Success Stories: Ben Anderson (Criminal Justice)
Western Piedmont Graduate Ben Anderson: ‘WPCC Gave Me The Edge’
Morganton — As Ben Anderson’s childhood home-away-from-home, Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) seems to have influenced his future. Son of WPCC instructor Terri Ollis, the young Ben, by his own description, literally “grew up in Patton Hall” on the College campus.
“My mother worked in the computer department so I spent quite a bit of time in Patton Hall during my childhood,” Anderson explained. Now the assistant superintendent at a correctional center, he has experienced a meteoric rise in his career in the field of Criminal Justice. “I began my career in a local close custody prison which is equivalent to what most people would equate to maximum security. During that time in my early career, I began to work on my education. My agency allowed some flexibility with my work schedule so I could take classes, which ultimately led to completion of my associate degree in Criminal Justice from Western Piedmont in 2007.”
Anderson ascended his career ladder quickly. After his start in close security in corrections, he worked as a correctional officer, a case manager, an assistant unit manager, a unit manager and now as assistant superintendent in a correctional facility. During that time, he gained considerable experience and knowledge in courts processes, general statues and the grand jury in addition to what was required to supervise employees in his day-to-day duties in corrections.
However, Anderson is quick to emphasize the importance of his community college education in growing his career.
“My education from Western Piedmont gave me the edge and has been the driving force in my work life,” he stated. “WPCC prepared me and equipped me with critical thinking skills to go beyond my success at the community college level. My Criminal Justice degree from WPCC has been a tremendous benefit in allowing me to accomplish my career goals.”
Today Ben Anderson’s commitment to growing his education continues. This busy husband and father is a bachelor’s degree candidate at Gardner Webb University.
“I’m letting my education take me as far as possible in my career,” he said. “The sky’s the limit!”
WPCC’s Criminal Justice curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. The program focuses on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services in addition to the criminal justice system’s role within society. Employment opportunities across the United States in the field of Criminal Justice and Protective Services are projected to rapidly increase through 2020. Job opportunities are available in a variety of fields including Municipal Police Officer, Public Safety Officer (fire and police), Correctional Officer, Surveillance Officer, Deputy Clerk of Court, County Deputy Sheriff, Highway Patrol, County Detention Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, Food Stamp Fraud Investigator, and Homeland Security. We invite you to learn more about Western Piedmont’s Criminal Justice Technology program. To speak with someone about the program, please contact Danny Dixon at 828-448-6047 or by e-mail at ddixon@wpcc.edu.
You can also get information about becoming a student at WPCC.
Western Piedmont Community College enrolls approximately 4,000 students annually in pursuit of college transfer degrees, two year associate degrees and diplomas. More than 10,000 students enroll each year in continuing education courses for professional development and personal enrichment. The College also provides programs for high school completion. Western Piedmont received recognition for Exceptional Institutional Performance based on standards established by the North Carolina General Assembly.
CONTACT PERSON: LIBBY BARGER, 828-448-3121