From Patrol to Pursuit: Megan Williams’ Commitment to Both Career and Education
Megan Williams
The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Megan Williams as the 2024–2025 Outstanding Graduate Student for the Department of Justice.
For dedicated police officer Megan Williams, pursuing her master’s degree in Justice Administration was a long-considered personal goal. Juggling full-time law enforcement work with graduate-level coursework wasn’t easy, but for Megan, it became a journey of personal growth and pride.
Balancing her career and academics would not have been possible without a strong support system. “My family really is my rock,” Megan says. “In addition to them, my friends and the people I work with have been very, very helpful in my success in this program.” She also credits her agency for their flexibility: “Being able to take time off to get homework done was incredibly helpful.”
Megan found UAF’s faculty equally supportive. “This program is different than my bachelor’s degree. The professors understand that students have a life outside of school. Whether you’re a working professional or a stay-at-home parent, they just get it. They’re gracious if something comes up but still hold you to high expectations.”
One professor who left a lasting impression was Jeff May. Reflecting on his class, Megan shares, “It was probably the most demanding class I had taken, and it required a lot of my attention while also working the night shift. There were a lot of other factors that made that class difficult, but it was probably the most difficult class. I feel like I did well, and I'm proud of myself for that.”
One memorable example of faculty support was when Megan had to undergo back surgery mid-semester. “I gave my professor a heads-up at the beginning, and they were so accommodating. Fortunately, I didn’t end up needing extra time, but just having that understanding was a huge relief.”
Megan’s law enforcement career spans more than 14 years. She began on patrol with the Kenai Police Department and has recently taken on an additional role as a Task Force Officer (TFO) with the Alaska State Troopers’ drug unit.
As she nears the completion of her program, Megan reflects on how far she’s come. “At the start of the program, I was unsure if I was even a candidate to be a part of it. Throughout the process, I doubted myself. But as I progressed, I realized this was something I could actually accomplish. Completing this program is a really proud moment for me.”
While Megan is content with her current role, she acknowledges that earning her master’s degree has expanded her opportunities. “It’s a good move to have this under my belt. Whether it’s moving into leadership, corrections, probation, or even a different agency, having this degree opens so many doors.”
At the heart of Megan’s motivation is her family. “My mom got her master’s degree as an older adult, and she kind of motivated all three of us girls. My older sister got hers, my twin sister got hers, and I was the only one who didn’t. So, I decided I would go for it. Here I am, almost done.”
For Megan Williams, success isn’t measured by titles alone—it’s about setting a personal goal, persevering through challenges, and finding pride in the journey.