Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University's Cold Case Program has received a significant boost with a $200,000 investment from the state budget, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This funding will enhance the program's ability to provide hands-on learning experiences for students while assisting Michigan State Police (MSP) in solving cold cases.

"The partnership between WMU and Michigan State Police has been an amazing opportunity for our students to help detectives in their cold case investigations even before graduation. This new funding will help this program grow and further Western Michigan University as a leader in cold case investigations," said Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten, director of the Cold Case Program.

The financial support aims to improve experiential learning opportunities for students, enabling them to engage directly with crime scenes, law enforcement facilities, and professional training programs. These experiences are designed to equip students with essential skills for careers in law enforcement.

“Partnerships with colleges and universities, such as we have with Western Michigan University, are a win-win in that we receive critical assistance with cold case investigations and students receive experience and exposure with law enforcement,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “This collaboration benefits our detectives and the students, but most importantly, this unique partnership can bring real results and closure to families impacted by violent crime.”

Launched in 2021, the Cold Case Program has already achieved notable success by resolving two cold homicide cases within its first two years. The program has garnered national recognition as students contribute nearly 10,000 hours each semester to longstanding investigations.

"I’ve had lots of meaningful experiences in the Cold Case Program because I know that the moment I walk into the bullpen, I’m able to provide help to those who can’t speak for themselves," said Katie Stolz, a criminal justice studies student.

Western Michigan University students have worked on more than two dozen homicide and missing person cases so far. They assist detectives by analyzing documents and files to generate new leads.

"It's an amazing tool for a smaller agency like mine," Detective Tom Cole of the Fenton (Michigan) Police Department told "The Vanished" podcast regarding his collaboration with WMU students on a missing person case.

In addition to casework, students interact with various MSP divisions and local entities including recruiters, lab technicians, polygraph experts, and K-9 officers. This broad exposure is intended to prepare them comprehensively for future careers in law enforcement.

"We try to provide a hands-on, real-world experience that would not only help with the investigation but introduce them to the reality of a career in law enforcement," said Det./Sgt. Bill Arndt of the Michigan State Police Special Investigation Section. "Our relationship with the students in the Western program has been a refreshing addition to my career."

Graduates from WMU’s Cold Case Program are highly sought after by agencies such as the FBI and local police departments due to their practical experience gained during their studies.

"They're going to be far ahead of any detective or officer when they get on the street because they're already going to know what to look for," Cole added.

"Participating in the Cold Case Program has been an enriching and transformative experience," noted Taylor Schoenweather, another criminal justice studies student involved in the program.

In 2023, MSP launched a pilot program employing members of WMU’s Cold Case Program as cadets and student assistants—a move aimed at providing career advancement opportunities while recognizing their contributions.

"Being part of the Cold Case Program has been life-changing," remarked McKenzie Stommen from WMU’s inaugural cohort who now works at Portage (Michigan) Department of Public Safety.

Several state lawmakers supported this financial investment including Sen. Sean McCann (B.A.'93), Rep. Julie Rogers, Rep. Christine Morse along with Sen. Keven Hertel and Rep. Jason Morgan who chair MSP budget subcommittees.

"This broad-based coalition sees the value that our program brings...to families of victims who finally receive closure when our team solves a case," stated Fred Schaible, assistant vice president for government relations at WMU.

"My hope is that with partnerships like this we will someday be able to find justice for all victims' families while we work together preparing next generation law enforcement,” concluded Kuersten.

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