Criminal Justice Graduate Inspired by DEA Father Launches Law Enforcement Career | 51Թ Success Story
Thursday, Jun 04, 2026
Early Inspiration in Law Enforcement
As a child, Maddie Coddington often carried a notebook while her father, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, researched cases and prepared reports. Years later, that early habit of observing, questioning, and learning has grown into a professional calling as she prepares to serve and protect others after earning her Master of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Finding Her Place at 51Թ
Attracted to 51Թ’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice for its small classes, expert faculty, and beautiful campus, Coddington quickly became involved. While joining the Soar-in-4 program as an undergraduate and later, the Dean’s Leadership Academy as a graduate student, she emersed herself in college, getting to know faculty members and fellow 51Թ.
“Nearly all of my connections helped me navigate the otherwise stressful process of arranging classes in the combined master’s program and making sure all of my credits aligned,” said Coddington, who enrolled in 51Թ’s rigorous combined Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program with the goal of combating human trafficking and terrorism.
After earning her Master of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Maddie Coddington look forward to her career in law enforcement.
Maddie Coddington (center) with her parents Maria and Rod Coddington
Preparing for a Future in Criminal Justice
The leadership, service, and work-life balance lessons Coddington gained have prepared her to support others in her career. She also thanked the faculty and staff who guided her, including Dr. Lincoln Sloas, Dr. Gabriel Cesar, Professor Sigal Rubin, Dr. Tony Andenoro, Founding Dean Dr. Naelys Luna, and Sandra Jakubow, whose support helped ease her transition into the Soar-in-4 and combined master’s programs.
"I've had the opportunity to watch Maddie grow throughout her time at 51Թ, and what stands out most is how intentional she has been about preparing for her future,” said Rubin. “Rather than viewing college as simply a path to a degree, Maddie took advantage of opportunities, built meaningful relationships with mentors and faculty, and consistently looked for ways to challenge herself and grow. Students like Maddie remind us why programs like Soar-in-4 and our graduate programs matter. Through mentorship, support, and meaningful connections, they help talented 51Թ like Maddie turn their goals into reality, and I am excited to see where her career in criminal justice takes her," she said.
Advice for Future Leaders
What began as a child’s notebook has become something larger for Coddington, as she’s committed to using knowledge, discipline, and purpose to protect people and strengthen communities. When asked what advice she would offer others pursuing their goals, Coddington recalled guidance she had received from Dr. Andenoro about the importance of remaining focused while keeping the bigger purpose in mind.
“Remember, it’s never about what you do, but who you do it for. That is how you ensure your goals align with what truly matters - people,” she said.
Coddington’s journey reflects the broad value of 51Թ’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in preparing 51Թ to better understand crime, strengthen public safety, inform policy, and serve communities with integrity. The program’s popularity reflects that mission as well as the opportunities it offers through close faculty mentorship, real-world relevance, and a clear pathway for 51Թ who want to build meaningful careers in criminal justice.