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Portrait of Tenekia Wiggins

Honor Society® member

Tenekia Wiggins

  • criminal justice
  • Class of 2029
  • Crawfordville, Florida

Member since November 2025

About

I am a dedicated criminal justice professional with more than 25 years of experience working in corrections. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience maintaining safety and security, supporting daily operations, and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while reinforcing my commitment to serving my community with integrity and professionalism.

I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice to expand my knowledge and prepare for greater leadership opportunities within the criminal justice field. My goal is to continue advancing my career by applying evidence-based practices that promote public safety, ethical decision-making, and offender rehabilitation. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of higher education and allow me to remain focused on completing my degree and achieving my long-term career goals of making a positive impact in the criminal justice system.

Education

  • Southern New Hampshire University

    criminal justice

    2025

Honors and awards

  • president's list

    Received recognition for outstanding academic achievement.

  • alpha sigma lambda

    Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievements, leadership, and dedication of adult students in higher education.

Goals and interests

Career goal

My intended career path is to continue advancing within the criminal justice field, with a focus on probation and parole. After earning my bachelor's degree in criminal justice, I plan to pursue leadership opportunities where I can help individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities while promoting public safety. My extensive experience in corrections has given me a strong understanding of the challenges individuals face during incarceration and reentry. I want to use that experience to support evidence-based rehabilitation programs, encourage accountability, and reduce recidivism. My long-term goal is to serve as a leader who helps shape policies and practices that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Graduate school interests

Yes, I am interested in attending graduate school after completing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Earning a master's degree will allow me to deepen my understanding of the criminal justice system, strengthen my leadership skills, and prepare for advanced roles in probation and parole administration. Graduate education will also provide me with the knowledge and research skills needed to contribute to effective policies and evidence-based practices that improve rehabilitation efforts and reduce recidivism. Continuing my education is an important step toward achieving my long-term goal of becoming a leader who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the communities they serve.

Outside the classroom

In my free time, I enjoy reading books and articles related to criminal justice and personal development, spending quality time with my family, participating in community activities, and continuing to learn through professional and educational opportunities. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music, and staying organized by planning and setting goals that support my personal and career growth.

Experience

  • correctional officer/Chief of Security Secretary,

    Gadsden Correctional Facility, Quincy, Florida

    Jun 2001 – Aug 2026

Volunteering

  • N/A (No formal volunteer experience)

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced