FOP-U Member Mountain State University Directly Responsible for Students’ Success

If you ask Sergeant Anthony Giaimo of the Tredyffrin Township Police Department in Pennsylvania what has contributed to his career success, he’ll be quick to name Mountain State University. “I’ve been involved with a number of higher education institutions throughout my training and education. Mountain State University provided the most rewarding, interesting, and challenging program of any that I’ve attended over the years,” states Giaimo.

Sergeant Giaimo has been a Recording Secretary and an Executive Board Member of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #11 since 1995, and says, “I highly recommend MSU to my fellow brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement as an excellent opportunity to advance their careers and further their educational horizons.”

“The Master of Science Program in Strategic Leadership offered by Mountain State University has given me new insight and vision into my role as a leader in both public and private life,” states Giaimo.  “There is no doubt that education is the key and ultimately leads to progression within agencies.  Each and every member of Law Enforcement is called upon to be a leader at various times throughout his or her career. Leadership courses like those offered by MSU are a vital and necessary part of training.”

Mountain State University became a part of the Fraternal Order of Police University (FOP-U) in March of 2007, at the inception of the program. MSU was required to meet specific degree and customer service standards to be considered as part of FOP-U. Dr. Harvey Stone, an instructor in the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership program at MSU is proud to be a part of the FOP-U program. “I believe we were selected as an elite part of the FOP-U as a result of our caring attitude toward our students. It’s not simply good enough for us to enroll students at MSU; we believe it is important to see them through to graduation, to offer them an informal mentorship, and to help them succeed.”

Carvel “Corky” McNeil of the City of Houston Police Department in Texas and member of the Fraternal Order of Police agrees. “MSU is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police with good reason. Their programs are geared toward adult learners, making use of the internet, bi-weekly chat sessions, and team assignments to complete coursework,” McNeil states. “Mr. Clifford Cook, my cohort facilitator, and Dr. Harvey Stone both worked to help everyone in our cohort group complete our assignments on time, even when we were faced with the Hurricane Katrina incident. Dr. Stone was the catalyst and driving force that kept me in the program from start to finish.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Police Department Sergeant Christine McShea reports a similar experience with the instructors and staff at MSU. “As far as personal attention goes, the entire staff of MSU is second to none.  In today's world of automation, I can honestly say that I never had a problem reaching anyone at MSU regarding financial aid, assistance with my studies, or even encouragement to continue in the program.  My cohort facilitator, Dr. Fred Harrington, offered every student personal attention that I don’t believe we’d have received, elsewhere,” McShea stated. “And Dr. Harvey Stone became my mentor and a friend throughout the entire program. He helped me maintain the level of motivation I needed to complete MSU’s challenging Organizational Leadership program. I highly recommend MSU’s program to anyone in law enforcement who is considering a bachelor’s or master’s program.”

Like Sergeants McShea and Giaimo, Senior Police Officer Corky McNeil encourages other peace officers to consider MSU’s leadership programs. “I have already recommended the program to several other officers, and have suggested MSU’s distance learning programs to adults in other fields, as well,” McNeil reports. “Because MSU offers credit for previous work history and training, and they transfer credits from other accredited schools, I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree in only eighteen months. What I have learned has already made me a better leader within my rank. I have more personal confidence and effective leadership skills, and I fully believe that I can accomplish any goal I set in the future. Now I want my friends and co-workers to share that same feeling.”

Dr. Stone points out that location is not a factor for students who wish to continue their education. “Sergeant Giaimo and Officer McNeil live over 1,500 miles apart, and yet they’ve shared a very similar experience,” he states. “FOP-U has given Mountain State University an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of law enforcement personnel, regardless of where they live and serve. With us, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the people.”

Mountain State University offers transfer credit for prior job and military training, and—in addition to financial aid for qualified students—offers a 20% discount on the two leadership programs to members of the Fraternal Order of Police. “Stafford Loans, the 20% discount, financial aid, and our reasonable tuition make the Organizational Leadership and Strategic Leadership programs affordable for law enforcement personnel to earn an advanced degree,” states Dr. Stone. “In addition, the online courses make it accessible to working adults, regardless of where they live and study.”

“From my personal experience,” states Sergeant McShea, “I’ve found that MSU is big enough to deliver a high-quality education, but small enough to care about each student.”