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Lt. David Brown
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Lt. David Brown is a veteran police officer who hopes to be a police chief or city manager someday. For now, though, he’s relishing his experiences as a part-time student at the Edwards Campus pursuing a master’s degree in public administration (MPA).
“I love the educational environment at the campus,” said the Shawnee resident and 21-year veteran of the Lenexa Police Department.
“I attend as many public administration lectures as I can, whether at the Dole Center or the Hall Center in Lawrence, or at the Edwards Campus. I really enjoy the academic setting and the interaction between students, staff and lecturers.”
Brown is more than just a student in the classroom; he’s become involved in campus life and activities as a member of the Student Advisory Board.
The board represents the student body and meets with staff and administrators to make recommendations on campus improvements. Members also serve as volunteer staff for various campus events. They’ll soon begin working with crime prevention officers from the Overland Park Police Department to conduct a campus security survey.
Brown is married with three children, and has a particular interest in computer crime and computer forensics. Before joining the Lenexa department, he was a computer programmer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Park University.
One year into his four-year MPA program, Brown said his higher education is already paying dividends, both for him and for public safety in Lenexa.
“Already, I think I look at things differently and present solutions a little more effectively,” he said. “Gaining the master’s degree should help me with promotions. My next rank would be captain, and eventually I’d like to become a chief of police somewhere; I’m also interested in city management.”
Another big career boost should come when Brown joins a select group of applicants at the FBI National Academy for Law Enforcement Executive Training next September. “I’m sure being in this MPA program didn’t hurt my chances for acceptance in that program,” he said.
For Brown, it’s yet another opportunity to take an established career to the next level.
