WKU Sociology & Criminology Alumni Profiles

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Tyler Gentry '21

Tyler Gentry finished his degree from WKU in 2021 with a double major in Criminology and Psychology.  

After graduating from Bowling Green High School in 2014, he joined the United States Navy where he was an Interior Communication Electrician. While in the Navy, he worked with the security forces and decided in 2018, the end of his active duty contract, that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. After separating from the Navy, he applied for the BGPD Cadet position and enrolled at WKU. Before becoming an officer, he wanted to obtain a degree to better himself in service to his community. 

Office Gentry is also a Sept 11, 2021 graduate of the BGPD police academy (second cohort), and is now a sworn officer there. In some capacity, Tyler has worked at BGPD in some capacity for over three years. 

When talking about his job, he mentions that in the short time he's been with BGPD, he enjoys the people he gets to work with and learn from. He also mentions he enjoys, "Getting to serve my community, seeing the direct impact and partnership the Bowling Green Police Department has with the community."

From all of the memories he made at WKU, Tyler says, "My favorite reflections from my time with the Sociology and Criminology department are from my classes I had with Dr. Trojan, and the aid I received from my advisor Dr. Kanan in getting my classes set. Without Dr. Kanan’s aid I would not have been able to complete two majors in just two years."

For prospective students interested in Law Enforcement, Tyler says that the best advice he can give is to do a ride along with the BGPD or any Law Enforcement agency. He explains that a ride along gives you a look at Law Enforcement and will better help you make up your mind on if Law Enforcement is right path for you. He says, "If you would like to take further step, apply for the BGPD Cadet position, a part time job that gives you some experience in serving the Bowling Green Community." As for navigating the job market within Law Enforcement, Tyler said the key to it is having good character. He says, "Good character is key to a career in Law Enforcement and is something that cannot be taught."