Although the Criminal Justice Program claims many remarkable alumni, this distinction has been awarded only three times in the Program's 25 year history. The recipients include John Heinen, Josh Bell, and Rusty Tolley.
A special distinction goes to John Heinen (pictured below) as the first recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1998. John has distinguished himself in the field of law enforcement. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1989, John initially worked for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. John began his career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in the Thomasville office. He also worked in the Kingsland (ASAC), and Douglas (SAC) offices. John received his MPA at Harvard University in 1998 and now works on the Command Staff for the Deputy Director for Investigations at GBI State Headquarters in Atlanta. He has continued to serve the program through his consistent participation in our Alumni Panels as well as a guest speaker. We value his service and are grateful for his continued support of the CJ Program.
Josh Bell (pictured below) received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000. Josh received his AB in Criminal Justice in 1993. He went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration from UGA in 1995 and his JD at UGA Law School in 1998. Josh began his practice of law with the firm of Chason, Willett and Bell in Cairo, Georgia. He now serves as the Municipal Court Judge in Cairo and Whigham, GA and also as the Assistant Magistrate Judge in Grady County. Josh is currently a partner in the law firm of Kirbo, Kendrick and Bell in Bainbridge, Georgia. He serves as the Secretary of the Young Lawyers Divison of the State Bar of Georgia. Josh has continued to assist the CJ Program by participating in Alumni Panels and as a speaker at our 2000 Graduation Banquet.
Rusty Tolley (pictured below) was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2003. He graduated from the CJ Program with his AB Degree in 1980 and continued on to UGA Law School where he earned his JD in 1983. Rusty spent four years in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. After that he practiced law with the firm of Long, Aldridge, and Norman in Atlanta where he was made partner in 1994. In 1999 Rusty decided to leave his successful law practice to follow his life long dream of working in law enforcement. He moved with his wife and son to the southwest US. He is now employed with the New Mexico State Police where he has twice been nominated for 'Officer of the Year.' In addition to serving on our Alumni Panel, Rusty delivered the graduation address at our Spring 2003 Banquet.
