A legacy of leadership has led Faith Odiete to where she is today. Her father was a member of the Nigerian Police Force and tragically lost his life while on duty. But his life’s mission never left his daughter, even after she and her mother relocated to the United States following his death.
Odiete is the first in her family to serve in the military and is a Criminal Justice major with O’Neill. She’ll be commissioned into the U.S. Army the same day she receives her O’Neill degree.
But she didn’t stop there. Odiete is planning to take her education further and has already enrolled in O’Neill’s graduate program to pursue her MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Her track record of academic excellence, community engagement, and campus leadership set her up to add more honors to her ever-growing list of accolades. She’s been names O’Neill’s Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice, IUPUI’s 2024 Commencement undergraduate student speaker, a Plater Medallion recipient, a member of IUPUI’s Top 100 undergraduate students, and one of the Premiere 10 undergrads at the university.
“Learning that I earned a spot in the IUPUI Top 100 this year was an incredibly gratifying moment,” she says. “It affirmed the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my academics and extracurricular activities, and it was an honor to be recognized among such a talented and diverse group of students.”
As a Plater Medallion recipient, Odiete was recognized for her service in the Dream Alive program, where she tutors and mentors seventh and eighth grade students in an after-school program. The students live in marginalized, high-risk communities.
“While academic achievements are certainly valuable and demonstrate my intellectual prowess, being recognized for community service feels more personally fulfilling,” she admits. “It’s a validation of the impact I’ve been able to make beyond the classroom, directly touching the lives of others and contributing positively to my community. It celebrates empathy, compassion, and my dedication to making a tangible difference in the world.”
Why did you choose to attend O’Neill?
“I chose to attend O’Neill because of its reputation in the field of public affairs and criminal justice. I was particularly drawn to its emphasis on practical experience and community engagement. Also, it was the O’Neill slogan of “Making a Difference” I knew my goals and aspirations is to make a positive difference and leave the world a better place than I found it, what better way to do that than a school that specializes in setting up their students to do so.”
What has your experience at O’Neill been like thus far?
“My experience at O’Neill has been incredibly rewarding. The small class sizes allow for meaningful interactions with professors, who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely invested in student success. The curriculum is well-rounded, providing a strong foundation in theory while also offering opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and projects. The support from faculty and staff has been exceptional, and my fellow students have been collaborative and inspiring.”
What sort of unique experiences have you been part of through O’Neill?
“Through O’Neill, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various unique experiences, such as research projects on the history of the FBI, women in corrections (both incarcerated and correction officer), SWOT analysis of the police body-worn cameras, being able to attend a court hearing of a double murder case, working with the IMPD bomb squad, being a part of the IUPD Cadet Program, personalized career and academic advising and an opportunity to represent the O’Neill school by going on recruitments to high, and by sharing my experiences with the newly admitted students.”
Why do you think it’s important for students to get involved in civic engagement?
“Community service cultivates a sense of social responsibility and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by different segments of society. By actively participating in service activities, students gain valuable hands-on experience in addressing real-world issues and nurturing a spirit of civic engagement.”
How has your O’Neill education helped support your work in the community?
“The emphasis on experiential learning at O’Neill has provided me with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing my capacity to make meaningful contributions to the community. The supportive environment and resources available at O’Neill have empowered me to leverage my skills and passion for service to create positive change in the world.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I’ve secured an internship with the FEMA Office of Mission Support at the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters in Washington, D.C.”
