After more than three decades in law enforcement, Jesse Vargas has seen just about everything a career in public safety can offer. From working in narcotics task forces to serving as a chief of police, his 31-year career has been defined by service, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community.
Today, he’s a nationally certified first responder and is often the first on the scene when something happens. “This is my favorite position,” he said. “I can help hands-on and build relationships with people living in my community.” For him, law enforcement hasn’t been just a job. It’s a calling rooted in service, sacrifice and a deep belief in showing up for others when they need it most.
But even after decades of service and experience in the field, Jesse still believes in one thing: learning should never stop. That belief is what eventually led him to pursue his B.S. in Criminal Justice online with Abilene Christian University, a decision that has not only strengthened his professional knowledge but also rekindled his faith and opened new possibilities for the future.
“ACU Chose Me”
As a career lawman, Jesse also took part in training new recruits. During COVID, he transitioned much of his instruction for new recruits to be online and became comfortable navigating digital classrooms and virtual training platforms. He often tells his officers, “Never let the training tape stop running. You need to keep training. It’s not only required for your job, but it keeps us safe.”
Originally, Jesse planned to earn a bachelor’s degree to reinforce the message he had always shared with his son, grandson and officers: education has no expiration date. When he shared his desire to continue learning, but worried about logistics and finances, his wife offered steady encouragement. “Find the right college,” she told him. “We’ll find a way to make it work.
He applied to four online programs but was denied admission. As a Texas peace officer, he qualified for state-funded tuition assistance, but needed a program that could accommodate his unpredictable schedule. When ACU appeared in his search engine, he made the decision to apply. Within a week of his application, he met with an enrollment advisor to begin his academic career.
“ACU chose me,” he said. “I applied, but ACU was the one that gave me a chance.”
Re-establishing His Faith with ACU
Jesse’s journey with ACU has not only allowed him to pursue a criminal justice degree but also expanded his faith. There was a point in his life where he was questioning his faith and asking questions like, “Is God really there?” or “Does He exist?” Years of high-risk assignments and personal trials had left his faith weary, but through ACU, he found the time and space to reconnect.
He describes his experience as transformative. Professors have been accessible, supportive and understanding when long shifts collide with assignment deadlines. In every interaction, Jesse has felt seen not just as a student, but as a whole person. “ACU has brought this understanding and reconnection with religion, God and my faith. I can’t even put into words how helpful they’ve been with my spiritual journey.”
Jesse’s Plans After ACU
Jesse’s plan to earn his bachelor’s degree turned into something more. After completing his undergraduate degree with ACU, he intends to pursue a master’s degree that focuses on law enforcement and leadership. After earning his master’s, Jesse’s next step is to earn a Ph.D. in public affairs to become a lobbyist for families who have loved ones in the line of duty. Seeing firsthand how tragedy can impact families, he wants to ensure they receive the continuous support they need.
“I want to help families,” he said. “I want to raise others up.” Wearing the badge has represented service for Jesse and education has become another way for him to serve his community. He has no plans of stopping work as a police officer for the time being and wants to implement the content he’s learning.
However, at the core of all this, Jesse wants to leave behind a legacy of dedication. He wants to set an example for his son and grandson and make sure that they understand the importance of committing to something.
Jesse’s Message For Future Students
Jesse recently spoke with a coworker who was unsure about returning to school because of his limited schedule. “It’s always about time,” Jesse said. “But the best thing I could tell him is that ACU is worth the investment and time.
“ACU taught me that I can handle anything.” He also emphasized the importance of intention when it comes to success, mentioning that students have to be willing to make the time and effort. From there, he highlighted the flexibility that ACU’s online program offers, “ACU understands that you’re not perfect. We have careers and families. If you need something, reach out to the faculty. They want to help!”
Jesse’s journey back to school has been about far more than earning a bachelor’s degree. It’s a reminder that growth, purpose and faith don’t have an expiration date. Attending ACU has allowed Jesse to expand his knowledge and faith, and to dive more deeply into his calling to serve others. To learn more about the online bachelor’s in criminal justice and other programs offered, visit acu.edu/academics/online/.