This March, a group of 15 criminal justice students attending Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) programs at South Texas College (STC) and Texas Southmost College (TSC) visited SHSU’s Huntsville, Texas, campus for an immersive learning experience.
“Going to SHSU’s main campus as someone who lives seven hours away was an amazing experience,” said Joanna Gutierrez, one of the students taking courses at STC. “It felt like we were part of the actual campus life and I loved how informative and interesting it was.”
The all-day event offered students the chance to explore campus facilities and attractions and join a tour of the nearby Texas Department of Criminal Justice Huntsville Unit, a valuable experience for students pursuing a career in criminal justice.
With career preparation in mind, students also engaged with agencies and learned about various job opportunities at the Criminal Justice Career and Internship Fair hosted by the SHSU Career Success Center. The afternoon agenda featured a trip to the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility and a graduate school presentation, with sessions from each COCJ academic department.
“This visit represents a shared commitment to expanding opportunity and building intentional pathways for student success,” said David Stender, COCJ director for strategy and innovation. “We are focused on creating accessible, high-impact educational experiences that align directly with workforce needs. Our partnerships with STC and TSC allow us to meet students where they are and provide clear, achievable routes to advancing their education and careers.”
The day ended with dinner alongside the CJ Ambassadors, the college’s official student representatives, followed by activities at the Lowman Student Center Kat Klub. The group also joined in the fun at the SHSU Campus Activities Board’s Spring Takeover event, held that evening at the Frank Parker Plaza.
Brownsville, Texas, student Mia Recio said she appreciated the opportunity to learn more about both the college and the field of criminal justice through this experience.
“The visit provided such a meaningful look into the criminal justice field, from experiencing a correctional environment to touring the beautiful campus,” Recio said. “This trip not only deepened my interest in this area of study but also reaffirmed that choosing SHSU was the best decision for my future.”
