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Peyton Humphries

Since graduating from WCU, Peyton (center) is working as a high school history teacher at Turning Point Academy in Shelby, North Carolina. Turning Point Academy is an alternative school setting for students grades 6-12 who have experienced significant trauma in their lives or have been or are currently involved with the Juvenile Justice System. Peyton's school also houses several other programs that cater to different students individual needs, including a program for dropout recovery and a day treatment program for K-12 students in her county. They offer trauma-informed interventions for students to provide life skills and skills to help with self-regulation of emotions as well as their normal curriculum that they would receive at a traditional school level, but in a much smaller setting. Peyton teaches World History, American History, Civics, Economics and a Social Sciences course where she has  taught about things like the Criminal Justice system, different world events such as 9/11, true crime cases and have given her students an opportunity to solve a case, and the effects that social media can have on mental health. Peyton is currently in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to obtain her teaching license for secondary social studies education and hope to one day teach at a collegiate level about alternative education. Peyton shares this quote about her time at WCU, “I absolutely enjoyed my time in the CJ program at WCU. This program provided me with tons of information that I have been able to use with my students at Turning Point and I am so grateful for the memories that I made from the classes, volunteer opportunities with the Criminal Justice Club and building relationships with both Ģ������ƵCJ students and Ģ������ƵCJ faculty.”

Johnnathan Ruff

Since graduating from Ģ������Ƶ in 2013, Johnnathan has been making waves in the legal field with his experience that spans North Carolina, South Carolina, and now Georgia.  Currently in a role as a senior litigation paralegal and office manager for a personal injury law firm, he has also gained experience in the areas of criminal defense, family law, creditor's rights, and civil litigation. Passionate about seeking new ways to elevate the paralegal and law firm management professions, he has contributed to notable legal publications such as the Georgia Trial Lawyers Associations Verdict and NALA's Facts and Findings. In 2024, Johnnathan took a bold step and self-published his first book titled Unleash Your Potential: A Roadmap to Maximize Your Paralegal Career and will be hosting his first webinar in collaboration with NALA this spring. Johnnathan is committed to advocating for his clients, and fondly cherishes his time at Ģ������Ƶ.

Copies of Johnnathan's book can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Something Johnnathan would like for students to consider, "If you’re a current Criminal Justice student at Ģ������Ƶand you’re feeling uncertain about your future path, don’t worry—that’s perfectly natural! The legal field is rich with opportunities and diverse career options. Trust that you’ll land exactly where you need to as long as you follow your passion."

John Cilley

Trooper Cilley graduated from Ģ������Ƶin December of 2023 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Emergency and Disaster Management. After graduation, he was admitted to the North Carolina Highway Patrol’s 163^rd Basic School in Raleigh. Upon graduation from the training academy, he was assigned to Gaston County. While at WCU, Trooper Cilley was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity’s Zeta Xi Chapter and served as a Vice President. Trooper Cilley’s favorite part about the job is keeping the public safe from dangerous drivers. John shares these words of wisdom, "Best advice I can give to current and future CJ &  EDM students is this can be a very challenging field. Expose yourself to as much as possible while at WCU,  so that you're prepared when it comes time to tackle major milestones. WCU will give you the tools needed to be successful, but it's up to each person to implement those tools to be successful. You will never stop learning even after graduation. Take advantage of every learning opportunity you can while at WCU."

Jason Prill

Jason came to Ģ������Ƶfrom Fayetteville, North Carolina. He now calls the beautiful mountains of Jackson County home. He currently work as the admin assistant for the Emergency Manager of Jackson County. One thing Jason shares that he learned from his time at Ģ������Ƶis to get involved in some way on campus or with in the community. "Getting involved will help you build connections that you might need at some point in your career."