Concordia Nebraska senior Logan DeCoste finds professional connections within the criminal justice program

Concordia University, Nebraska senior Logan DeCoste came to Concordia because he was drawn to the football program. Four years later, he has found a variety of professional connections and opportunities within the criminal justice program and made personal connections that have deepened his faith. 

“My favorite experience from Concordia so far is the friendships that I’ve built here. I have met some of my best friends here and have really found a group of people who help me strengthen my relationship with Christ,” he said.  

DeCoste, of Hay Springs, Nebraska, is earning his bachelor of arts in criminal justice as well as minoring in pre-law. He played football for the Bulldogs for four years and is a part of the Law and Justice Club and the Criminal Justice Honor Society. He is also currently completing an internship with the Seward County Sheriff’s Office.  

DeCoste was introduced to Concordia his senior year of high school when he received a letter from head football coach Patrick Daberkow inviting him to come for a gameday visit. The culture of the football program, in addition to the small size of the university, is what drew DeCoste to the university.  

“I chose to come to Concordia because I really enjoyed the culture of the football program. I also really enjoyed the small college vibe. It reminded me a lot of home and made the transition to college easier,” he said.  

Once he began studying at the university, he became drawn to the faith focus at the university. The incorporation of faith into daily life became very important to him, as well as finding a church community and building relationships with other faithful people. 

“Concordia has been so impactful for my faith,” he said. “Helping me find a church community has really strengthen my relationship with the Lord. The friendships with students and professors has really helped me too. Being able to ask questions and develop daily habits from numerous people has been so encouraging. I would not be where I am today without Concordia.” 

 “Concordia has been so impactful for my faith. Helping me find a church community has really strengthened my relationship with the Lord. The friendships with students and professors has really helped me too. Being able to ask questions and develop daily habits from numerous people has been so encouraging. I would not be where I am at today without Concordia.” 

DeCoste’s favorite part about Concordia’s criminal justice program is numerous opportunities to make professional connections available to students.  

“Concordia gives me professional connections as well as professional knowledge,” he said. “Concordia has people in the profession come and teach. This gives students connections as well as the opportunity to have real professionals teaching us and discussing real world scenarios with us.” 

DeCoste specifically mentioned that professor of criminal justice Edward Hoffman has been impactful in his education. 

“Professor Hoffman does a very good job of stressing to us the importance of little details, as well as instilling confidence in us to be able to complete ‘hard tasks,’” he said.  

After graduation, DeCoste would like to find a job position working with Homeland Security. 

DeCoste’s parents are Scott DeCoste and Amanda Haller. He has four sisters, Hillary, Nikki, Leighton and Tinley. His interests outside of school include lifting, listening to music and golfing. 

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.