Will Hicks: From Undergraduate to Graduate – A Journey in Criminology and Criminal Justice

We are thrilled to introduce Will Hicks, a recent graduate from the University of Memphis (UofM) who earned his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice this past May. Hailing from Germantown, TN, and now residing in Memphis, TN, Will has embarked on the next chapter of his academic journey by enrolling in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Program at UofM.

Will is currently a Graduate Assistant at UofM. Before this, he interned with the Secret Service and worked part-time as a Transportation Security Officer with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during his undergraduate studies.

Why Criminology and Criminal Justice?

Will’s decision to pursue the Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Program was significantly influenced by the exceptional professors he encountered during his undergraduate studies. Their expertise and mentorship provided him with a solid foundation in the field, which he is eager to build upon in graduate school.

Undergrad Prep for Continuing Education

Will’s undergraduate experience at UofM helped him gain a deeper understanding of criminological theories and improved his writing skills. He is enthusiastic about testing and expanding these skills in his graduate studies. Education has always been a priority for Will. The enriching education he received during his undergraduate years and the supportive and intelligent faculty motivated him to pursue a master’s degree at UofM.

Mentorship, Skills and Knowledge Development

Will credits several key figures for influencing his decision to pursue a graduate degree. His academic advisor, MK Webb, provided guidance and encouraged him to consider graduate studies. Dr. James McCutcheon, who oversees the criminology graduate program, answered his questions and offered further encouragement. Professors Helms and Dr. Amanda Johnson were particularly impactful, fundamentally shaping his decision to continue his studies.

Will is particularly excited about the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant and engage with the department. He is also focused on Blue Crush, a local criminological program supported by the Memphis Police Department and the University of Memphis Criminology Program.

Opportunities & Goals

One of the opportunities Will looks forward to the most is instructing. He hopes to assist in teaching classes and help others learn more about criminology during his graduate assistantship. Will aspires to pursue a position in or adjacent to law enforcement after graduating with his master’s degree, continuing his dedication to the field of criminology and criminal justice.

We are excited to have Will join the Graduate School and look forward to his contributions to the Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Program. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from our students.