Vincennes University graduate receives Homeland Security and Public Safety Presidential Leadership Award
An annual honor recognizing student achievement in the Homeland Security and Public Safety program at VU was awarded to a 2021 graduate who aspires to a career in conservation law.
Jordan Thornton recently earned his bachelor's degree from Vincennes University in Homeland Security and Public Safety, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In addition to that honor, Thornton was the 2021 recipient of the VU Homeland Security and Public Safety Presidential Leadership Award. With the award, Thornton received praise from administrators and faculty for his hard work and leadership in the program. Thornton plans to pursue a career as a conservation law officer and also hopes to perform search and rescue missions for people lost or in distress in the wilderness.
A news release reviewing Thornton’s accomplishments says that VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson congratulated Thornton in a message commending his performance. VU Homeland Security and Public Safety Department Chair and former FBI special agent Louis Caprino said of Thornton, "During his Conservation Law Enforcement and Homeland Security and Public Safety studies, Jordan Thornton consistently displayed leadership characteristics that earned him the highest recognition of the Homeland Security and Public Safety Presidential Leadership Award. His empathy, team-building, integrity, confidence, influence, and respect were widely recognized by Jordan's peers and instructors. I look forward to his successful career pursuits and development as a future leader within the homeland security enterprise."
Thornton talked about his future, saying, "I am very passionate about helping the environment and helping people. I want to feel like I'm making a difference." He went on to speak about his lifelong enthusiasm for the outdoors and how that will serve him, and people who may need his help: "I've always been a big backpacker. I love hiking and I love hiking difficult trails for long distances. If someone were to get lost in a large wooded area, I feel like I have the drive to keep going. Once I start something, I really like to be able to finish it and do it well."
In 2020, Thornton earned an associate degree from VU. He was also awarded a Homeland Security and Public Safety Top Gun Award earlier in 2021.