University of Charleston President Marty Roth Discusses New DOJ Grant for Criminal Justice Leadership Training

“How do you convince somebody that this is a good professional career path to pursue?” Marty Roth, President of the University of Charleston, asked during a recent appearance on MetroNews “Midday.”

The question highlights a growing crisis in recruitment and retention within the first responder community, a challenge the University of Charleston (UC) is now tackling head-on. According to a report from MetroNews, the university is launching a new leadership training program for criminal justice professionals, funded by a $1.92 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The initiative, titled the Corrections Leadership Certificate Program, is designed to provide professional development for those working in the field. It is set to begin in January 2027 and will run through May.

The program isn’t just about teaching management; it aims to address the psychological and professional hurdles that cause many to leave the service. Roth noted that officials in the industry are deeply concerned with how to keep professionals from becoming frustrated by a lack of resources or simply burning out.

By focusing on communication and time management, the curriculum seeks to improve how these professionals interact with their own organizations and the communities they serve. Roth emphasized that the training also includes a focus on mental health and wellness, helping responders take care of themselves while they care for the public.

“They’ve been there. They’ve done that. They know what the challenges are of the folks who are doing everything we can to make our communities safe and better places to live,” Roth said.

This practical approach is supported by the university’s faculty, whom Roth noted include professionals who have spent their entire careers in law enforcement and EMS.

The program is structured specifically for the realities of working adults. It consists of five online courses that allow participants to meet once a week in a virtual setting, fostering connections with peers and faculty without requiring a traditional campus presence.

Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate and 15 college credits that can be applied toward a full degree. Many in the field can now use frontline experience to earn formal academic credentials.

Roth pointed out that for some, the obstacle to higher education isn’t just the time commitment, but a lack of confidence or the prohibitive cost of tuition. Because this program is funded by the Department of Justice grant, it is offered at no cost to the participants.

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“For a lot of these individuals, this is their first higher education experience,” Roth said. “Sometimes the reason may be cost, and through the grants, it’s a no-cost program, but sometimes it’s because they just didn’t have the confidence that they were, ‘college material.’”

This expansion into criminal justice follows UC’s existing work with military-affiliated students—including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers—and its recent expansion into EMS and law enforcement training through state funding from West Virginia. The university now aims to integrate these various service sectors into a broader framework of professional leadership.