime,” Shields said.

For more information about FSU’s Criminal Justice programs, click here or call Shields at (304) 367-4161.