From cold case to hot career: WMU graduate poised for future in law enforcement

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—For Jordan Rundhaug, words like service, excellence, integrity and courtesy aren't merely aspirational; they are the cornerstones of his character, developed over four years at Western. It's no coincidence that these principles are also central to the Michigan State Police's value statement.

Walking at spring commencement on Saturday, April 26, to earn degrees in criminal justice and psychology, Rundhaug is on the precipice of joining the Michigan State Police (MSP) as part of their Trooper Recruit School. There, he and other recruits will receive nearly 1,200 hours of hands-on, lecture and scenario-based instruction, providing the foundation for a successful career in law enforcement.

Although he hasn’t received his official appointment letter, Rundhaug feels his work in WMU’s Cold Case Program with Michigan State Police has equipped him for whatever comes next. He’s optimistic about joining the trooper program and completing five months of arduous training, which his time at Western has thoroughly prepared him for.

Finding his fit

Rundhaug's decision to attend Western revolved around his favorite cousin, who was attending WMU at the time and loving the Bronco experience.

"I looked up to him, and he brought me here a couple times to hang out and see campus. We went to a couple hockey games together. It was that which really drove me to come to Western," he says. "It wasn't really a question when I was a senior trying to figure out where to go to school."

When Rundhaug arrived at Western, he knew he was interested in criminal justice but was unsure in what capacity. During his second year, he joined WMU’s innovative Cold Case Program with Michigan State Police, where students work alongside detectives to solve real-life cold cases, and a passion was unlocked.

The Cold Case Program changed the trajectory of his life, empowering Rundhaug to pursue his purpose at Western. The Experience-Driven Learning, collaborating with classmates and detectives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking closure, led to Rundhaug's interest in joining MSP after graduation.

"It was really helpful for me to gain hands-on experience in the criminal justice field and to know we were making a difference in solving cold cases that had been cold for many years. Families had been waiting.

"I knew I wanted to work in law enforcement, maybe go federal, but I didn't have a plan. Being at Western, I found my plan and exactly what I wanted to do. I got outside my comfort zone a lot here; I was more shy in high school. Coming to Western helped me branch out, have new experiences and make new friends."

Rundhaug's education was bolstered by the support of excellent professors, like Dr. Zoann Snyder, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice studies program director, and Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten, professor of sociology and director of the Cold Case Program.

"I've had many professors who were interested in my plans and tried to give me opportunities to grow. It's been super helpful," he says. "Dr. Kuersten really helped me find what I wanted to do."

The program also led to Rundhaug securing entry into the MSP Cadet Program while he was still a student at Western. The highly selective program provides paid professional training for students prior to a career in law enforcement. Cadets assist state police personnel with job-related functions and activities like ride-alongs, legal training, report writing and first aid. 

With Rundhaug mere months away from Trooper Recruit School, the soon to be a Western graduate, finds himself reflecting on his time at WMU, feeling a sense of gratitude for what Bronco Nation provided him. In truth, he can’t imagine having spent the last four years at another school.

"Coming to college, I know a lot of people [at other schools] still don't have any plans after graduation, they don't know what they want to do,” he says. "I was able to find what I was passionate about. What else can you ask for?"

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