Alumni Profiles

Kathleen Patek
Lt. Colonel (Retired), Baltimore Police
BS in Management 2001, MS in Management 2004

I chose Johns Hopkins because of the extraordinary support of and strength within the academic community.

I started at Hopkins as an undergrad in the PELP program, and then continued on to get my graduate degree thereafter. The network of talented and committed people I met at Hopkins, both faculty and students, is invaluable. Quality professional connections and support are always but a phone call or email away. I recently retired from my position as Lt. Colonel in Baltimore City and have chosen to continue to give back to the community that gave me so much -- by joining the DPSL staff. I look forward to contributing to the dynamic public safety community at Hopkins and helping to shape a new generation of leaders."

Carla Blue
Deputy Chief, Prince Georges County Fire/EMS Department
BS in Management 2002, MS in Management 2003

"I chose Johns Hopkins because of its value. As a leader in the Fire/EMS arena, I need to identify effective training options regularly for my team. The Hopkins public safety programs are highly competitive, state-of-art, research based, and cost efficient. I was so impressed at the caliber and affordability of their programs that I am sending several members of my team to DPSL's Fire/EMS Executive Leadership Program."

Alita Gaskill, Sergeant, Prince Georges County Police
MS in Management 2005

Mancini Gaskill, Corporal, Prince Georges County Police
MS in Management 2005

Baby Mathew Gaskill, Honorary Graduate 2005

"We chose Johns Hopkins because of its unparalleled convenience. You think you're busy? It was so helpful having classes easily accessible from both DC and Baltimore. Beyond that, DPSL staff took such good care of us that we were able to take care of our new addition, stay on top of our jobs and focus on our professional development. Now there are three Hopkins grads in our family -- if you count the honorary degree our little one received at graduation!"

Regina Custer
Acting Sergeant, Ocean City Police Department
BS in Management 2004, MS in Management 2005

"I chose Johns Hopkins because of its compelling reputation.

I commuted from the Eastern Shore, across the Bay Bridge, every other week for three years so that I could be a part of Hopkins' legacy. When a career opportunity is that good, a little car time is worth it!"

Heber Watts
Captain, Maryland State Police
BS in Management 2004, MS in Management 2005

"I chose Johns Hopkins because of the university's commitment to research.

During my graduate program I studied the twelve-hour state trooper shift - looking specifically at the affect sleep deprivation had on troopers' efficacy and safety. After compiling the research, the conclusion was so compelling that the research findings were shared, and statewide policy was modified from a 12 to eight-hour trooper shift."

Cathy Lanier
Chief, Metropolitan Police Department
Washington D.C.
BS in Management 2003, MS in Management 2004

"I chose Johns Hopkins because of the exemplary faculty.

I knew that to get the most out of a degree program, I would have to be led by the best. My studies allowed me to not only study under, but to also work alongside experts on groundbreaking research studies that relate directly to my field. The relationship I forged with faculty continues to offer tremendous professional development and innovative research opportunities."