Skip to content

Student Spotlight: Jeff Westby

Jeff Westby

Career Program: Criminal Justice
Originally From: North Fond du Lac
Current Residence: North Fond du Lac
Year Started at FVTC: Spring 2025


Why did you choose this career program?

I was unhappy in my previous career and decided to make a change. Coming from a family of public servants, mostly firefighters, I felt the need to serve and after discussions with my family policing was the career that was the most interesting and fulfilling to me. Also, being able to show my son that I’m doing something challenging and entering a career that requires me to be the best I can be is super rewarding.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? 

So far, the most interesting part of criminal justice is how many different paths a career can hold. Whether it is working as a patrol officer, focusing on interdiction, or investigating specific crimes such as Internet Crimes Against Children, there is always an opportunity to learn new skills and improve yourself.

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

After researching local technical colleges, I landed on FVTC because, for public safety, there was no other facility that could compare to the Public Safety Training Center. The resources at our disposal and the staff have been invaluable to me so far.

How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life?

It has helped guide me toward accomplishing my goals of becoming an officer by allowing me to be around people with similar goals and ambitions. It’s helpful having instructors who have done the job and can offer a real-world perspective on the lessons they’re teaching.

What type of job do you expect to find after graduation? 

A job as a police officer.

What’s your best advice for someone who’s not sure they’re ready for college? 

Reach out and see what programs interest you the staff are really helpful and can get you pointed in the right direction.

Lightning Round!


Best on-campus place to study: Main campus library

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: Spanish in Law Enforcement

One class that challenged you: Medical and Psychosocial Conditions

One thing every FVTC student must experience on campus before graduating: Quantitative Reasoning

Pro tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: Save a copy of the map, it helped me a bunch my first semester.

Related Articles

Portrait of student spotlight Jennifer Aldevera in a business setting. Read more
Wednesday | April 29, 2026

Student Spotlight: Jennifer Aldevera

Career Program: Supply Chain ManagementOriginally From: PhilippinesCurrent Residence: Neenah, WIYear Started at FVTC: 2023 Why did you choose this career program? I didn’t choose Supply Chain at first, but finding it after my original plan fell through became a turning point for me. Learning about the program showed me many opportunities, and it eventually led to

Read more
Thursday | April 23, 2026

Meet 2026 Outstanding Alumni Caitlin Reider Vander Velden

Caitlin Reider Vander Velden has been selected as the recipient of Fox Valley Technical College’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award. A 2014 graduate of FVTC’s Substance Use Disorder Counseling program, Caitlin has built a career defined by compassion and advocacy for the individuals and communities she serves. Caitlin’s path to FVTC began after realizing a large,

Read more
Wednesday | April 22, 2026

From Sandbox to Summit: Meet Student Speaker Jacob Sterns

Jacob (Jake) Sterns’ interest in construction began early. At six years old, he could often be found in the backyard sandbox, refusing to leave until his latest project was properly built. After working in agriculture and landscaping throughout high school, Jake traded the fields and hills of Wisconsin for the mountains of Wyoming. While working