��������ӰƬ

In October, three-time Widener graduate Jeff Keller received the (GSETA) Public Service Award, which is dedicated to an individual whose accomplishments in workforce development demonstrate commitment to improving opportunities for customers of the publicly-funded workforce development system.

The award is the latest in Keller’s successful career that Widener helped launch.

As a young boy, Keller and his family took a trip to Washington, D.C. It was there, standing outside the White House as Marine One prepared to land on the South Lawn, that Keller realized he wanted to be part of what he was experiencing in some way.

“That family trip was instrumental in a number of choices that ultimately led to me working for the U.S. government today,” Keller said.

Keller first graduated from Widener in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in government and politics. He then went on to receive his master’s degree in public administration in non-profit, public, and organizational management in 2000.

Keller returned to Widener to complete his master of jurisprudence, receiving a degree in corporate & business law with a certification in compliance and regulatory affairs from in 2014.

For the last 16 years, Keller has worked with the Bureau of Prisons, providing programs, services and resources to individuals whose incarceration is nearing an end. He also oversees occupational training, which allows inmates to leave with an industry-recognized credential, and works with outside agencies to provide returning citizens with necessary documents to navigate community services.

He was humbled by GSETA’s recognition and the opportunity to present research surrounding the phases of offender reentry, as well as the Federal Bureau of Prison’s role in the success of the offender’s release.

“I worked diligently everyday trying to make a difference in the area of restorative justice, learning the nuances of the industry as I built partnerships in the community with a number of stakeholders,” Keller said. “For the past 8 years, I worked very closely on a number of projects with both of these community-based components, specifically handling issues relating to offender reentry and workforce development. I never thought for one moment my effort would be recognized by so many community-based professionals across New Jersey.”

GSETA is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1975 with the goal to provide leadership and promote equality and excellence for the advancement of New Jersey’s workforce development system and its customers and professionals.

Keller said a career in government can be rewarding, especially given the opportunity to “solve a problem, improve the lives of citizens and residents, or enhance opportunities for others to reach their potential.”

For students working to pursue a degree or career in public service, Keller advises finding “an area or niche of government, whether it is at the local, state, or federal level, which speaks to you in a way to drive you to learn more about it and act on it to become part of the mission.”

Keller is currently an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice at Rowan College. He is also on track to receive his doctoral degree in education from Wilmington University in 2018.