JWCC, WIU sign agreement for academic path to bachelor’s degree in law enforcement

QUINCY — John Wood Community College (JWCC) and Western Illinois University (WIU) signed an agreement Monday morning establishing a transfer pathway for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice/law enforcement. JWCC President Bryan Renfro and WIU Interim President Kristi Mindrup signed the agreement during a Monday ceremony.

This agreement maps out an academic pathway from JWCC’s associate degree in criminal justice to a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement at WIU, ensuring that students can transfer efficiently with credits that align directly with their academic goals at WIU. As an articulation pathway, rather than a strict “2+2” program, the agreement offers JWCC students flexibility in achieving their degree goals with a recommended plan — but without a rigid timeline. This flexibility acknowledges the diverse educational journeys that transfer students often experience and provides guidance for degree completion.

“Our goal at John Wood Community College is to help students find their career path and complete their degrees with efficiency in both time and cost,” Renfro said in a press release. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Western Illinois University, especially for our criminal justice students who are committed to serving the public through various career pathways.”

“The WIU Law Enforcement and Justice Administration program is an excellent step for students pursuing high-demand roles in the field,” Mindrup said. “This agreement creates a seamless transfer experience from JWCC to WIU, preparing graduates to meet workforce needs regionally and beyond.”