When Sara Klimpke '22 first attended college at age 18, she wasn’t sure higher education was for her. She struggled, eventually failed out, and spent years believing she might never earn a degree.
But everything changed when she and her husband—an active-duty service member—moved to Fort Drum during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sara chose Jefferson Community College to earn her degree in criminal justice because it offered what she needed most: flexibility, support, and a second chance. Jefferson’s Criminal Justice program is a four-semester transfer pathway offered fully online or in person. The program prepares students with a solid academic foundation and practical, work-ready skills to support successful transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and future careers in criminal justice–related fields.
For Sara, the program’s flexible delivery options were more than a convenience—they were essential. “I picked JCC because I could complete my entire associate degree online through Zoom no matter where we moved,” she said. “Being close to Fort Drum also meant if I needed to connect with someone in person, I could.”
Jefferson’s Criminal Justice program is a four-semester transfer pathway offered fully online or in person. The program prepares students with a solid academic foundation and practical, work-ready skills to support successful transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and future careers in criminal justice–related fields.
Importantly, tuition wasn’t the deciding factor. “It was the availability—not having to be in person and knowing I could continue my education wherever my husband was stationed. I wish every military installation had a community college like JCC close by.”
Before coming to Jefferson, Sara admits she questioned whether she could succeed in college at all.
“Attending a four-year school damaged my confidence. I honestly wondered if I could
even do it at a community college,” she said. But after just one semester at JCC,
everything changed. “I can do this. And do it well. It set the standard for the rest of my college career.”
Sara, who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum, said JCC’s supportive environment and highly knowledgeable professors made all the difference.
“My professors were incredible. They broke the mold for what people think community colleges are,” she said. “They shared real-world criminal justice experience and talked about what the day-to-day career actually looks like. I still remember them—they’re what made me want to continue in the field.”
After earning her associate degree at Jefferson, Sara transferred to SUNY Oswego, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
She then fast-tracked a rigorous Master’s of Science degree in Forensic Psychology at Arizona State University—completing the entire program in one year while working. She earned a 4.23 GPA out of 4.33, an achievement reached by only six percent of graduate students. “If I didn’t have the support I had at JCC, I would have never believed I could thrive at a school like Arizona State,” she reflected. “I never thought I’d earn an associate’s, let alone a bachelor’s and master’s.”
“I wanted something to set me apart in the criminal justice world. I’m a true crime fanatic, and I love understanding why people do what they do,” she said. “Everyone I interviewed with was fascinated when they saw I had a master’s in forensic psychology. I received an interview for every job I applied to—and got offers for every one of them!”
Today, Sara serves as a parole officer with the Kansas Department of Corrections, working with individuals transitioning out of prison and back into society.
“I feel important in my job—not because of a power dynamic, but because I can help inform people who have experienced trauma and how to display pro-social behaviors in the real world,” she said. “I’m the bridge between the facility and the community. I help equip people with the tools they need to succeed.”
Her work is both rewarding and challenging.
“It’s incredibly meaningful helping someone (even one person) rebuild their life. That’s why I do what I do.”
Sara said the key to her seamless transfer to SUNY Oswego was simple: she talked to her Jefferson instructors.
“Jefferson faculty are a wealth of knowledge about transfer credits, compatible programs, and learning formats,” she said. “There were no surprises. My professor told me exactly what I needed, and I transferred without a surplus of credits.”
She added that taking her Criminal Justice classes online ultimately strengthened her skills. “You learn more online because you’re left to your own devices—you research, problem solve, fall into rabbit holes that help you grow. I was more equipped for advanced research because of that.”
Looking back, Sara is clear: starting at a community college saved her thousands. “I always knew the path I wanted would require student loans. But I have half the amount of student debt I would have had if I didn’t go to JCC first,” she said. “I wish I had known that the first time I went to a four-year school.”
Sara is a military spouse who moved four to five times during her academic journey. She earned three degrees in five years—all while working full time and navigating deployment uncertainties – deployment cancellations, deployment possibilities, and deployments that came to fruition. Yet, she refused to give up on her goals.
She is also the first person in her family to attend college and the first to earn their master’s degree.
Her message is simple: “It’s worth the investment. It’s an investment in your financial world—and in yourself – and it’s never too late to start.”
“I always knew the path I wanted would require student loans, but I have half the amount of student debt I would have had if I hadn't gone to JCC first,” she said. “I wish I had known that the first time I went to a four-year school.”
“There were no surprises. My professor told me exactly what I needed, and I transferred without a surplus of credits.”
After just one semester at JCC, everything changed. “I can do this. And do it well. It set the standard for the rest of my college career.”
Jefferson’s Associate in Science (A.S.) Criminal Justice program can be completed entirely online. For more information about the Criminal Justice program and transfer opportunities, contact Assistant Professor Nick Thornthwaite at (315) 786-2494 or email nthornthwaite@sunyjefferson.edu.
Jefferson has rolling admissions, allowing students to submit an online application at any time. There is no application fee.
For more information on Jefferson Insider series, contact marketing@sunyjefferson.edu.
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