Mike Alston is an alumnus of the MSU School of Criminal Justice and retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with experience in the DEA and USDA.
Growing up in Inkster, Michigan, Mike Alston always knew he wanted to work in Criminal Justice. His desire to be a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent stuck with him through his time at Southgate Aquinas High School. Knowing a future career path, Alston decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Alston applied to Michigan State University (MSU) at the urging of his best friend from high school who was also planning on attending. After being accepted and enrolling in MSU, Alston’s friend decided to go to General Motors Institute instead of MSU meaning that he would end up rooming with three other guys he didn’t know in Akers Hall. Alston and his best friend from high school remain best friends to this day.
As an Undergraduate Student at MSU, Alston took advantage of the many opportunities available to students. Aside from academics, Alston served as an RA in Akers Hall, worked for MSU Summer Sports Camps (it was called Sports School at the time), and interned with General Motors. Alston also joined a fraternity to stay involved in campus life and activities in between work and academics.
Alston reflects fondly on his time and affiliation with MSU saying “I wouldn’t be where I am without MSU, without all those life skills I learned at MSU.” His favorite part of being a Spartan running into fellow Spartans around the world who shout out “Go Green!”
“Everyone knows MSU across the globe. I run into people all the time who yell out “Go Green!” and it warms my heart. It could be someone in their seventies or someone in their twenties…and we all feel the same thing when we hear “Go Green!”
– Mike Alston
Alston joined the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after graduating from MSU with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology. Alston was recruited by DEA Agent Alan Rose (an alum of the MSU Criminal Justice Program) and was hired due to his excellent GPA as a student. Shortly after joining the DEA, Alston was sent to their Academy to complete his training before moving to Miami, Florida for his first assignment.
During his time at the DEA, Alston traveled the around the world with assignments in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. The average assignment lasted two to three years. This was in part to keep Alston working on new and different types of drug investigations.
Once Alston returned to Washington D.C., still an agent with the DEA, he began considering a career change. After 15 years with the DEA, Alston left the agency to join the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – where he worked on farm programs. Alston would work with the USDA for 20 years and in that time served as the Regional Director for Illinois, the Associate Deputy Administrator of Compliance, and the Associate Administrator.
Although retired, Alston currently serves as Contract Support for the Department of Defense in their Defense Language and National Security Education Office. Reflecting on his 35-year career in Federal Law Enforcement, Alston is most proud of his service to the United States and its citizens, saying “I always had this belief that one person can make a difference in another person’s life, and I truly believe that I was able to do that in my career.”
Outside of his love for Criminal Justice and Federal Law Enforcement, Alston enjoys spending time outdoors, camping and hiking. Recently, he checked climbing Mount Rainier off of his bucket list. Alston also plays the guitar and enjoys regularly playing with local musicians in his spare time.
Alston’s advice for students studying Criminal Justice at MSU is to learn as much as they can in the program and to diversify their skillset and knowledge base with courses taught at the College of Social Science. Alston also encourages students to pursue their dreams, but to always keep an open mind because they will be amazed where their career can take them.