"The UCCS Social Work program has been such an incredible journey. The knowledge, professional growth and personal growth I have obtained is unmatched. It is because of this program, the support of my peers and the support of the professors that I am confident of the good that I will do as a social worker."

Leigh Fleming is a dedicated professional, currently serving as a Child, Youth, and Family Services Supervisor at the El Paso County Department of Human Services. Leigh has worked in the child welfare field for the past 12 years. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and is set to graduate in May 2024. Leigh grew up all over the world due to being in a military family. In 2011, Leigh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Colorado Springs to begin her career working with youth facing challenges and found her passion of working with children and families. Leigh currently serves on the board for a local organization that works with the youth in our community. In January of 2024, Leigh joined UCCS’ Delta Kappa Phi chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work. In her off time, Leigh loves to cook fine dining meals, play her guitar, travel and play with her two yorkie puppies. She is thankful for her fiancé, her family and her friends for supporting her through this journey.

“As a long-time law enforcement professional, I have had a great deal of experience with the practice of criminal justice. The MCJ program at UCCS provided me with the opportunity to understand the research and theory behind that practice. I am more well-rounded and better prepared for the rest of my career as a result.”

Mike Kelley is a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over the past 15 years, Mike has had the opportunity to investigate violent crime, criminal street gangs, organized crime, and counterintelligence matters both at home and abroad. Mike has more than six years of experience in the FBI SWAT program. He is proud to have served for 28 years in both the active duty and reserve components of the United States Army. Mike graduated from James Madison University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs. In 2008, he completed a Master’s of Business Administration at the College of William and Mary, and more recently earned a Master’s of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. Mike served as a counselor for FBI National Academy Session 288.

"My UCCS experience began in 2021, my first year in the BACJ program. I began with the Dead on Arrival GPS class that opened my eyes to the many career paths in criminal justice, began to understand the field of criminal justice and made some of my greatest friendships. Throughout my years at UCCS, I have participated in a variety of intramurals, spent many hours at the recreation center on campus, and made many more friends. During my classes, I was privileged to have many great professors who made me learn a variety of perspectives in the field of criminal justice. This led me to my internship after the end of my second year at UCCS where I interned at the Colorado Springs Police Department, where I was able to see and get a lot of hands-on experience that I am thankful for as well as the people and connections I made, thanks to UCCS. Now after completing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 3 years, I plan to pursue a career in law enforcement and am in the process now."

"My experience in the MSW program has been wonderful. The support, encouragement, and kindness I have received from the faculty have been second to none. Engaging coursework, exceptional mentorship, and meaningful practicum experiences allowed me to grow into a dedicated social worker and advocate for my clients."

Jasmin is in her final semester of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program and will graduate in May 2024. Originally from Germany, she relocated to the United States at the age of 25. Passionate about mental health, human behavior, and social change, Jasmin pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UCCS before transitioning into the MSW program.

Throughout her academic journey, she was fortunate to have exceptional educators who challenged and encouraged her, leading to both personal and academic growth. Joining Dr. Lori James’ research team in the fall of 2020 ignited Jasmin’s passion for research, a love further nurtured under the mentorship of Dr. Báez in the MSW program. With Dr. Báez's guidance, Jasmin conducted a research project on stress mindset in MSW students and presented the findings as one of the Top Scholar Finalists at the Mountain Lion Research Day in 2023.