Secret Service agent shares experiences with ACU students

Special Agent Mark Childers of the U.S. Secret Service, recently visited with criminal justice students from Abilene Christian University and Hardin-Simmons University about possible careers within government organizations.

Childers talked to juniors and seniors about pursing careers in government agencies, such as the U.S. Secret Service or the U.S. Marshals Service. Childers said he wanted to give the class "takeaways" from his own experiences.

"I remember sitting where you are wondering what I was going to do with my life after college," said Childers. "It is critical at this point in your lives to ask that question."

Childers shared his own career path, and told students of experiences he has had since being on the job. He stressed that character is important for a job like his, noting that what the students are doing right now in their lives would have an impact down the road.

"ACU's foundation will prepare you well for the next step in your life," said Childers. "Critical thinking is very important in this career. The leadership core at Abilene Christian will help you in whatever path you choose."

Childers was born and raised in Abilene, and is the great grandson of Col. J.W. Childers, the owner of the original property of the Childers Classical Institute. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University.

For eight years, Childers served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Criminal Investigator in Miami, Houston and Dallas. He was later hired as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. Childers has served in the Dallas field office, the Criminal Investigative Division, and later assigned to the Presidential Protective Division (PPD) for President George W. Bush.

Following his PPD tour, Childers was assigned to the Dignitary Protective Division/Candidate Nominee Operations Section, and is currently serving as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the (former) President George W. Bush Protective Division.

Childers answered questions from students, and challenged them to "be courageous and step outside your comfort zone."

"I was just a kid from Abilene," he said. "I stepped outside my comfort zone and have done some wonderful things. This job comes with blessings."

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