Fifteen new graduates from Appalachian State University’s Appalachian Police Academy have joined the ranks of sworn North Carolina police officers. These individuals, who completed the university’s two-year Appalachian Police Officer Development Program (APDP), will serve part time with the Appalachian Police Department (APD) while continuing their academic studies.
The academy’s eighth annual graduation ceremony took place in September at Rosen Concert Hall on the Boone campus. The event included award presentations and remarks from class speaker Benjamin Inman, as well as guest speakers KC Mitchell, a retired APD captain and former director of police development and professional standards at App State, and Richard Gilliland, Caldwell County’s director of animal control enforcement.
“We are so very proud of our students’ hard work,” said Johnny Brown, App State Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police. “The dedication they show to their training, to our organization and to each other is truly special. We know their successes and their bright futures are just beginning here as we celebrate this important milestone.”
Brown expressed appreciation for Chancellor Heather Norris and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown for supporting the program. He also recognized Andy Stephenson, APDP founder and former chief of police at App State, for his contributions to student professional development.
The APDP is open to all full-time students regardless of major. It includes Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) through the fully accredited Appalachian Police Academy. After completing the academy in their second year, graduates become sworn officers while finishing their degrees.
This year’s class exceeded North Carolina’s BLET standard by completing 750 hours of training between August 2024 and August 2025; the state requires 640 hours. Starting next spring, participants will be required to complete more than 800 hours due to updated state requirements. They will attend Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs for this extended training during the spring 2026 semester.
Cameron Masin, App State Director of Police Development and a graduate of both App State and its Police Academy, presented certificates to each graduate.
“You’ve been tested in the classroom and on the training grounds, and in those moments when you may have wondered if you had what it took to become a police officer, each of you stood tall,” Masin told graduates. “You’re still standing today — but as officers ready to serve and respond to a calling. The badge you now wear is not only a symbol but a promise to serve with fairness, to protect others and to lead by example.”
Inman reflected on his experience: “Thank you for not going easy on us and for pushing us harder, every day,” he said. “You taught us how to survive in real-life situations, how to make decisions under pressure, how to think through and resolve problems and listen — how to be good cops.”
Gilliland encouraged ongoing learning: “Each of you will be called to act in moments of crisis, to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and to stand for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Remain teachable, humble and hungry for this work that you will do.”
The Appalachian State University Police Department supports campus safety through community engagement strategies involving certified police officers as well as civilian employees.
Appalachian State University offers more than 150 undergraduate majors along with over 80 graduate programs across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online options (more information). The APDP remains unique within North Carolina higher education (details here).
