Central Community College Criminal Justice Department

08/19/2026

The Criminal Justice Program Hits the Ground Running!

This week, classes officially got underway in the Criminal Justice Program, and we already have a full schedule of activities planned for the next couple of weeks!

With nearly 300 students enrolled in Criminal Justice courses this semester, it’s already proving to be a busy—and exciting—start to the semester.

After this first week, I’ll share some pictures of our students in action. For now, I wanted to share our first activity flyer, created by Instructor Connie Hultine.

It’s going to be a great semester!
Michael

07/28/2026

Metallica Scholars Once Again!

The Criminal Justice Program at Central Community College is proud to announce that it has been selected to participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) for the sixth consecutive year.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a nationally recognized workforce education program established by the members of Metallica and administered through the All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH) in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The initiative invests in career and technical education programs that prepare students for high-demand careers and strengthen local communities.

Since becoming a Metallica Scholars college, the Central Community College Criminal Justice Program has positively impacted more than 200 students through scholarships that help offset tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses. This support allows students to focus on their education while reducing financial barriers to completing their degree.

"Being selected for the sixth consecutive year is an incredible honor and a testament to the strength of our Criminal Justice Program and our commitment to workforce development," said Michael David, Criminal Justice Program Director. "The continued investment from the Metallica Scholars Initiative not only supports our students but also helps meet the growing need for well-trained public safety professionals throughout central Nebraska."
The continued partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative strengthens the Criminal Justice Program, expands opportunities for student success, and benefits communities across the region by helping prepare the next generation of law enforcement, corrections, probation, and other public safety professionals.

Going to be another rockin year!

06/22/2026

Samantha Oldfield: A Fine Example of a Metallica Scholar

As I mentioned earlier this summer, a significant part of my time is spent wrapping up projects and initiatives within the Criminal Justice Program. One of those initiatives is the Metallica Scholars program, and part of the reporting process involves selecting a student who not only benefited from the program but also made it stronger through their participation. Samantha Oldfield is that student.

Our Media Department created the attached flyer highlighting many of Samantha's accomplishments and contributions, so I will not repeat everything here. What I will say is that Samantha embodies everything the Metallica Scholars Initiative represents—hard work, determination, perseverance, and a commitment to improving her future through education.

She is a shining example of why the Metallica Scholars Initiative is such an impactful program and why supporting students through opportunities like this matters.

Congratulations, Sam! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you and your two beautiful daughters.

Rock on, Sam!
— Michael David
Criminal Justice Program Director
Central Community College

06/16/2026

This time of year we close out one year of being part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative and prepare to start our 6th year in the Fall Semester. The All Within My Hands Foundation which is the band Metallica's charitable organization highlighted one of our recent graduates on their Metallica Monday page. Thought I would share it with those that may be intersted. We are so grateful to be part of such a great program!

Great job Dustin and good luck at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Meet Dustin, one of our studying Criminal Justice at Central Community College. With a passion for helping kids, Dustin’s dream is to become a juvenile probation officer, following in the footsteps of officers he saw helping others when he was a child.

“Being a Metallica scholar is really cool. I love the band. Them helping me has furthered my education, and having them have faith in me to help with that scholarship makes me want to push harder and go farther.”

Best of luck as you establish your career, Dustin. Keep up the hard work!

05/21/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Our Criminal Justice Graduates! 🎓

Two weeks ago, we celebrated with 26 Criminal Justice students who earned their Associate Degree in Criminal Justice during the Spring and Summer sessions.

While we will certainly miss having these students in our program, we are excited to see them take the next step in their journey—whether that means entering the workforce or continuing their education at a four-year institution. Many are already working in the criminal justice field or actively pursuing careers within the profession.

No matter where their paths lead, we wish each of them continued success, good luck, and above all, stay safe!
With graduation ceremonies spread across three campuses, it was tough tracking everyone down for photos, but we were able to capture a few special moments to share.

👏 Congratulations to our graduates:

• Gadiel Aguilar Barrios
• Jeff Anderson
• Yajaira Avila
• Estela Bernabe-Bautista
• Ariana Cabrera Aldana
• Kathlean DeMarinis
• Cynthia Diaz
• Kaylea Doggett
• Dustin Dvorak-Gomez
• Oscar Echeverria-Marroquin
• Leah Ehlers
• Brinn Ewoldt
• Rachel Lambert
• Everett McGee
• Arissa McLean
• Jose Morales-Rodriguez
• Jasmine Ober
• Tabatha Pinneo
• Christina Price
• Destiny Sombra
• Levi Spreng
• Emma Strampher
• Miranda Taylor
• Tyler Thomas
• Jadeyn Trejo
• Silvia de Leon

05/20/2026

Hailey graduated from the CCC Criminal Justice Program in 2022 and was an important part of that program. She continues to excel as what she does and I am proud of her serving our community.

Michael

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Deputy Plautz on receiving a MADD Award in recognition of her outstanding work in adult DUI enforcement.

Her dedication to keeping impaired drivers off our roadways helps make our community safer each and every day. Congratulations, Deputy Plautz, and thank you for your continued commitment of keeping our community safe.

05/07/2026

Mock Court, Anyone? ⚖️

Around 25 Criminal Justice students from all three CCC campuses—plus online—recently took part in a Mock Trial on the Grand Island Campus. After weeks of work moving a case from crime scene through investigation, the experience all came together in this final courtroom simulation.

Led by Dr. James Davis over the past two years, the project continues to grow each semester. Instructor Connie Hultine has also played a key role, bringing valuable perspective and support.

Students took on every role—from attorneys to witnesses to jurors—and saw the process play out in real time. In the end, the jury delivered a guilty verdict, and the defendant was sentenced accordingly.

A big thank you to Jim and Connie for creating such an engaging, hands-on learning experience for our students!

05/04/2026

CJ Students Get Painted!

The Criminal Justice Student Association hosted its 8th Annual Spring Paintball & Pizza Party this past Saturday.

Twice a year, CJ students and their friends suit up, battle it out on the field, and then come together to enjoy some well-earned pizza afterward. This semester’s event was full of action, teamwork, and plenty of colorful moments—and judging by the photos, it’s safe to say everyone had a blast!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, and special thanks to Jim Davis and Duane Collins for helping chaperone the event—we couldn’t do it without you.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again this fall… are you ready?

04/23/2026

So proud of these three CCC Criminal Justice Graduates Lexus, Asia and Anna! We know you will be great Officers and thanks for serving your community!

04/13/2026

Congratulations to our CCC Criminal Justice students!

Our Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team recently competed at the Statewide SkillsUSA Competition held at Fonner Park in Grand Island—and they represented us incredibly well!

Team members Jennifer Cowins, Emma Strampher, and Dustin Dvorak-Gomez have been preparing all year, and their dedication paid off with an impressive 2nd place finish in the College Division! They brought home silver medals and a team trophy!

While they had their sights set on gold, we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work, professionalism, and teamwork. Coach John Sumsion and Program Director Michal David were thrilled with their performance as well as the rest of the Program.

Experiences like this go beyond competition—they build skills, confidence, and lasting memories that will carry these students into their future careers.

Way to go, team!