Sim Covington
For me, Norwich was never simply another institution from which to earn a credential. It became an important part of my journey toward becoming a more thoughtful practitioner, educator, and leader.
Q: "Tell us about yourself."
A: "Originally from New York City, I currently serve as the Chief Diversity Officer and Dean of Student-Athlete Development at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, New York. In addition to my higher education leadership responsibilities, I serve as an IMCA Certified City Council Member-at-Large for the City of Canandaigua and as a part-time Deputy Sheriff with both the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. My professional journey has been defined by a commitment to leadership, public service, education, and continuous professional development. Outside of work and public service, I enjoy weight training, watching Navy SEAL documentaries, and, of course, the occasional visit to The Cheesecake Factory!"
Q: "What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?"
A: "After graduating from the police academy at age 45, I was motivated to pursue advanced education that would allow me to become a more knowledgeable, effective, and well-rounded criminal justice professional. Entering law enforcement later in my career reinforced for me that professional development should never stop, regardless of experience or position. I wanted to deepen my understanding of criminal justice policy, administration, leadership, ethics, and organizational decision-making while developing the ability to translate those concepts into meaningful action. Norwich provided an opportunity to connect rigorous academic study with the realities of contemporary law enforcement and public service. Ultimately, earning my M.S. in Criminal Justice was not simply about obtaining another credential. It was about becoming better equipped to lead, serve, and contribute to the organizations and communities entrusted to my care."
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich?"
A: "As the child of a U.S. Army veteran, Norwich University held particular significance for me. I was drawn to its history as the birthplace of ROTC and the nation’s oldest private military college, as well as its enduring commitment to leadership, discipline, character, and service. What ultimately distinguished Norwich, however, was the quality and relevance of its academic programs. Norwich offered the rare combination of academic rigor, practitioner-informed instruction, and flexibility necessary for a working professional balancing leadership responsibilities, public service, and law enforcement. I wanted an institution that would challenge me intellectually while also preparing me to apply what I learned in the real world. Norwich exceeded that expectation."
Q: "What makes Norwich unique?"
A: "Norwich is unique because it does not treat leadership as an abstract concept, it makes leadership an expectation. The university seamlessly integrates leadership, accountability, discipline, and service into an academically rigorous educational experience. The curriculum encourages students to look beyond immediate operational concerns and examine the broader policy, ethical, organizational, and societal implications of their decisions. Just as importantly, Norwich attracts students who bring substantial professional and life experience to the classroom. That creates an environment where learning extends beyond textbooks and lectures. Students learn from faculty, but they also learn from one another. Norwich prepares its graduates not merely to occupy positions of authority, but to lead with competence, integrity, accountability, and purpose. Finally, the advising that I received from Bethany Reynolds was exceptional. She made my experience so outstanding and helped me every step of the way.
Q: "Please describe any memorable experiences with faculty members or members of your cohort."
A: "One of the most valuable aspects of my Norwich experience was the opportunity to learn alongside accomplished professionals representing diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. Cohort discussions were characterized by professionalism, substantive dialogue, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. Perspectives shaped by law enforcement, military service, public administration, and other professional experiences created an environment in which ideas were rigorously examined and refined. The faculty were equally impactful. They consistently challenged me to move beyond operational considerations and examine the broader systemic, ethical, and administrative implications of criminal justice policy and practice.
Professor Deborah Woodward was particularly influential. She is an outstanding criminal justice educator whose depth of knowledge, professionalism, and genuine commitment to student success elevated the learning experience. She had an exceptional ability to connect complex criminal justice concepts to contemporary, real-world issues while encouraging students to think critically about the practical consequences of policy and decision-making. Most importantly, Professor Woodward created a classroom environment that was both intellectually demanding and supportive. She challenged students to pursue excellence while making it clear that their success mattered. Faculty members like Professor Woodward exemplify the caliber of instruction that makes the Norwich experience so meaningful."
Q: "How have you developed professionally as a result of your education?"
A: "Norwich significantly strengthened my ability to synthesize law, policy, research, organizational leadership, and ethical decision-making into effective professional practice. I developed stronger analytical and critical-thinking skills and gained a more sophisticated understanding of the administrative and organizational challenges facing contemporary criminal justice institutions. The experience also complemented my role as an educator and leader. Norwich's Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning strengthened my instructional capabilities, while the M.S. in Criminal Justice expanded my subject-matter expertise and professional perspective.
Most importantly, I have been able to immediately apply what I learned. My Norwich education has strengthened my effectiveness as a law enforcement professional, higher education leader, elected official, and public servant. The degree also reinforced a principle that has guided my professional journey: excellence requires a commitment to continuous learning. Shortly after completing my police academy training, I successfully obtained employment with two highly respected county law enforcement agencies. Those opportunities, combined with my academic preparation at Norwich, have allowed me to continue expanding my capacity to serve and lead across multiple dimensions of public service. For me, Norwich was more than an academic experience. It was an investment in becoming a more capable professional, a more informed leader, and a more effective servant of the communities and organizations I represent."
Q: "Do you have any final words you would like to share?"
A: "My academic tenure at Norwich University stands as a defining chapter in my professional development and personal growth. What began as a commitment to deepen my knowledge of criminal justice ultimately became an experience that challenged me to examine not only what I know, but how I think, how I lead, and how I carry responsibility within institutions entrusted with public service. The rigor of the Norwich experience demanded intentionality. Success required discipline, preparation, intellectual honesty, and a willingness to engage with perspectives that were sometimes different from my own. That process strengthened my capacity to evaluate complex issues from multiple dimensions rather than relying upon a single operational or theoretical lens. More importantly, it reinforced the importance of remaining intellectually curious even after achieving professional experience and institutional responsibility.
Both the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office are fully comprehensive law enforcement organizations that provide a broad range of public safety services to their respective communities. In addition to traditional patrol and emergency response, both agencies support specialized functions such as criminal investigations, court security, corrections, marine and waterway enforcement, traffic enforcement, community policing, and other specialized public safety operations. Their comprehensive structures allow them to respond to diverse law enforcement needs while serving both urban and rural communities throughout their respective counties.
Completing my education at Norwich also represents something deeply personal. Returning to graduate study after establishing a career, entering law enforcement later in life, and continuing to pursue professional responsibilities simultaneously required a level of perseverance that cannot be measured by a transcript alone. Earning these credentials represents the culmination of a commitment to lifelong learning and the belief that professional experience should never become a substitute for continued intellectual development. I am particularly proud that my Norwich experience included both the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Those experiences strengthened two dimensions of my professional identity that I consider inseparable: the ability to understand the field and the ability to help others understand it. Education, to me, is most meaningful when knowledge can be translated into better decisions, stronger organizations, and more capable professionals.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I take from Norwich is that professional growth does not conclude when a degree is awarded. Instead, education creates an obligation to continue questioning assumptions, refining judgment, and seeking opportunities to contribute at a higher level. That perspective will remain with me long after the coursework is complete. I graduated from Norwich University with a profound sense of accomplishment, but also with an appreciation for the responsibility that accompanies advanced education. The degree and certificate represent milestones, but the greater value lies in the intellectual discipline, perspective, and continued commitment to service that I developed along the way. For me, Norwich was never simply another institution from which to earn a credential. It became an important part of my journey toward becoming a more thoughtful practitioner, educator, and leader. I am proud of what I accomplished there, grateful to the people who contributed to the experience, and confident that the lessons gained will continue to influence the work I do for years to come."
