Passion for Teaching and Criminal Justice Leads Alumna Back to the Classroom

As an undergraduate criminal justice student at the University of New Haven, Corrianne Dionne ’12, ’17 M.S. participated in a "mock interview." She remembers that it felt very much like a real interview, because professionals from several agencies – including the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the DEA – interviewed students.

Sgt. Dionne is now one of the professionals conducting the mock interviews – something she looks forward to every year.

"I am now on the other side of the table as the professional, and it is rewarding to have an impact on each of the students I interview," said Dionne, who has been helping with the mock interview program for nearly a decade. "This was one of the best experiences for my professional development."

Now a sergeant with the Branford Police Department, Dionne considers her role to be both practical and interpersonal. She enjoys training new officers, helping them develop into the best officers they can be. She also ensures that patrol tasks are carried out properly while serving as the direct line of contact between officers and upper management – a role that demands strong interpersonal and communication skills.

"What I enjoy most about my job is that I am a part of building positive community relations," said Dionne, who completed an internship with the department as a student. "I also take pride in serving the Branford community with my fellow officers who are professional, courteous, and committed to service."

"I am now on the other side of the table as the professional, and it is rewarding to have an impact on each of the students I interview."Sgt. Corrianne Dionne ’12, ’17 M.S.

In addition to her work with the Branford PD, Dionne is committed to serving current University of New Haven students. She brings her expertise to the classroom, teaching an accident reconstruction course she created that is offered as part of the University’s M.S. in forensic technology program.

An accident reconstructionist and a member of the South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit, Sgt. Dionne introduces students to cutting-edge technology for documenting, measuring, and analyzing crash scenes.

"The University prepared me both professionally and academically, providing me with the tools and the foundation to start a career in criminal justice."Sgt. Corrianne Dionne ’12, ’17 M.S.

A passionate educator, she says teaching at the university level was always one of her goals. She is excited to share her expertise with students, and to help educate future law enforcement officers and investigators.

"Teaching is all about the students, and I enjoy seeing them succeed," said Sgt. Dionne. "I am happy to be a part of each of their journeys. Every day, there are new technological developments and new discoveries, and the world around us is improving – along with the capabilities of our students."

As an educator and mentor, Sgt. Dionne encourages students to discover their unique skills, to get involved in research, to develop relationships with faculty and staff members, and to take advantage of all that the University offers.

"The University prepared me both professionally and academically, providing me with the tools and the foundation to start a career in criminal justice," she said. "I am grateful to have chosen a career with one of the best police departments in the state, and I believe being a police officer is the best job in the world."