Featured Senior: Victoria Chamberlin ’12

Major: criminal justice and sociology
Minor: law and the liberal arts and political science
Hometown: Milford, Ind.

In the fall, Victoria Chamberlin will begin the University of Cincinnati’s master of science in criminal justice program on a full academic scholarship. Four years ago, she never dreamed that’s where she would be headed.

Chamberlin originally chose to attend The University of Findlay for its outstanding equestrian program, but credits University faculty for guiding her to a program that better fit her talents and goals.

She says that classes taught by Robert Postic, Ph.D., were what sparked her interest in political science. Todd Beitzel served as Chamberlin’s academic adviser, providing help whenever she needed it. Paul Chwialkowski, Ph.D., “really went above and beyond,” helping Chamberlin find an internship and complete the process of applying to and choosing a graduate school.

Chwialkowski, a social science, criminal justice and public administration professor “actually made the appointment to visit Cincinnati and a few other schools,” provided transportation for Chamberlin and another student and helped them stay in contact with the right people at those schools and their admissions departments. In the classroom, Chwialkowski “had faith that I could do it, so he pushed me to do more than I normally would have,” whether it was a classroom debate or a mock trial.

During the fall semester of Chamberlin’s junior year, she completed an internship with a defense attorney in Toledo. “It introduced me to what being an attorney would be like,” she said. She was able to spend her days traveling with an attorney to the courthouse, jail, prosecutor’s office and other places to communicate with the many people involved with court cases.

Chamberlin’s activities outside of the classroom included both the Mortar Board Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She also was a four-year member of the UF dance team.

“I have made close friends with some of my teammates on the dance team, and I’ve been able to really be involved with school activities,” she said. “Events such as the Date Doctor and our partnership with Teddy’s Rescue made being a member of Mortar Board a fun and rewarding experience, as well.”

During the summer of 2009, Chamberlin added another unique experience to her list of activities. After winning the first Miss Kosciusko County Scholarship Program held in nine years, Chamberlin moved on to compete in the Miss Indiana Pageant.

“It was completely out of my realm,” said Chamberlin, who never had participated in anything like the pageant. However, she enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to others who are interested.

Looking back at her college career, Chamberlin said, “I feel like I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to, and I have no doubt this confidence will transfer into my future career.”

Chamberlin encourages other students to take advantage of new opportunities and allow the possibility of developing new interests.