Press Release
Elk River, Minn., Resident Matthew Petz Named Director Of The School Of Justice Studies At Rasmussen College
September 16, 2010
MINNEAPOLIS, (September 16, 2010) – Rasmussen College recently named Elk River, Minn, resident Matthew Petz the new director for its growing School of Justice Studies. Petz, who previously served Rasmussen College as an adjunct professor and law enforcement program coordinator, brings nearly 15 years of criminal justice experience, including terms as a deputy sheriff for both Isanti County and Dodge County, to his new role.
“We are excited to leverage Matthew’s experience and natural leadership ability as we provide students access to programs in the most high-demand fields of justice studies,” Rasmussen College Vice President of Academic Affairs CarieAnn Potenza said. “Matthew will provide direction and support for students and staff as the Rasmussen College School of Justice Studies continues to meet the increasing needs of an expanding field.”
Previously, Petz worked with students through the Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) program. In addition to his primary responsibilities, which included coordinating student enrollments and ongoing training and working with the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (MN POST) Board, Petz has been involved in the development and administration of the first private college practical police training program in Minnesota’s law enforcement training history.
“As director of the School of Justice Studies, I am committed to providing leadership and guidance to faculty and staff as we work to establish new programs that will benefit students pursuing in law enforcement and criminal justice degrees,” Petz said. “I look forward to supporting our current programs and implementing new practices as we continue to be the educational leader in the field.”
A licensed Minnesota peace officer since 1996, Petz has served in a variety of police roles during his career. Some of his special assignments include SWAT team operations, hostage negotiator, K9 team member, criminal investigator, police administrator, and training officer. He has been a field training officer for new recruits and is a qualified use of force and police firearms instructor. As a professional peace officer, he also worked closely with professionals across the criminal justice system, from victims’ advocates and human service workers, to attorneys and judges.
Petz earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and holds a Master’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, with experience in behavior modification and an academic focus on police-related psychology. During his graduate work in counseling psychology, Petz completed a 700-hour practicum in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the world-renowned Mayo Medical Center.
For additional information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.Rasmussen.edu.
ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
An innovator of higher education, Rasmussen College is a career-focused, private college that specializes in offering the most in-demand degree programs in a highly supportive, student-centered educational environment. Rasmussen College offers market-relevant programs from the certificate and diploma level through the associate’s and bachelor’s level online and across its 22 campuses in the Midwest and Florida to more than 15,000 students. By combining its expertise in career development with high academic standards and with unparalleled student support services, graduates of Rasmussen College leave with the most up-to-date knowledge, the skills that employers look for, and the tools to succeed in their chosen field. Since 1900, the primary focus at Rasmussen College has remained constant: student achievement is of the upmost importance, the employer who hires its students continues to be a valued partner, and Rasmussen College is dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves.
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