Dr. Blake Lafond, DM, FSC
blafond@nu.edu (704) 918-9447
Dr. Blake Lafond and is the incoming Academic Program Director for the DPA program and Assistant Professor.
I reside in North Carolina and have lived there for most of my life. I have always loved the state. Although the seasons can be somewhat variant, much of the turbulent weather “avoids” my area. It is also close to mountains, beach, and other attractions, which is always a bonus.
My professional career has been aligned with the public safety domain in one way or another. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran. Upon exit from the USMC, I entered the law enforcement profession and remained there for approximately 14 years. In that time, I worked on patrol, as an Interstate Criminal Enforcement Officer, as a Field Training Officer, as a Canine Handler, and as a Narcotics Detective. I left the profession to pursue full-time and part-time roles in education, as well as a policy and planning role with the NC DPS and a role as a Special Investigator. I have been employed with National University/Northcentral University since 2017 and have enjoyed my duties as faculty and as a dissertation chair and SME. I enjoy my work and will continue to work to ensure the highest quality in this role.
My formal education is varied. I hold a Ph.D. in Public Safety Leadership with a specialization in Criminal Justice and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. Additionally, I have a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in Security Management, a Master of Business Administration degree, a Graduate Certificate in Sociology, and a Master of Arts degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. I have enjoyed the diverse formal education because of the ties between disciplines that become readily apparent and the ability to synthesize commonalities between the disciplines. I will always continue to bolster professional development throughout the rest of my career.
I pride myself of being readily available and very accessible to faculty and staff. I am a collaborative person and I enjoy helping out as much as possible. I look forward to assuming the role of APD and working with all of you. Please let me know if I can do anything for you moving forward
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