Jacob Boen puts the community in community policing.
“I chose the student affairs administration program because it could help bridge the gap between the Arkansas Tech University Department of Public Safety and the ATU Division of Student Affairs,” said Boen. “Daily interactions with students led to the identification and use of different student development theories in determining needs and reasons for actions with students on campus.”
Boen has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Jim Ed McGee Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding graduate student at Arkansas Tech University.
Nominees for the Jim Ed McGee Award must have completed their graduate course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.
Boen graduated from ATU with a Master of Science degree in student affairs administration in 2022. He also obtained a graduate certificate in collegiate advising. As part of his studies, Boen completed practicums in student conduct, Title IX and the office of the dean of students.
In his role with the ATU Department of Public Safety, Boen is patrol division supervisor. He also serves as a departmental field trainer and law enforcement instructor.
“I pride myself on my leadership and supervision skills,” said Boen. “I truly enjoy leading trainings and being able to provide information to others in a variety of ways.”
In addition to his master’s degree and graduate certificate, Boen also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Arkansas Tech. He has served his alma mater in the ATU Department of Public Safety since 2020. Boen also has experience as an officer with the Clarksville Police Department and as a probation and parole officer for Arkansas Community Corrections.
The award’s namesake — Dr. Jim Ed McGee — served as vice president for academic affairs at Arkansas Tech from 1973 until the time of his passing in fall 1992.
McGee’s service to Arkansas Tech before attaining the rank of vice president included time as associate professor of education, director of institutional research, director of institutional services and director of development and public relations.
