Columbus State officers turn pandemic pause into path to degrees

Update | Friday, September 11, 2026

Above, left to right, Sgt. Laura Diamond, Lt. Tracy Anderson, Chief Sean Asbury, Sgt. Jeff Dodge, Officer Arlie Mills, and Officer Megan Hale.

What began as a way to make the most of an unexpected pause during the pandemic has grown into a lasting investment in education for Columbus State Police Department officers. Four officers have since earned degrees from Franklin University, with a fifth now working toward a degree of his own.

“During Covid, we were having a conversation,” said Sgt. Jeff Dodge. “We sincerely believed that we could find a way to be productive. In the past, we spent time in the college community talking with faculty, staff, and students. With everyone gone, we talked about earning new degrees. We leaned in – and on – each other. It gave us the motivation to do it during a time of uncertainty in the world.”

This year at Franklin University, Dodge earned a master’s degree in public administration, Lt. Tracy Anderson earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, and Sgt. Laura Diamond and Officer Megan Hale were awarded bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. Diamond is now pursuing an MBA in Leadership and Change at Tiffin University.

“When I was promoted to sergeant in 2016, Chief Asbury said I needed to consider a college degree,” said Anderson, who had only a high school diploma at the time. “I started my associate degree, which took four years, since I was working full-time. Then Covid hit. In 2021, with the other officers pursuing bachelor’s degrees, there was a sense of peer pressure, so I joined in.”

“In early 2020, I had zero intention of an advanced degree. I was happy where I was in the department,” said Diamond. “But I had a responsibility to the college for not being laid off during Covid. There was a value in that. I saw the degree as an assurance policy for future advancement. In addition, I’m a life-long learner, so it was an easy choice.”

Hale echoed that message. “I wanted to improve and better myself after having already earned an associate degree,” said Hale. “I wanted to finish what I started many years ago. I wanted to have more opportunities within the police department.” 

Officer Arlie Mills, who was hired in 2019, has joined the educational effort. He is currently working on a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration at Franklin University. “First and foremost, I wanted to improve myself,” said Mills. “And like the others, it will help set me up for promotions down the road.”

“The officers all did this on their own,” said Chief Sean Asbury, who has 26 officers in his department. And he fully supports the educational effort. “Studies show that you have a better organization with more professionalism when you have an educated workforce.”

“The culture of this department encourages educational advancement,” said Anderson. “What’s more, the future of the department relies on ‘who will be the next generation of leaders.’ We need leaders inside to be ready when the current leaders retire.”

Dodge agrees. “Arlie Mills is one of our younger officers. What is it going to look like when current leaders leave?” said Dodge. “Covid was a catalyst, but you have a duty and obligation for the institution – the college – that has been good to all of us.”

“This is something we’ve been working on for a long time,” said Asbury. “We want to be ready for when people leave the department so that we have leaders who can step in. And the entire department has noticed. It’s a win-win for the department and the officers. This is seen as we look at our collaborative work with FOP, where merit points for salary increase can be achieved through education.”

Diamond said, “We have a responsibility…we did this and supported each other…we value this for newer officers and us. It reflects on who we are as a group.” 

(In addition to the degrees above, Anderson and Diamond earned Columbus State associate degrees in criminal justice. Dodge has a Columbus State associate degree in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Applied Science in criminal justice administration from Franklin University. Hale received an associate degree in criminal justice and corrections from Sinclair Community College. Mills holds an associate degree in law enforcement technology from Central Ohio Technical College. Asbury holds a Master of Public Administration from Walden University in Minnesota, a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice administration from Park University in Missouri, and an associate degree in law enforcement from Sinclair Community College. He is currently working on a doctorate in public administration at Liberty University.)

 

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