Mary Anne Werner

Why did you choose this line of work?

I began the internship while still a graduate student at ECU. I was asked to continue my time there for a bit longer and loved the work I was doing to help build a stronger level of trust between the police department and the citizens, so while I am waiting for my background check with a federal agency to be complete, I am happy to continue working with the Chief and his staff at Rocky Mount.

Favorite ECU and/or Criminal Justice memory

My favorite memory from ECU is a tough one to choose. I was only here as a graduate student and I began in January 2020, only three months before the whole campus and world shut down for Covid-19. However, there are two memories that really stick out to me. The first one was the time a professor asked to speak to me one-on-one just to tell me he enjoyed reading my research papers and offer help as I continue my education. The second was my last memory at ECU. I graduated in December of 2021 so there was no college graduation ceremony and no official hooding ceremony either. I really wanted to experience that feeling of accomplishment and asked Dr. Bonner if she might have time to take a photo with me in the regalia. Not only did she make the time for me, but she walked me through what the real hooding ceremony would have been like and took numerous pictures with me throughout the River’s Building and at the Cow statue. This meant so much to me and was a wonderful way to end my degree and assistantship with the Criminal Justice Department.

How has a degree in Criminal Justice from ECU benefited you in your career?

Prior to my graduate degree, I did not really know what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I loved learning about criminal justice and true crime, and I loved diving into the psychology behind the criminal mind, but not what that could mean for my future. This degree has given me direction. I am in the process of accepting a job at a federal law enforcement agency, and from there the possibilities seem almost limitless. I have so many career goals that I never could have imagined before beginning my master’s degree and I am honestly excited for the future instead of fearing the uncertainty of what I was going to do next. I think that that more than anything, is how this degree benefited me in my career. I have more confidence in my capabilities, I know my goals and have a plan on how I can reach them, and I am open to opportunities that originally felt beyond my reach.

What advice do you have for current students?

My advice to current students would be to get to know your professors. It does not matter if you are a student in the undergraduate program or a student in the master’s/PhD program, talk to your professors. If you have any questions or comments, you can’t be afraid to reach out to your professors. Even if you don’t have any questions, just get to know them as people. Making connections in this world is so important and your professors are a smart place to begin cultivating them. They want you to succeed and are looking for ways to help you if only you show them that you are open to their guidance. I promise you will not regret getting to know the people who are teaching you.

Any other information/testimonial/aspect of your story you’d like to provide

Lastly, I just want to wish all current students the best of luck going froward and a happy graduation Class of 2022!