WKU Sociology & Criminology Alumni Profiles

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Lauren Wilson ‘10

Lauren Wilson graduated in 2010 with a major in sociology and a minor in criminology. Lauren is a Probation and Parole Officer II, and she has worked with the Department of Corrections for seven years. Lauren was hired on with the Department of Juvenile Justice about  five months after graduating college. She worked for DJJ at the Juvenile Detention Center in Bowling Green, KY for two and a half years, and then she applied to become a Probation and Parole Officer. She was hired by P&P in December of 2012.

Lauren says the thing she enjoys the most about Probation and Parole is helping people and making a difference. She says that it is not often they hear success stories, but when they do, it is a wonderful feeling to know that they have made a difference and helped someone better their life.

Lauren’s special memory from the Department of Sociology would be of Dr. Bohlander’s classes. Her favorite class was with Retired Chief Waltrip, Introduction to Law Enforcement. Lauren’s advice for students looking to pursue a career in corrections is that students must be willing to help others.

"Our job at a Probation and Parole is to not put everyone back in jail" Wilson said. "We have to balance being a social worker, law enforcement and counselor.  Our job can be very frustrating at times, but it is very rewarding knowing you have helped someone in their time of need."