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Dallas College

Chase Gravis

“I’ve always been interested in how things work in the criminal justice system and I found my first classes in Sarita Stewart’s Criminal Justice classes incredibly interesting. The laws and definitions just make sense to me. I want to keep my GPA as high as humanly possible, take the LSAT and get into a good law school. I’d like to practice criminal law. I like a challenge and I’ve always been good at negotiation. 

“I was able to take advantage of having my full tuition paid for because my dad is 100% disabled as a Vietnam war veteran. My experience at Cedar Valley has been fantastic. I like the teacher-to-student ratio because you get to know the teachers and they work with you; that’s a huge benefit. I’m glad I started out at community college. Besides, you save a ton of money.” 

Chase Gravis is earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice at Cedar Valley and hopes to continue his education to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at UNT. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the academic honor society for students in two-year colleges.


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Maggie Brosowske

Maggie Brosowske, EMT-P, FF

Firefighter/Paramedic McKinney Fire Department
“The skills that I learned in the classroom, I use in the workplace all of the time. I’m the only female on my shift and one of only three female firefighter/paramedics in McKinney, but as long as I can pull my own weight, I’m fine.”
Fire Protection Technology
Rudy Salas

Rodolfo (Rudy) Salas

Hopeful future firefighter
“In my Fire Protection classes, I’ve learned a lot about how fire administration works — the chain of command — and it’s really exciting. I’m earning my associate degree because I think it will help me get my foot in the door and move toward my dream career as a firefighter.”
Fire Protection Technology
Roland Tay

Roland Tay, M.D.

Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield
“I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.”
Conflict Management
Kathy Mack

Lt. Kathy Mack

Campus Police Officer, Cedar Valley
“Going back to school with work and a family isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. There were a few times when I wanted to give up, but then I’d get encouragement and keep going. You’re going to have obstacles but you have to fight for your goals.”
Criminal Justice
Chase Gravis
Chase Gravis
Cedar Valley student and hopeful future attorney
Criminal Justice
School of Law and Public Service
Updated September 16, 2025