State lauds success of Western Michigan University's Cold Case Program with major financial investment
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's first-of-its-kind Cold Case Program with Michigan State Police will expand its impact after a crucial investment from the state. The program received $200,000 in the new state budget signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
"The partnership between WMU and Michigan State Police has been an amazing opportunity for our students to help detectives in their cold case investigations even before graduation. This new funding will help this program grow and further Western Michigan University as a leader in cold case investigations," says Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten, director of the Cold Case Program.
The financial support will enhance experiential learning opportunities for students involved in the Cold Case Program, putting them on the front lines of investigations by traveling to visit crime scenes, touring various law enforcement facilities and participating in professional training programs to build skills that will position them at the front of the pack as the next generation of law enforcement.
“Partnerships with colleges and universities, such as we have with Western Michigan University, are a win-win in that we receive critical assistance with cold case investigations and students receive experience and exposure with law enforcement,” says Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “This collaboration benefits our detectives and the students, but most importantly, this unique partnership can bring real results and closure to families impacted by violent crime.”
Launched in 2021, the Cold Case Program has a proven track record of results, working alongside detectives to resolve two cold homicide cases in its first two years,gaining national recognition and media attention. Since then, students have contributed nearly 10,000 hours of work every semester to investigations that have gone cold for decades.
"I’ve had lots of meaningful experiences in the Cold Case Program because I know that the moment I walk into the bullpen, I’m able to provide help to those who can’t speak for themselves," says Katie Stolz, a criminal justice studies student.
Western students have amplified investigation efforts on more than two dozen homicide and missing person cases to date, analyzing, digitizing and organizing countless documents and files to help detectives generate new leads.
"It's an amazing tool for a smaller agency like mine," Detective Tom Cole of the Fenton (Michigan) Police Department told "The Vanished" podcast. MSP connected him with Western students who he has now enlisted to help on the case involving the disappearance of Randa Jawhari.
In addition to case work, students are exposed to a variety of law enforcement settings and scenarios, interacting with detectives across a wide spectrum of MSP divisions and local entities, such as recruiters, lab technicians, polygraph experts, K-9 officers and more.
"We try to provide a hands-on, real-world experience that would not only help with the investigation but to introduce them to the reality of a career in law enforcement,' says Det./Sgt. Bill Arndt of the Michigan State Police Special Investigation Section. "Our relationship with the students in the Western program has been a refreshing addition to my career. It's clear that the students love the program, but the benefits to the MSP—including the opportunity to recruit some of these bright minds—is priceless."
Students graduate from the Cold Case Program in high demand, ready to hit the ground running at agencies from the FBI to local and state law enforcement and forensic labs. Their work also contributes to the public good, bolstering the police force while helping victims' families find justice and closure.
"They're going to be far ahead of any detective or officer when they get on the street, because they're already going to know what to look for, know what to ask, know what agencies to contact for assistance," Cole says. "I wish (a program like Western's) was there when I was in college."
"Participating in the Cold Case Program has been an enriching and transformative experience. Engaging with real-world cases, working alongside experienced detectives and contributing to meaningful outcomes have all been highlights of my time in the program," adds Taylor Schoenweather, a criminal justice studies student.
MSP recognized the incredible work of Western students in 2023, launching a pilot program that employs members of the Cold Case Program as cadets and student assistants—paying them for their work while also providing valuable career advancement opportunities.
"Being a part of the Cold Case Program has been life-changing. It has given me the opportunity to develop my investigative skills while making professional connections in the field," says McKenzie Stommen, who was in the program's inaugural cohort and now works in the Portage (Michigan) Department of Public Safety.
A number of state lawmakers advocated for the state's investment in the Cold Case Program, including Sen. Sean McCann, B.A.'93, Rep. Julie Rogers and Rep. Christine Morse as well as the chairs of the Michigan State Police budget subcommittees, Sen. Keven Hertel and Rep. Jason Morgan.
"Truly, this broad-based coalition sees the value that our program brings to the state and more importantly the families of the victims who finally receive closure when our team solves a case. This investment in the program will ensure this work continues and more cases get solved," says Fred Schaible, assistant vice president for government relations.
"My hope is that with partnerships like this, we will someday be able to find justice for all victims' families while we work together to prepare the next generation of law enforcement,” says Kuersten.
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