DALLAS TWP. — Misericordia University and the Pennsylvania State Police unveiled a new partnership Thursday that will allow students to earn credit while working to become a state trooper.
The announcement came during a ceremony featuring remarks from university and police officials. Misericordia President Daniel Myers praised the new partnership as an opportunity for students to capitalize on their education to launch a career in law enforcement and public service.
“Careers in law enforcement matter deeply. They are careers of service, responsibility, and leadership,” Myers said. “This partnership reflects our core values and our commitment to excellence.”
State Trooper First Class Clint Long also celebrated the new arrangement with Misericordia. He said it offers students a unique opportunity to get direct training experience, while engaging with subjects vital to the job, including criminal and traffic law, mental health, and use-of-force procedures.
“With the rich history and traditions of both the Pennsylvania State Police and Misericordia University, this dynamic partnership will provide a clear pathway from the collegiate classroom to a career as a Pennsylvania state trooper,” Long said. “The Pennsylvania State Police thank you for this opportunity and hope this partnership doesn’t just educate, but that it serves, protects, innovates, and inspires others for the future.”
The new partnership allows for qualifying Misericordia seniors to earn academic credits for work they do while enrolled at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, while completing other coursework at the university. Students who graduate from both the academy and Misericordia would be eligible to join the state troopers’ ranks.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to developing highly trained, well-educated law enforcement professionals,” acting State Police Commissioner George Bivens stated in a Misericordia news release. “Partnering with Misericordia University allows us to support students as they prepare for the demands of service as Pennsylvania State Troopers.”
A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter lands on Misericordia campus at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Misericordia President Daniel Myers at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Misericordia students and other passersby look onto a State Police helicopter at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
State Trooper First Class Clint Long at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, robot dog, and state trooper at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Misericordia junior John Scheimreif speaks at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the Pennsylvania State Police. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
A police robot resembling a mechanical dog at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Misericordia Associate Professor Christopher Stevens, the chair of the Misericordia Political Science Department, at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
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A Pennsylvania State Police helicopter lands on Misericordia campus at a ceremony announcing a new partnership between Misericordia University and the State Police on Thursday May 7, 2026. (CHRISTOPHER DOYLE/STAFF PHOTO)
Misericordia Associate Professor Christopher Stevens, the chair of the Misericordia Political Science Department, spoke about the role of the new partnership in advancing the university’s mission of service. He said the State Police contacted him about the partnership in November and he soon realized it was a “no-brainer opportunity,” celebrating how it complements existing Misericordia offerings, such as the Criminology and the Government, Law and National Security programs.
“Partnerships are what students want,” Stevens said. “It benefits the Pennsylvania State Police…and it benefits, of course, Pennsylvania society.”
During the ceremony, State Police tools were put on display. A State Police helicopter flew overhead at the outset of the ceremony and landed on the field by MacDowell Hall and troopers gave a technical demonstration of a robot that resembles a mechanical dog.
“If you saw or heard the helicopter come in today that’s certainly a dramatic entrance,” Myers said. “And it’s befitting this moment that is a dramatic moment for us here at the university.”
Misericordia junior John Scheimreif, who majors in Government, Law, and National Security, offered a student’s perspective during the ceremony. He said the program offered students a direct path into a State Police career. Asked after the ceremony about his career plans, Scheimreif said he was interested in joining a local, state, or federal law-enforcement agency.
“I feel like it provides a seamless transition from classroom to a career with the Pennsylvania State Police,” Scheimreif said. “And I personally look forward to the collaboration….”
Misericordia rising junior Elizabeth Pittsman was one of the many students, professors, and other passersby on hand to watch the ceremony. She said she was impressed by the technical demonstrations as well as the new career opportunities.
“I thought it was a really neat event. I thought it was really cool to have everyone come out, watch the helicopter land, see all the fun little gadgets they have,” Pittsman said. “I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for students to go into the police force. It’ll be a great opportunity for them to get that learning experience while they’re getting field experience.”