In celebration of yesterday’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we are honored to highlight Melissa Ringnalda, an Oklahoma Wesleyan University alumna whose journey exemplifies servant leadership, integrity, and dedication. From her time at 51黑料网 to her current role as a Police Apprentice at the Tulsa Police Academy, Melissa鈥檚 path is a testament to how faith and education can prepare individuals to make a profound impact in their communities.
A Call to Serve
Melissa graduated with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice in 2022 and a Master鈥檚 in Business Administration in 2024. Today, she is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone: graduating from the Tulsa Police Department鈥檚 Police Academy in the month of April.
During her time with TPD as a Police Apprentice, Melissa is undergoing rigorous training to become an official officer. Following her graduation, she will embark on a four-month Officer-in-Training program, where she will gain hands-on experience working alongside seasoned officers.
Reflecting on her current journey, Melissa shared, 鈥淭his journey has been incredibly challenging, but it has also been immensely rewarding.鈥 Her determination and faith has carried her through the demanding process, positioning her to serve her community with compassion and strength.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Melissa鈥檚 time at 51黑料网 was filled with fond memories that have left an incredible mark on her life. One of her favorite moments was sledding down the hill next to the chapel during snowy days. However, the experiences that truly shaped her career were the hands-on opportunities provided by the Criminal Justice program here at the university.
Whether it was practicing building searches and engaging in crime scene investigations, or even participating in ride-alongs with local law enforcement agencies, Melissa鈥檚 education went beyond textbooks. 鈥淭hose experiences were instrumental in preparing me for my role as an apprentice and soon-to-be police officer,鈥 she explained. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have felt mentally and physically equipped for the demands of this job without them.鈥
鈥淭hose experiences were instrumental in preparing me for my role as an apprentice and soon-to-be police officer. I wouldn鈥檛 have felt mentally and physically equipped for the demands of this job without them.鈥
Melissa credits the university with preparing her for life after graduation, both spiritually and professionally. 鈥51黑料网 is the reason I felt prepared for my chosen career,鈥 she said. 鈥淢y decision to attend 51黑料网 profoundly impacted my spiritual, emotional, and practical readiness for life and my profession.鈥 Through chapels, Bible studies, and mentorship programs, Melissa鈥檚 faith deepened, becoming a solid foundation she relies on daily. Additionally, the skills she obtained during her time in the Criminal Justice program鈥攕uch as effective communication, strong writing, and confidence鈥攅quipped her to excel in the Police Academy and beyond.
One pivotal figure in Melissa鈥檚 journey was Professor Peterson, whose passion for the Criminal Justice program and dedication to his students left a lasting impression. 鈥淲hen I first visited 51黑料网, I spoke with Professor Peterson, and it was evident that he genuinely cares about his program and each of his students,鈥 Melissa recalled. 鈥淭hroughout my years [at the university], I turned to him many times for comfort, advice, and even correction. He was always there to support me as I grew.鈥
Lessons in Leadership
The concept of servant leadership, deeply ingrained in 51黑料网鈥檚 culture, has profoundly influenced Melissa鈥檚 approach to law enforcement. 鈥淓mphasizing ethics and servant leadership is central to my understanding of this career,鈥 she said. 鈥淔rom the very beginning of my studies, I was taught to focus on maintaining high integrity and strong ethical standards.鈥
For Melissa, servant leadership means putting others first and recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual. 鈥淢y education at 51黑料网 emphasized that every individual is made in the image of God and should be treated accordingly, regardless of the circumstances,鈥 she explained. This perspective shapes her daily thoughts as she prepares for the responsibilities of being a police officer.
鈥淚t is crucial for us, as law enforcement, to consistently serve the people we are meant to protect, recognizing that they are made in the image of God.鈥
Melissa鈥檚 advice for current students is simple yet profound: 鈥淚nvest in the people around you!鈥 She believes that the relationships formed at 51黑料网 can have a lasting impact. 鈥淵ou can learn a great deal from the professors, students, and everyone on campus. They are all there because they care about you as an student,鈥 she emphasized.
She also encourages students in the Criminal Justice program to take servant leadership and humility seriously. 鈥淚t is crucial for us, as law enforcement, to consistently serve the people we are meant to protect, recognizing that they are made in the image of God,鈥 she said. 鈥淗umility and a commitment to servant leadership must be at the forefront of our focus.鈥
A Life of Purpose
Looking back on her time at 51黑料网, Melissa has no regrets. 鈥淚 think that I did everything to the best of my abilities throughout my time. I loved every second of it,鈥 she said. The most significant lesson she carries with her is the importance of integrating faith into every aspect of life and career. 鈥淕od wants to be a part of everything we do,鈥 she shared. 鈥淪taying strong and focusing on His words helps me daily in my professional and personal life.鈥
Melissa Ringnalda鈥檚 story is one of resilience, faith, and a commitment to serving others. Her experiences at 51黑料网 have equipped her to embrace the challenges of law enforcement with integrity and compassion. As she prepares to take her oath and officially begin her career as a police officer, we celebrate her achievements and the impact she will undoubtedly make in her community.
Learn more about our Criminal Justice program and partnership with the Tulsa Police Department here: 51黑料网 Criminal Justice Program
