Marceana Black
The community you grow up in can have a large influence on who you are as a person and how you shape your life. Marceana Black, this year’s criminal justice outstanding graduate, is using her neighborhood as inspiration to better the community and make changes for good.
Black, a Penta Career Center graduate, grew up in north Toledo and quickly realized it was different from other parts of the city. “I knew the streets were filled with crime, drugs and drug dealers,” she said. At one point, someone broke into her childhood home. “I felt violated at that point. I realized at a young age there was a need for change. I want to be that change. I want kids in those neighborhoods to realize and understand that law enforcement officers are a community asset.”
When it was time to pursue her education, Black knew she was not ready for a university setting. After enrolling in classes, she realized there were many people at Owens that were supporting her journey. “(The late) Wayne Seely was an amazing career professor and I feel like I learned so much from him. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and never gave up on me,” Black said. She also credits her advisor, Nicole Nitschke, with keeping her on track to take the proper courses to achieve her degree.
Black is currently an Ohio State Highway Patrol Cadet. “I receive significant hands-on based training while in the field and deal with a multitude of different situations out in the community,” she said. This fall, Black plans to attend the police academy and become a state trooper. Her career goal is to become a medical examiner/coroner.
After graduation, Black plans to further her education at Bowling Green State University.
Learn more about the Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway >>
Learn more about the School of Business, Hospitality Management and Public Safety programs and certificates >>
Published May 2023