Winona State University Criminal Justice

07/25/2026

Congrats, Officer Lange! We couldn’t be more proud of you and all of your hard work 💜💙

Winona State University Alumni & Friends

👋 Meet our newest officer... who isn't exactly new!

Originally from Eden Prairie, Officer Lange joined the Lakeville Police Department as a Community Service Officer in 2023 before graduating from Winona State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.

When she's off duty, you'll find her collecting sports cards, fishing, playing video games, or on the volleyball court.🏐🎣🎮

Congratulations, Officer Lange! We're excited to see you begin this next chapter with LPD.💙

05/12/2026

It’s been an exciting week in the WSU Criminal Justice Program! Last week, we celebrated the graduation of many of our students from Winona State University. Next week, we’ll continue the celebration as our students graduate from Skills programs at Rochester Community and Technical College and Hennepin Technical College.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud of all of your hard work and excited to see what comes next for each of you.

05/07/2026

Big thank you to the members of the WSU Criminal Justice Club for participating in the Adopt a Highway Program. The club officially adopted a stretch of Hwy 61 from Hwy 14 to Sundown Lane.

It is always great to see students stepping up and finding meaningful ways to serve their community outside of the classroom. We are excited to continue this partnership and help keep our community looking its best!

04/30/2026

The Criminal Justice Club organized an item drive to support the Family & Children's Center of Winona and the response across campus was incredible!

Students and faculty came together to donate items that will go directly to children and families in our community.

Our students took initiative and gave back in a meaningful way. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

04/17/2026

🚨Senior Spotlight🚨

Abigail Storey is an outstanding senior in the WSU Criminal Justice program. We asked Abigail about her time at WSU and this is what she said:

What is your favorite memory from your time in the WSU CJ Program?
One of my favorite memories was the trip to the Red Wing Correctional Faculty. Being able to tour it and learn more about it was such a great experience.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to move back home and work on finding a job post-graduation or go to grad school.

What will you miss about Winona State or the WSU CJ Program?
I will miss the community aspect of WSU; there was always something to do. Never a dull moment on or off campus.

What advice would you give other students?
To not take your time in college for granted. It truly flew by and was done before I knew it.

Is there a quote or a saying that you will always remember from one of your professors?
“If you get arrested, do not do it on a Friday, weekend, or a holiday. You’ll be waiting a lot longer for a judge” – Professor Dahly

What was your favorite class at WSU?
I enjoyed a lot of my classes at WSU. The ones I enjoyed most were my Family & Domestic Violence class and my Ethics in the Criminal Justice system class with Prof. Dahly. Both were great opportunities into helping me understand why I picked this degree and what more I want to do with it.

Do you play a sport at WSU or were you involved in any activities?
I was a part of the theater program for a year and the choral program for 3 years.

Where did you do your internship?
I did my internship at the Courthouse in Winona County with the Victim Advocate.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations while attending WSU?
I was involved with the Criminal Justice Club.

Why did you pick Winona State Criminal Justice Program?
I have always had an interest in the Criminal Justice process. How it all worked and the many different side to it. At first, I took one class to see if I could see myself continuing in this field. After I did, I fully committed and never looked back. With the many opportunities I had throughout my time in the program. I was given many different chances to learn and have a better understanding of it all. Many good lessons that these are real people and that the criminal justice process is a long and complicated one.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Abigail. you will be missed by the Criminal Justice faculty and students!