Deputized to Lead

Alex Pruismann is currently serving as a deputy sheriff in Hamilton County, Iowa, but he's recently been announced as the sheriff-elect.

Pruismann didn’t always know he wanted to be in law enforcement, but he has always wanted to work with and serve others.

“I got a communications degree from Iowa State University with a minor in journalism,” says Pruismann. “At the time, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my career.”

When Pruismann decided to pursue a master’s degree, Dordt’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program was on his short list. Dordt’s program specifically offered one thing he couldn’t pass up: “The 100% online platform was by far the major selling point,” says Pruismann.

Throughout his time in Dordt’s MPA program, Pruismann was challenged to think critically about how to effectively lead and serve in a public role.

“The MPA provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in leadership and management in their chosen professional field,” says Dr. Abby Foreman, director of Dordt’s MPA program. “It is important for Christians to serve in the public sector with integrity and courage, and Dordt’s program equips them to serve their communities skillfully and faithfully.”

Pruismann says Dordt’s MPA program prepared him well for his current law enforcement role in many ways but giving him better perspective has been the most beneficial.

“The program allowed me to learn how to lead from different angles and take many things into consideration while making decisions,” he says.

While he appreciated many courses in the program, direct courses such as Contemporary Policing and Advanced Criminal Procedure have stuck with him the most.

“These courses allowed me to make connections with others in my field and make connections between my experiences and the course material directly,” he adds. “Both classes took a real practical approach to the class and using real life situations to learn how to do it better.”