Public Service Across Systems Conference

Date & Time: April 24, 2026 from 2:00–4:00 PM 
Location: Sabin 002 
Reception: 4:00–5:00 p.m. in Sabin Atrium 

Welcome as we celebrate the launch of UNI’s School of Public Affairs & Service and the 40th anniversary of the Criminology & Criminal Justice program. Today’s program brings together professionals across law enforcement, intelligence, public safety and national security to highlight career pathways in public service.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour UNI’s newly completed Crime Scene House and applied research spaces, experience student research and program highlights, and engage in networking throughout the afternoon.

We thank the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the UNI Faculty Senate Speakers Fund, and the UNI 150th Sesquicentennial Fund for making this event possible.

School of Public Affairs and Service

PROGRAM

Welcome & Opening Remarks  |  2:00–2:10 PM 

  • University leadership welcome 

  • Vision for the School of Public Affairs & Service 

 

Session I: Public Service in Action — Local & State Perspectives  |  2:10–2:30 PM 

"Collaborative governance and community safety"

  • Mark Howard, Cedar Falls Police Chief (UNI, MPP)

"Policy design, law and system-level reform" 

  • Ochuko Avwunuma, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Texas Department of Public Safety 

 

Experiential Break: Applied Learning in Action  |  2:40–3:00 PM 

Crime Scene House & Applied Learning Tour

  • Guided walkthrough of facilities and applied research spaces

  • Faculty and students showcase hands-on learning at the intersection of criminology, policy and public administration 

 

Session II: Systems, Policy and Federal Perspectives  |  3:05–3:45 PM 

"Federal–local partnerships and policy implementation" 

  • Aaron Ridgely, Deputy U.S. Marshal (UNI, Poli Sci) 

Evidence-based policy and public service careers 

  • Rodell Jones, Intelligence Operations Specialist, TSA Office of Intelligence & Analysis 

Career pathways across the new School

  • Steve Hoodjer, Intelligence Officer, DoD, formerly Intelligence Analyst at DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management 

 

Student–Speaker Engagement  |  3:50–4:00 PM 

“Paths into Public Service” Networking

  • Small-group conversations with speakers and mentors 

 

Closing Remarks  |  4:00–4:05 PM 

  • Recognition of students, faculty, and community partners 

  • Invitation to reception 

 

Reception  |  4:05–5:00 PM 

  • Networking and refreshments 

  • Student research and program highlights