Concordia Nebraska senior Emma Kirby enjoys making connections

Concordia University, Nebraska senior Emma Kirby has made a variety of professional and personal connections in her time at the university. These connections have strengthened her professional and personal development. 

“The professors create you to be a well-rounded person with the people you meet, what you’re learning and what you obtain while you’re here,” she said.  

A Lincon, Nebraska, resident, Kirby is double majoring in psychology and criminal justice while earning a minor in Spanish. She said that Concordia’s professors are what separates the university from other colleges. Kirby talked about how well professors are preparing her and other criminal justice students for their future vocations.  

“The professors give me the tools and information to be well informed and know how to make all my own decisions. They share their experiences and their knowledge to paint clear pictures exactly how things are. They encourage open-mindedness and have always instilled the confidence in me to go and achieve the things I’d like to do. They also lead by example with the type of people they are,” she said.  

Kirby also talked about the number of professional connections that Concordia’s criminal justice professors offer their students, as well as all of the tangible learning opportunities.  

“There are a lot of connections you can make through the professors within the criminal justice program and the opportunities they present. You get a lot of good learning experience through field trips, guest speakers, etc., and there is a genuine interest and push for networking within the community,” she said. “If you’re looking for a specific experience or need to talk to someone about something you’re interested in, you generally can find what you need.” 

“When I visited, all of the people who worked here seemed very passionate about their job and were genuine people. Everyone was very kind and the campus was inviting.”

Kirby decided to study at Concordia after hearing about the university through her high school and a friend who attended the university. She noticed the university’s inviting atmosphere on her tour and felt herself drawn back to Concordia during her tours of other colleges.  

“When I visited, all of the people who worked here seemed very passionate about their job and were genuine people. Everyone was very kind and the campus was inviting,” she said.  

Her favorite thing about her experience so far has been the relationships that she has made both through the softball team and her academic programs.  

After graduation, Kirby is looking to enroll in Concordia’s master of science in athletic coaching program. She would also like to ultimately work in human services within the criminal justice system.  

“My dream career path is working with people,” she said. “I have considered many options but have not decided on one specific job. Ideally, I’d like to be in the human services part of occupations within the criminal justice system. I want to reach as many people as possible. I am also applying for Concordia’s master of science in athletic coaching program. I love coaching and it is something that I have considered doing as an occupation.” 

Kirby lives at home in Lincoln with her mother and father. She has an older brother, as well as a younger sister who is a freshman at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska. She got engaged last March and is getting married in October.  

Outside of school she coaches a 14U softball team and works part time as a D-Bat instructor. Kirby also enjoys spending time with her family. 

With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Concordia University, Nebraska, students learn to use scientific perspectives and methodologies to examine society’s response to crime in local communities and around the world. Learn more about Concordia’s criminal justice program here.