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Portrait of Tenekia Wiggins

Honor Society® member

Tenekia Wiggins

  • criminal justice
  • Class of 2029
  • Crawfordville, Florida

Member since August 2026

About

For the past 24 years, I have worked as a correctional officer supervising female offenders. This career has given me firsthand experience with the criminal justice system and has strengthened my commitment to public service, rehabilitation, and community safety. Working with incarcerated women has taught me the importance of fairness, professionalism, and treating every individual with dignity while maintaining safety and security.

Education

  • Southern New Hampshire University

    criminal justice

    2025 – Present

Honors and awards

  • president's list

    Received recognition for outstanding academic achievement.

Goals and interests

Career goal

My long-term career goal is to continue advancing within the correctional system by earning my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I plan to pursue leadership opportunities that will allow me to make a greater impact on correctional operations, staff development, and offender rehabilitation. Ultimately, my goal is to promote to the position of Warden, where I can lead with integrity, improve institutional operations, and foster a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for both staff and incarcerated individuals. I am committed to using my education, experience, and leadership skills to strengthen the correctional system and positively influence the lives of those under my supervision.

Graduate school interests

Yes, I am interested in attending graduate school after completing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I plan to pursue a master's degree in criminal justice or public administration to strengthen my leadership, management, and policy development skills. As someone with 24 years of experience in corrections, I believe a graduate education will prepare me for advancement into executive leadership roles. My long-term goal is to become a Warden, where I can lead with integrity, improve correctional operations, support staff development, and promote rehabilitation while ensuring the safety and security of the institution.

Outside the classroom

Outside of work, I enjoy reading books related to criminal justice and leadership, spending quality time with my family, attending community and church activities, and continuing my education. I also enjoy traveling, listening to music, and participating in outdoor activities that help me maintain a healthy work-life balance. These hobbies allow me to continue learning, strengthen my relationships, and remain focused on my personal and professional goals.

Experience

  • Correctional Officer

    I am currently employed as a Correctional Officer at Gadsden Correctional Facility in Quincy, Florida, where I supervise female offenders. I have worked in the corrections field for the past 24 years, gaining extensive experience in institutional security, offender supervision, crisis management, and maintaining a safe and secure correctional environment.

    May 2002 – Jul 2026

Volunteering

  • At this time, I do not hold a formal volunteer position. However, throughout my 24-year career in corrections, I have mentored new correctional officers, supported my colleagues, and contributed to maintaining a safe, secure, and professional environment for staff and incarcerated individuals.

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information

  • sigma alpha lambda

  • honor society