Alumna is new Police Academy director
TRAVERSE CITY — For the first time in its history, Northwestern Michigan College’s Police Academy is led by a woman, alumna Gail Kurowski.
As director, Kurowski, a 1983 graduate, manages Police Academy operations in accordance with specific training rules and regulations mandated by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), including planning, hiring, supervision, monitoring operations, and budget planning and development. She also oversees NMC’s Criminal Justice academic courses.
“I want this to be a destination program for anyone interested in the law enforcement profession,” said Kurowski, 56. She also hopes to increase the proportion of female students enrolled.
After graduating from NMC, Kurowski earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in pre-law/psychology. She also graduated from the Michigan State Police Academy. In a 20-year career with the Michigan State Police she served as a field training officer, as a legislative liaison in the executive division and in the recruiting and selection unit. Kurowski succeeds Brian Heffner, who is now director of NMC’s Business Academic Area.
NMC’s Law Enforcement program is an official police training site designated by the state of Michigan. Graduates are eligible to take the Michigan law enforcement license exam. Both a two-year degree and a one-year certificate are available. The comprehensive curriculum includes courses in criminal investigation, criminal law, physical fitness, firearms training, traffic code and ethics. Through a partnership with Grand Valley State University at the NMC University Center, graduates can earn a bachelor’s in criminal justice while remaining in Traverse City. Learn more at nmc.edu/police.
Release date: September 16, 2019
For more information:
Gail Kurowski
Director, NMC Police Academy
(231) 995-1283
gkurowski@nmc.edu