KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Thanks to a budget boost from the state, Western Michigan University’s Cold Case Program will be able to expand and give students a more immersive experience working investigations.
The latest state budget, signed last month by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, includes a $200,000 stipend for the program. In a news release, Ashlyn Kuersten, the director of WMU’s Cold Case Program, said the new funds will allow students to travel to visit crime scenes, tour law enforcement facilities and participate in professional training programs.
“The partnership between WMU and Michigan State Police has been an amazing opportunity for our students to help detectives in their cold case investigations even before graduation,” Kuersten stated . “This new funding will help this program grow and further Western Michigan University as a leader in cold case investigations.”
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MSP Director Col. James Grady II is also a big supporter of the program. He called it a “win-win” for his agency and the university.