Lake Erie College Senior Wins Top Honor at| Statewide Criminal Justice Conference

Dr. Brenda Prochaska and Lake Erie College criminal justice students Jack Haskin and Mia Halverson presented their work at the 2024–2025 Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education (OCCJE) Conference. Their research presentations and leadership within the organization earned them the recognition of their colleagues, as well as a prestigious award, highlighting the strength of LEC’s criminal justice program.

"I couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Prochaska, Jack, and Mia for their outstanding accomplishments at the OCCJE academic conference,” said Dr. Amanda Curtis, Dean of the School of Business and Social Science. “They exemplify the excellence in scholarship and service that defines both our students and faculty. Their achievements showcase the strength of our Criminal Justice program and are a source of pride for the entire School of Business and Social Sciences."

Dr. Prochaska, a Lake Erie Professor of Criminal Justice and OCCJE Faculty Trustee for 2024–2025, delivered a presentation titled “Bike Patrols on College Campuses,” contributing valuable insight into public safety practices in higher education.

Senior Jack Haskin, OCCJE Student Trustee for 2024–2025, presented “College Student Perceptions of Factors Impacting Juvenile Justice Involvement.” He was named Baccalaureate Student of the Year, a top honor recognizing excellence in research, leadership, and academic achievement across all participating institutions.

Sophomore Mia Halverson presented “Perceptions of College Students and Faculty on Crime Prevention” and was elected as an OCCJE Student Trustee for 2025–2026.

“The most rewarding part of this conference was watching the students grow through the experience and step up as leaders, not just at LEC, but at the state level," said Dr. Prochaska. “Both Jack and Mia are passionate about the topics they studied and worked hard on those projects throughout the semester. Seeing their work come together in their presentations at OCCJE was exciting. These two are great examples of what it means to be a Criminal Justice student at Lake Erie College.”