Griffons Protect
I’ve always looked up to my older brother. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps, so when it came time for me to go to college I wanted to go to his alma mater, Missouri Western State University. I moved from Alabama to Saint Joseph to begin my path towards a bachelor’s degree. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Missouri Western in 2015.
In 2020, I returned to campus to attend the Law Enforcement Academy where I received my POST certification and became a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. But I wasn’t done with my education at MWSU. In 2022, I registered for the Master’s in Forensic Investigations degree program. Without MWSU and the master’s program I would not have had to opportunity to attend the National Forensic Academy with University of Tennessee at Martin. The program at UT Martin allowed me to use all the knowledge and skills I had been developing during the master’s program and apply it in a hands-on environment.
As proud as I am of working towards my master’s degree and the experiences I’ve had during this time, my best memories of MWSU are from my time with the Law Enforcement Academy. I made lasting friendships with people I still speak to daily. These friends help encourage me and cheer me on when I need it most. I developed skills and knowledge that have helped me be successful in my career and allowed me to meet even more people who have encouraged me to better myself and pursue my interests.
I’m so thankful for the educational options at Missouri Western as they allowed me to follow my dreams.
I am proud to call myself a Griffon.
“There is never a day that doesn’t bring something new,” says Dawn. As a seasoned deputy with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s office, Dawn credits instructors Lonnie Bishop and Monty Smith for helping her gain the knowledge and insight to make her the dedicated deputy she is today. Because of her hard work and the experience gained while at Missouri Western, Dawn received a Sheriff’s accommodation in 2022 for her quick thinking when she helped a gunshot wound victim before EMS was able to arrive.
This is just one story in Dawn’s career that is paving the way for her to reach her ultimate goal of working for the FBI. She credits the specialized investigation training that she received with helping her shoot for the stars. “I am proud to be a Griffon.” Dawn has soared as a Griffon and continues to do great things.
Dawn Dussetschleger ‘15 / ’24 Psychology / Senior in Forensic Investigations