Keiser University Senior Follows in Grandfather’s Footsteps, Welcomes High School Students to Criminal Justice Day

Senior Lacee Travens enjoyed attending Keiser University’s interactive Criminal Justice Day held at its Flagship Campus located in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Led by Professor and Criminal Justice and Forensics Concentration Department Program Director Scott Addlesberger, the event welcomed Palm Beach School District Choice Program learners and Keiser University students to learn more about opportunities in the field. Hundreds of learners enjoyed insights and demonstrations from a variety of law enforcement agency leaders relating to careers in the field as well as a mock crime scene, K-9 and motorcycle demonstrations, a breathalyzer vehicle, SWAT trucks and gear, a bomb squad, and more.

Now following in her grandfather Gary Howard Herbeck’s footsteps, Travens shared that her “papa” was a big part of her daily life who served many through his role as a deputy sheriff. “He always knew I wanted to be just like him, so he would constantly tell me the world was in my hands,” said Travens, who shared that she witnessed her grandfather and other LEO leaders assist many and now wants to play a role in further helping others. “

Travens and fellow students are thankful for the meaningful introductions that events such as Keiser University’s Criminal Justice Day can produce for college and high school students as they work toward their professional goals. “This day is so important as we make connections with departments and people that are trying to hire,” said Travens who is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the field. It’s important to get your name and face out there so that your future is set,” she said.

Fellow Criminal Justice program student Dillon Simon shared his motivations for entering the law enforcement profession. “What’s driven me to pursue this field is the senseless shooting acts against innocent kids and adults in places that are supposed to be peaceful. I want to be on the front lines stopping these things from happening and setting up better protections for those who need it,” said junior Simon Dillon. “I love to help people and make them believe in themselves even when others do not. Being in the criminal justice field will give me a variety of options to help and serve my community and the world as well,” he said.

Keiser University thanks all of its participating partners including its instructors who bring real-world experience to the classrooms, as many are active or prior serving law enforcement members from a variety of fields. Students are also very thankful to those attended the event including members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the West Palm Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Immigrations Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Drowning and Human Trafficking Coalitions, and more.

Keiser University’s Criminal Justice programs cover topics that include but are not limited to deviant behavior, forensics, law enforcement, investigation, victimology, private security, corrections, and juvenile justice and how components work together and are governed by our laws, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution. This exploration of the American criminal justice system culminates with an emphasis on research, analysis, and the system’s future.

School District of Palm Beach County Choice Programs reflect the diversity of the district and are designed to attract all Palm Beach County students. Families with students entering pre-kindergarten through grade 12 can choose from an array of Choice and Career and Technical Education (CTE) theme-based curricula offerings at the elementary, middle, and high school levels that provide innovative and rigorous academic instruction by specially trained teachers.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides preparation in many areas of the criminal justice system. Topics include but are not limited to deviant behavior, forensics, law enforcement and investigation, victimology, private security, corrections, and juvenile justice and how components work together and are governed by our laws, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution. This exploration of the American criminal justice system culminates with an emphasis on research, analysis, and the future of the system.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.