From left to right: Dean of the OSU College of Professional Studies and OSU-Tulsa interim vice provost Craig Freeman, McGill, and OSU-Tulsa director of undergraduate advising Beverly Morris. — From left: Dean of the OSU College of Professional Studies and OSU-Tulsa Interim Vice Provost Craig Freeman, Brandon McGill, and OSU-Tulsa Director of Undergraduate Advising Beverly Morris.

First OSU public safety student completes Broken Arrow Police Academy

Friday, March 15, 2024

Media Contact: Aaron Campbell | OSU-Tulsa Communications Coordinator | 918-594-8046 | aaron.ross.campbell@okstate.edu

Brandon McGill became the first OSU public safety student to graduate from the Broken Arrow Police Academy when he walked the stage last night in Broken Arrow.

“I feel honored and privileged to be the first,” McGill said. “I’m looking forward to this amazing opportunity and being part of a great community in Broken Arrow. I’m forever grateful to OSU for helping me achieve this opportunity, and I’m truly blessed to be part of two outstanding organizations.”

Following his graduation, McGill will be on patrol alongside a BAPD field training officer for the next four months.

He is also set to walk the stage in OSU's spring graduation ceremony in May, where he has been selected as the College of Professional Studies' Spring 2024 Orange Gown recipient. Each semester, OSU's academic colleges distinguish one graduate with the orange cap and gown, honoring their outstanding achievements

McGill is the second graduate and first Public Safety graduate from OSU’s newest college, the College of Professional Studies, headquartered at OSU-Tulsa.

McGill stands proudly as his wife and son pin the newly earned badge on his uniform.

The unique Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in public safety allows for flexible and practical use of outside experience and education, including the option to utilize police academy training in the student’s final semester for course credit. This system is designed to create a seamless pipeline from OSU-Tulsa to the workforce.

“We’re so proud to witness the first of many public safety students become an officer with a mission of making a positive impact on their community,” said Craig Freeman, interim vice provost and dean of the OSU College of Professional Studies at OSU-Tulsa. “The College of Professional Studies is built for people like Brandon – serious students who want to earn a high-quality, practical education with the promise of a rewarding career.”

The public safety degree was created in partnership with local law enforcement agencies and was designed with the needs of public safety officers in mind, including effective communication, conflict resolution and cultural awareness.

To learn more about the College of Professional Studies and the public safety degree program, visit tulsa.okstate.edu/professional-studies.