MPS alum William McCraw took time to reflect on his experience at UVA SCPS and to offer advice for other students who plan to continue their education.
Q: Tell us about your background?
McCraw: I was hired as a Virginia State Trooper in March of 2019. I graduated from the 130th Basic Session in October of 2019. Prior to joining the Virginia State Police (VSP), I was a student at Radford University, enrolling in the Fall of 2016 and graduating in December of 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Since graduating from the Virginia State Police Academy, I have earned a master's degree from Liberty University and also graduated from UVA's Master of Public Safety program in May of 2024. In October of 2024, I was hired by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute as a Regional Team Member in addition to working with the VSP. While I am still early in my career, I am excited to know that the leadership skills that I have learned at UVA will be utilized throughout the rest of my career to better the people of the Commonwealth and its visitors. My wife of two years and I are expecting our first child in January of 2025!
Q: Why did you choose to attend UVA SCPS?
McCraw: I chose UVA due to its esteemed reputation and its strong relationship with my agency. UVA and VSP work together to further the knowledge of public safety leaders through the National Criminal Justice Command College program. I felt that earning this degree would not only improve my abilities as a service-oriented public safety leader but would also help build my resume so that I could improve my chances of achieving my professional goals.
Q: How has this program impacted you?
McCraw: This program has improved me in many ways. First, holding a graduate degree from a "public ivy" is something that I never thought would be possible for me. UVA is arguably the most prestigious university in Virginia and it was an honor and a privilege to take classes with the best and the brightest public safety leaders within the Commonwealth and from around the world. Secondly, as a leader, I have adopted the principles of transformational leadership as the leadership style that I will use if I am fortunate enough to earn a position of formal leadership within my agency one day.
Q: What tip would you offer to a student considering continuing their education while balancing multiple demands?
McCraw: The main tip that I would offer is to know that furthering your education is very achievable. The professors within the program are more than willing to go above and beyond in the effort to help students and are often very understanding of the unexpected variables that life can present. The deadlines and workloads within each course of the MPS program are favorable to the working public safety progressional. While I was a student, I made sure to always prioritize my work and turn assignments in before the deadlines. This helped reduce the stress that can sometimes arise while being a graduate student and working a full-time job.