Law and Order: Meet 2024 PNW Graduate Teja Brown

A love for television crime shows led Teja Brown, ‘24, to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).

Growing up, Brown was fascinated with how the criminal justice system worked and the motives behind criminal actions. When it came time for her to choose a major it was always going to be a subject that involved the criminal justice system.

While at PNW, Brown served as the vice president of the Criminal Justice Club, was a member of the university’s Community Standards Board and a student worker in the Dean of Students office. She founded the Sisters with a Purpose Club, an organization that offered a safe space for minority women attending PNW. As a first-generation college student, she took advantage of the many opportunities PNW’s TRIO Student Support Services offers.

The Highland native was able to see the workings of the criminal justice system up close while doing an internship with the Lake County Courts in the probation department. She found it interesting to see the role that department plays in the justice system. After graduation, she will be exploring career options within the criminal justice field. Ultimately, she wants to make a positive difference in the criminal justice system.

What did you like most about PNW?

“I would definitely say the support I received from the staff and faculty. PNW gave me a community that I didn’t expect to have. Being a first-generation college student sometimes you need people around you who actually understand what you’re going through—those were my people and if not for them, I cannot guarantee that I would have made it through college. I will be forever grateful to them. That is definitely the number one thing I love about PNW.”

What did you like most about the Criminal Justice program at PNW?

“I love the way the professors are able to teach lessons in a relatable way. They make the topics easy to understand with examples and by using real-life situations. They’re very approachable and helpful.”

PNW gave me a community that I didn’t expect to have. Being a first-generation college student sometimes you need people around you who actually understand what you’re going through—those were my people and if not for them, I cannot guarantee that I would have made it through college.

Teja Brown, ‘24, Criminal Justice

Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?

“My pivotal moment came during opening night of The Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance at PNW. There was a dinner with Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five, who was wrongly convicted of raping a woman in Central Park. I was able to meet and talk to him about his experiences in the criminal justice system. That conversation opened my eyes and I felt like the justice system could really use someone like me. I want to be able to help stop those types of situations from happening again. That was a very, very powerful night. It made me realize the justice system is something I for sure want to be involved in.”

 What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?

“Make as many connections as you can. Make sure you take care of yourself; if you need a mental health day, then take it. If you’re not okay you won’t be able to focus or concentrate on learning. Finally, keep your eye on the goal and don’t forget your why.”

Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?

Britt Hudson

Assistant Dean of Students

“Britt Hudson has supported me so much. The thing I love about her is that she’s going to tell you the truth. She doesn’t sugar coat it, she doesn’t lie, she’s honest with you. You don’t grow as a person from being babied, you grow facing the truth. I’m forever appreciative and thankful for her support and guidance.”

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