Student Spotlight

Colin Harrison

Covington, LA

Leading with Courage: from the Front Lines to the Classroom

Colin Harrison (MSCJ expected '25) is a law enforcement officer with over a decade of experience, a squad leader on his department's tactical team, and a ranger officer and honor guard member. He was already making a significant impact within his community, but he knew that to further his career—and his understanding of criminal justice—he needed to pursue higher education.

"When I found out that my department offered a 10% raise for having a master's degree, I started researching online programs," Colin shared. He found out about the University of Management and Technology (UMT) through his work's continued education resources. "UMT stood out to me immediately—they offered the exact degree I wanted: a criminal justice program with a homeland security emphasis. The reviews I found were excellent, the flexibility of the program was really appealing to me, and the tuition was very affordable."

Flexibility was important to Colin. Balancing his intense schedule and responsibilities made it impossible for him to pursue traditional schooling. "I liked that I could go at my own pace. I could finish a course, and a week later start the next. It made everything move faster without ever feeling rushed." Financial reason was another deciding factor. "The scholarship that I received made it even more affordable. UMT really gave me the best value for my money."

Not only was Colin's educational experience at UMT convenient, it also transformed his perspective on criminal justice. "I've been in law enforcement for over 11 years, but the way I view the field has grown so much thanks to the material I've studied. It's up-to-date, thought-provoking, and has provided new points of view I didn't consider before." With graduation on the horizon, he's not only looking forward to the financial benefits, but also to career advancement. "This is going to hopefully open up new paths for me."

Outside the classroom, Colin's professional life also has been demanding and meaningful. As a police officer, Colin was directly involved in the 2025 New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year's Day*. "A truck was driven down Bourbon Street, and I was almost hit," Colin recounted. In the chaos, he ran through gunfire to apprehend the assailant. "It was one of the most intense moments of my career." About two months later, he began a course that centered on terrorism and counterterrorism. "It was surreal,” he recalled. "Going through that experience and then learning about the theory gave me an entirely new perspective. It added depth to my understanding and helped me process the event in a meaningful way."

When asked what he appreciated most about his UMT experience, Colin didn't hesitate: "First, the staff was incredibly helpful—whenever I had questions, I'd get quick and clear responses. Second, the course material was excellent. And third, the ability to control my schedule made the whole process manageable and enjoyable."

Colin is proud of how far he's come and grateful for the journey he’s taken with UMT. "I've recommended UMT to so many people already. This has been a wonderful experience—I truly couldn’t have asked for more."

"UMT gave me the tools to grow as a leader, sharpen my perspective on criminal justice, and position myself for the next chapter in my career — while staying true to my mission of protecting others."


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