SPEA Excellence
Scott Teal
Alumnus, Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
When Scott Teal picked up a brochure about Indiana University's Cadet Officer Training Program from a sidewalk in Bloomington, he could never have imagined at that time what might be in store — and the historic events in which he would participate.
Teal's enrollment in that IU program nearly 20 years ago, combined with his interest in criminal justice, started a chain of professional law enforcement opportunities and educational achievements leading to his current position as a special agent and violent crime coordinator for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
"As far as I'm concerned, this is the best job in the world," says Teal, an eight-year veteran of ATF's Lexington Kentucky Field Office. "Every day is a new adventure."
Part of Teal's adventure in education includes two degrees from SPEA - a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1990 and a master's degree in public affairs, completed at IUPUI, in 1996. Before entering SPEA's MPA program, Teal investigated a number of other universities, including the University of Michigan, John Jay College in New York and Iowa State University. He ultimately chose SPEA's MPA program because the school's curriculum seemed more challenging and diversified.
"I attribute a lot of the success I've achieved over the years to the education I received from IU's SPEA program," acknowledges Teal. "I got a great education that has prepared me for every job I've ever had, especially my position with ATF, which requires expertise in many areas."
Teal also credits his professional accomplishments to the practical experience he gained while enrolled in the MPA program. During his time at IUPUI, Teal learned a great deal about emergency management and public safety issues while serving as an intern for Indianapolis' public safety director. While on campus, he also took part in a Volunteers in Probation Program and served as a juvenile mentor. His thesis on community policing included research with the Hudson Institute, a public policy think tank then located in Indianapolis.
"There were just so many opportunities to take advantage of at IU," says Teal. "I did whatever I could get my hands on to learn."
His current position with ATF has afforded Teal many opportunities to both witness and take part in some of the nation's most significant events — among them 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the sniper incident in Washington, DC and the Olympic Games. Although Teal admits the work can often be taxing and heart wrenching, it is an experience he wouldn't trade.
"Not too many people can say they've experienced history like I have," he says. "It's great to have a positive role to play in history and bringing that home to my kids is very important to me."
In recognition of his work with ATF, Teal received a national award from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006 from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for Outstanding Individual Contribution to a Gun Crime Task Force.