Congratulations to Mike Chapko, Graduate Program Coordinator in the School of Criminal Justice, on receiving the College of Social Science Matt Hansen Support Staff Award! The Matt Hansen Support Staff Award is reserved for staff members who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and service to not only their unit but the Spartan community.
Chapko consistently represents these qualities and has made a strong and unique impact on the School of Criminal Justice. Dr. Chris Melde, former Director of the School of Criminal Justice, says: “Mike embodies all of the elements of the Matt Hansen award. He has made an immediate and positive impact on the school’s climate through his positive attitude and willingness to assist in all elements of the school’s operations.”
Chapko joined the school in 2022 as the Undergraduate Secretary, a role he served in for 2 years. He was then promoted to Graduate Program Coordinator where he has served since 2024. In this role, Chapko assists in managing the School of Criminal Justice’s on-campus masters and doctoral programs and all three of the school’s Online Masters Degree programs.
As Graduate Program Coordinator, Chapko has played a key role in improving the Graduate Student experience at the School of Criminal Justice – not only for on-campus students that he interacts with on a daily basis, but the online students as well. Allison Rojek, Director of Online Programs in the School of Criminal Justice says “Mike is the first interaction many students have with the school, and he is always positive and helpful in his engagements. I often see him assisting graduate students navigate administrative challenges and he is always advancing our mission to provide a first-class education for our students.”
Furthering this, Dr. Scott Wolfe, Director of Doctoral Programs in the School of Criminal Justice, says: “Mike has become an indispensable member of our team and, more importantly, a leader in shaping the positive culture of our Unit.”
Upon receiving the award, Chapko says “I am deeply honored to receive the Matt Hansen Support Staff Award and grateful for the recognition of my hard work and dedication. Words cannot explain how fortunate I am to be surrounded with such an unbelievable group of coworkers.”
Congratulations – this award is well earned!